038. You Only Move Twice (The Simpsons)

"On your way out, if you want to kill somebody, it would help me out a lot"

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 3rd November 1996
EPISODE NUMBER: Season 8, Episode 2
WRITTEN BY: John Swartzwelder

You Only Move Twice is a wacky, far-fetched but totally brilliant episode. The majority of it takes place outside of Springfield, but Cypress Creek manages to be a fresh new setting. Besides, the Simpsons are funny enough that it doesn't matter where you put them.

Hank Scorpio is an amazing character. His eccentricity evolves into insanity as the episode goes on. Albert Brooks aways delivers, but this is easily his best character. I loved the secret agent theme, especially all the Bond references.

We see a re-enactment of the classic Goldfinger laser cutter scene, a diplomat suggesting that maybe the bridge Scorpio blew up "collapsed on its own", and a frantic shootout at the end. But the best part is that Homer doesn't even seem to notice he's working for a supervillian, or is completely indifferent to it.

Bart's special class produces a lot of laughs. From a whole class on the letter A to a game of musical chairs everyone wins, it's a nightmare and insult to his intelligence. His fellow classmates all produce a laugh too. Meanwhile, Lisa discovers she has hayfever and is betrayed by a chipmunk.

Overall, You Only Move Twice manages to be outlandish but still grounded. And that makes it one of the best episodes of the series.