Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace

Bart switches aptitude tests with Martin Prince and is promptly identified as Springfield’s newest genius. Andrew and Thom revisit “Bart the Genius,” comparing what they noticed as eight-year-olds with what stands out now as middle-aged dads—from standardized testing and schoolyard social hierarchies to cursive writing, morning routines, and the hazards of scientific inaccuracy. Along the way, they explore B...

Homer loses his job at the nuclear power plant and spirals into one of the darkest stories of The Simpsons’ first season—before discovering a new sense of purpose as Springfield’s unlikely safety crusader. Andrew and Thom revisit “Homer’s Odyssey,” discussing unemployment, depression, suicide, and the episode’s surprisingly sincere depiction of a man trying to feel useful again. Along the w...

In “There’s No Disgrace Like Home,” Homer becomes convinced that the Simpsons are Springfield’s most dysfunctional family—and decides that a little professional help might be the answer. Andrew and Thom discuss the episode’s satire of family normalcy, Homer’s shifting role within the household, and Dr. Marvin Monroe’s unconventional approach to family therapy. Along the way, they expl...

In “Bart the General,” a confrontation with Nelson Muntz leaves Bart bruised, humiliated, and ready to declare war. Andrew and Thom discuss the code of the schoolyard, Homer’s questionable lessons in fighting dirty, and Bart’s transformation from isolated victim to pint-sized military commander. Along the way, they explore childhood bullying, the importance of grandparents, Herman’s surprisingly elabor...

In “Moaning Lisa,” Lisa finds herself overwhelmed by a sadness she cannot explain—and surrounded by adults who do not quite know how to help. Andrew and Thom discuss the episode’s remarkably thoughtful portrayal of childhood depression, Homer’s well-intentioned but misguided attempts at parenting, and Marge’s eventual realization that Lisa needs understanding rather than encouragement to simply s...

In “The Call of the Simpsons,” Homer’s jealousy of Ned Flanders leads to an ill-advised RV purchase, a family camping trip, and his eventual identification as a possible missing link. Andrew and Thom discuss high-pressure sales tactics, forced family fun, Maggie’s surprisingly successful life among the bears, and the stark difference between Marge and Lisa’s wilderness competence and Homer and Bart&rsq...

In “The Telltale Head,” Bart’s desperate bid to impress Springfield’s resident bad boys ends with one impulsive act, one headless town founder, and a mob that is surprisingly unwilling to hear him out. Andrew and Thom discuss popularity, peer pressure, parental cautionary tales, and the terrible decision-making that can occur around 3:00 in the morning. Along the way, they revisit Homer sneaking football int...

In “Life on the Fast Lane,” Homer’s spectacularly thoughtless birthday gift sends Marge to the bowling alley—and into the path of the charmingly persistent Jacques. Andrew and Thom discuss Marge’s growing dissatisfaction, Homer’s belated realization that his marriage may be in trouble, and the surprising emotional depth of an episode told largely from Marge’s perspective. Along the way, the...

In “Homer’s Night Out,” Bart’s new spy camera captures Homer at a bachelor party—and turns one bad decision into Springfield’s hottest piece of pre-internet viral content. Andrew and Thom discuss marriage, trust, objectification, and the episode’s surprisingly thoughtful message about how boys learn to view women. Along the way, they revisit darkrooms, seafood-related trauma, Burns’ a...

In “The Crepes of Wrath,” Bart’s latest prank earns him a one-way ticket to France, where the promised château turns out to offer less fine dining and more child labor, questionable wine additives, and endless buckets of water. Andrew and Thom discuss cultural exchange, exploitation, international espionage, and the episode’s surprisingly ambitious decision to send The Simpsons beyond Springfield for the fir...

In “Krusty Gets Busted,” Homer witnesses Springfield’s favorite clown robbing the Kwik-E-Mart, sending Krusty from children’s television royalty to public enemy number one. Andrew and Thom discuss Bart’s unwavering faith in his hero, the debut of Sideshow Bob, and the episode’s darker look at celebrity, media frenzy, and how quickly a town will turn on yesterday’s beloved entertainer. Along...

In “Some Enchanted Evening,” Marge’s call to Dr. Marvin Monroe sends Homer scrambling to rescue date night with a rose, chocolates, and a babysitter who turns out to be Springfield’s most wanted. Andrew and Thom discuss feeling unappreciated, Homer’s highly selective listening skills, and the strange experience of revisiting an episode originally intended to introduce the entire series. Along the way, ...

Season 2 of Donuts on the Couch: Growing Up on Evergreen Terrace begins with “Bart Gets an ‘F,’” an episode that finds Bart facing the unthinkable: actually having to study. Andrew and Thom revisit Bart’s increasingly desperate attempts to avoid failing the fourth grade, from bluffing his way through a book report to recruiting Martin Prince as a study partner—and getting thoroughly distracted al...

Homer discovers a miracle hair-restoration treatment and suddenly finds himself with a full head of hair, newfound confidence, and—because this is Springfield—a promotion to junior executive. Andrew and Thom revisit “Simpson and Delilah,” an episode whose jokes about baldness and vanity hit a little differently in middle age.

They talk about appearance, self-confidence, workplace status, and Homer’s won...

The Simpsons celebrate Halloween for the first time, and Andrew and Thom revisit the episode that launched one of the show’s longest-running traditions.

They make their way through all three stories—“Bad Dream House,” “Hungry Are the Damned,” and “The Raven”—while talking about haunted-house movies, childhood fears, psychological horror, and why this first Treehouse feels al...

In Season 2, Episode 4, Andrew and Thom revisit “Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish”—an episode they remember very differently from childhood.

When Blinky the three-eyed fish becomes evidence of Springfield Nuclear Power Plant’s questionable safety record, Mr. Burns comes up with the obvious solution: run for governor and change the rules.

Andrew and Thom dig into an episode packed with poli...