Recently "Rolling Stone" chose the best rock moments on "The Simpsons." "Entertainment Weekly" picked the best "Simpsons" episodes. Following is my list of favorite characters from "The Simpsons."
Like many fans, Homer Simpson is my favorite character. His greed is often foiled by his stupidity. His schemes are often saved by the big heart he has for his family. And his perception of himself and the world is just hysterical. I miss the innocent Homer of seasons past, though. I hope his "prank monkey" business will end soon.
Maybe this seems like an odd choice to you, but Lisa Simpson is definitely one of my favorite "Simpsons" characters. Her sharp wit and sly observations of her own family crack me up every time. Perhaps I also relate to her cursed over-achieverness and desire to fit in. Because she's so balanced, when we discover quirks, like her love of Corey, it's even funnier.
Mr. Burns is best when he's evil. My favorite thing about Mr. Burns is his complete ignorance of Homer Simpson, though he has partnered with him for many ventures and adventures. Some of my favorite Burnsy episodes are "Mountain of Madness," "Homer the Smithers," "Burns Verkaufen Der Kraftwerk," and "Rosebud."
Bart is the id in all of us. He's a prankster, a smart-mouth, and a vandal. Yet he can show great compassion and tenderness for his family. I love his schemes, such as singing "In the Garden of Evil" in church. Above all, he's just a kid.
Old people astound me, and Grampa Simpson is the perfect stereotypical old person to me. He can't remember what he did yesterday, but he'll tell you his war stories over and over. He's proud and pathetic at the same time. His teeth can be used in many ways. Best of all, he's there when his family needs him, for instance, in "The Flying Hellfish."
Apu seems to always have a quip ready at the counter of his Kwik E Mart. He cleverly gauges Springfield citizens with his prices. His patient explanations of Hinduism to Homer tickle me silly. Finally, he's got a killer singing voice in "Streetcar Named Desire."
In reality, no children's television clown with Krusty's personality would be on the air. (Paul Reubens, anyone?) But in the world of Springfield, we can love the irony that a smoking, boozing, womanizing clown with mob ties hosts a children's TV show. He's made several comebacks, with the help of Bart and Lisa. "Send in the clowns," indeed.
Another shady clown makes my list in the form of Sideshow Bob. Sideshow Bob is too clever for his own good. He has foiled his own schemes in such ways as wasting time by singing the entire score of the "H.M.S. Pinafore." But he is persistent, trying over and over to murder Bart. "The Bart The," indeed.
Ned Flanders has been profiled in the "Christian Science Monitor," and books like "The Gospel According to The Simpsons." He's sunny and funny, whether Homer likes it or not. I love that he's Homer's nemesis but he doesn't even know it. Ned has faced his own demons and come out a winner. The flashbacks to his beatnik parents are priceless.
Skin-ner! Principal Skinner made my top ten list because he is a paradox. He's an authority figure at school, but at home he's just a mama's boy. He has been Bart's enemy and ally. But my favorite characteristic of Skinner is just how out-of-touch he is with the children. He is the typical, square principal from Any School U.S.A.
