The series begins to solidify the characters and smooth out much of the rough animation that was present in the first season. The episodes remain generally focused on the core family, but the universe is beginning to expand as secondary characters that are closely connected to the core family are developed, most notably Skinner and Mr. Burns. While the show generally remains grounded in reality, some cartoonish and fantastic elements are present. Homer's ability to sustain immense injury being the most obvious. What becomes clear in the first full season is the emotional element that grounds the strongest episodes, none being more prominent than "Lisa's Substitute." While Homer and Bart remain the focus, Lisa is the most developed character from her presentation in the first season, as her morality and intelligence become her defining characteristics. The season features the first flashback episode, and sets the standard for some of the stronger episodes in the golden years as well as introducing the annual Treehouse of Horror. As "The Raven" segment evidences, the early seasons of the show were marked by their more refined references to literature and film, ( )

The day-to-day life of a working class family.

2.5/4 (Okay)

The storytelling is usually strong, but that's pretty pointless when it's a "reset button" sitcom. I can see how the sense of humor might be unpredictable, if I hadn't grown up watching it endlessly in syndication.

(Sep. 2021) ( )