Marge vs. the Monorail

This episode is really amazing, and very absurd, a quality usually reserved for the later seasons, but unlike the later seasons, this episode gets it right, being actually funny and not just desperately trying to be funny. The main villain of this episode is con man, Lyle Lanely, played expertly by the late Phil Hartman. The monorail song is so hilarious and very catchy. The humor is the episode is some of the best and most funny in any episode and there is a random guest appearance from Leonard Nimoy. Even though there is no clear reason for him to be there it is still really funny unlike some other guest stars I know of from the later seasons...

When Mr. Burns is fined three million dollars (pocket change) for dumping toxic waste right in town, Springfield has a windfall. They are about to fix Main Street, when a sort of Harold Hill shows up and talks them into building a monorail. All common sense goes out the window. Cleverly done with an actual heroic act performed by Homer.

The problem I see with this episode is that the platinum era of the series, which comprises the first three seasons, is already starting to fade here. The first three seasons had a therapeutic value, which declined in the fourth, and by the fifth, it had disappeared entirely.

The plot now serves solely for humor, which is why some people complain that it has a simple plot. Honestly, there are episodes of The Simpsons much more valuable than this one; the only thing is that this episode has some very good humorous moments, a well-crafted villainous secondary character and the portrayal of Leonard Nimoy's character is very amusing here. However, the direction of the episode is not as masterful as in other episodes of the series.

A con artist sells Springfield a dodgy monorail system.

This is very strong and memorable episode with great humour.

The strength of 'Marge Vs The Monorail' is the prolific number of gags and the use of characters. Homer and family lead it well; but there is great use of guest characters like Lyle Langley and Leonard Nimoy. Regulars like Mr Burns, Smithers, Mayor Quimby, and Chief Wiggum also have great moments.

Additionally the Monorail song is very funny and the animation is some of the best up this point in the show's run.

I think I have probably watched this episode dozens of times now and it never gets boring or repetitive. From the opening scenes with Homer's take on the Flintstones song '... about to hit a chestnut tree!' To the image of Mr Burns as Hannibal Lectar...

Just a classic episode from when The Simpsons were at their very best.