4 of 5 Favorite Simpson Episodes

This week has been the week of dr. appts. I've had two, B. had one and tomorrow he is having a minor procedure done at noon. And since my appointments did not go well, I have one of my top five Simpson episodes on my mind - the one where Homer is faced with a grim fact that he might not be alive in 24 hours. This is a great, classic Simpsons.

"One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish" - Episode 24, Season 2

It starts with the Simpson family branching out and trying something new for dinner at the persistence of Lisa. So, they head to a Japanese restaurant where Homer asks for the Fugu. Of course, the problem with this slimy fish called a "fugu" is that there is only a small part of the fish that is edible; the rest is poisonous. If not cut properly, the individual eating the fish will die.

With the head chef being too busy to cook it himself (his hands were already busy with Mrs. K.), his assistant cuts the slimy fish and serves it to Homer. Once the head chef finds out what happened, Homer is instantly rushed to the hospital, where it is assumed he will die from the (presumed) incorrectly cut fugu.

This leaves Homer contemplating his own life and ambitions for his final remaining day on earth. A few of my favorite parts:

1. The five stages of death - denial, anger, fear, bargaining and acceptance. When Dr. Hibert explains these stages to Homer he goes through them all in a matter of seconds.

2. Homer's list of things to do before he dies:

Dumb Things
I Gotta Do Today

1. Make list [this one was crossed out]
2. Eat a hearty breakfast
3. Make videotape for Maggie
4. Have man-to-man with Bart
5. Listen to Lisa play her sax
6. Make funeral arrangement
7. Make peace with Dad
8. Beer with the boys at the bar
9. Tell off boss
10. Go hang gliding
11. Plant a tree
12. A final dinner with my beloved family
[after consulting with Marge]
13. Be intamit [sic] with Marge
14. Watch the sunrise

3. After Homer makes it through the night and realizes he will live after all

(Homer) I'm alive! From this day forward, I vow to live life to its fullest!

(Next scene) Homer is planted on the couch, munching on pork rinds, and watching bowling on tv. The credits go up silently over Homer's TV-watching.