Black Widower

Ah, "Black Widower," yet another gem in the Sideshow Bob collection! As a long-time fan of The Simpsons, the episodes featuring Bob always stood out as particularly clever and engaging. There's just something so deliciously villainous about his character, a blend of highbrow intellect and cartoonish malice that makes him endlessly entertaining. And let's be honest, a huge part of that appeal lies in the magnificent voice work of Kelsey Grammer. His rich baritone, dripping with theatrical flair and simmering resentment, elevates Bob from a simple antagonist to an iconic figure in animated television. Every line delivery, whether a Shakespearean quote twisted for his nefarious purposes or a frustrated groan at Bart's interference, is pure gold.

In "Black Widower," the writers took a wonderfully bizarre turn by having Bob set his sights on Selma Bouvier. The unlikely romance, fueled by Selma's desperate yearning for companionship and Bob's manipulative charm (and perhaps a genuine, albeit twisted, affection), created a fascinating dynamic. The humor derived from this pairing was top-notch, ranging from the awkward family dinners to Patty's immediate and understandable suspicion of Bob. The episode masterfully built suspense as the audience, along with Patty, knew Bob's true intentions, creating a delightful tension as Selma remained oblivious to the danger she was in.

The brilliance of the Bob episodes often lies in their ability to weave intricate plots with sharp wit and cultural references. "Black Widower" was no exception, incorporating elements of suspense and classic villain tropes while still maintaining the show's signature comedic style. The eventual reveal of Bob's plan to inherit Selma's life insurance was both darkly humorous and perfectly in character. The writers consistently found inventive ways for Bob's elaborate schemes to be foiled by the ever-present thorn in his side, Bart Simpson, and this episode delivered that satisfying conclusion once again.

Ultimately, "Black Widower" stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Sideshow Bob as a character. The episode's unique premise, combined with the stellar voice acting of Kelsey Grammer and the sharp writing, made it a memorable installment in the series. It perfectly encapsulated why the Bob episodes are so beloved - they offer a delightful blend of villainy, intelligence, and humor that keeps audiences coming back for more of his elaborate, yet ultimately doomed, schemes.

This is a marvelously plotted piece of non-claptrap that never made me want to wretch! Ahh, what a great line!

This one IS marvelously plotted-- and hilarious. A great episode from back when The Simpsons killed it every week.

This is the twenty-first episode of the third season of the Simpsons and it's a highlight of the season, thanks to the return of the villain Sideshow Bob who last time we saw him, tried to frame Krusty. But this time the unthinkable happens as he begins a harmless romance with Selma.....or is he?

In this episode, "Black Widower," Selma and Bob began to write to each other while Bob was in prison. When Bob was released, he plans to marry Selma. While everyone is convinced that Bob has changed, Bart is not too sure. Eventually, Bart undercovers a dastardly plan in which Bob will try to murder Selma, so he steps in to try to save the day.

Overall, another excellent episode and it's pretty tense at times, actually. It's still funny, and the romance between Selma and Bob is well-developed and the best part of the episode. I also loved the references to The Elephant Man and Psycho. I rate this episode 9/10.

Sideshow Bob is out of jail after attempting to kill Krusty the Klown. He has dinner with the family and proposes to Selma. Bart, who has been threatened by the guy, was the one who blew the whistle on Bob. He knows that Selma is in serious trouble. It's well plotted and fun.