The Simpsons (TV Series) The Homer They Fall (1996) User Reviews

Homer takes up Boxing, Loads of Fun,

[lesleyharris30 · 9/10 · 7 April 2015]

The Homer They Fall is a brilliant Simpsons episode with a well written storyline and a ton of very funny scenes. In comparison to some of the other great episodes in the eight season (this season is my favourite) it is quite weak, but that is saying a lot because it is still a very funny and enjoyable episode, it takes Homer and Moe's relationship to a whole new level. I really enjoyed seeing Homer take up boxing and the way that he won the matches was hilarious, and I also really liked Drederick Tatum, a character who is regularly seen on the show today, this being his debut. The Homer they Fall is a very fun Simpsons episode.

After discovering how well he can take a punch, Moe convinces Homer to take up boxing.

Homer on Top

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 15 July 2022]

For all his pratfalls, Homer has on numerous occasions been near the top. Here he "fights" for the heavyweight championship. His talent is that he is unable to be knocked over despite being pummeled I loved Marge's line. "Of all the stupid things you've done, this one is somewhere in the middle."

Boxing-Simpsons style

[rf278x · 8/10 · 29 August 2020]

The Simpsons tackle the sports world in this half hour of wackiness. The episode starts off strong with a great scene of CBG getting a taste of his own medicine and another amusing bout will bullies for Bart. Having the bullies flip flop on their opinion of Bart, with either view on him seeming natural, plays well in the series still at this point and this episode is no exception. Homer stands up for his son and this noble parental act somehow devolves into a tale of him taking beatings, gradually moving up the ranks until he can fight in the boxing heavyweight championship. Several intelligent movie references enhance the episode along with some comical moments parodying not only Mike Tyson and Don King, but also boxing as a whole and large sports gatherings. Unfortunately the wacky premise takes a toll on the episode and detracts from what should have been a more Bart-centric episode. This marked the beginning of John Swartzwelder-written wacky plots, putting Bart Gets an Elephant aside for a moment, and begins the gradual focus on Homer's wacky adventures that involve too little of Springfield's fantastic supporting cast, a trend that would plague the show for the rest of its relevant years. That said, the show still had plenty of forward momentum at this point and mostly entertaining scenes throughout carry it to at least the level of slightly below par for the time frame. Other highlights not listed: Tatum in prison scaring the other inmates, Homer's homeless opponents, Homer's vision of how he could win the match via a medical issue, forgoing the national anthem by popular request, and Moe's stint as Fan Man, which has been imitated countless times in Simpsons meme forums. 7.5/10 - B

Out of all the crazy things you have done this ranks somewhere in the middle

[freemantle_uk · 10/10 · 31 January 2010]

Season 8 is the last of the great series of The Simpsons (though season 9 is still good), with a number of classic episodes, Treehouse of Horror VII, You Only Move Twice, A Milhouse Divided, Lisa's Date with Density, The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show, Homer's Phobia, Brother from Another Series, Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment, Grade School Confidential and Homer's Enemy are some of my favourite episodes of all time, not just in this series. The Homer They Fall is another classic episode from this series and one I love.

After getting beating up Homer discoveries that he has a medical defect that prevent him falling down during a fight. Moe discovers this ability and shows his past as a ex-boxer. He offers Homer a chance in a new career. The problem is Homer lack of physical fitness prevent him from actually fighting so the strategy is to let his opponent trier from over punching. Homer fight some local hobos and he quickly raises up the ranks. This coincides with the release with Drederick Tatum, the Simpsons' parody of Mike Tyson. Homer is offered the chance to contend for the World Heavyweight Championship.

What makes this episode so great is a cleverly written script setting out an organic process about how Homer would have fought against a heavyweight professional. Modern Simpsons episodes would go straight for the jugular loosing both its heart and its head. There are excellent jokes, verbal and physical. The physical humour is Homer getting hurt which is always fun to see. As well as the jokes there is also excellent parody of Boxing as sport and the personalities involved. There is the obvious parodies of Mike Tyson and Don King, and of the sport itself when at it's highest levels. One of the best bits showing this is seeing the Springfield celebrities in the crowd before the fight. There are also parodies of the great boxing films like Raging Bull and Rocky, which was tastefully done. Finally there are subtle little reference the Simpsons' writers themselves with some small background details.

A great Simpsons episode.

The Homer They Fall Down Laughing

[MadDogAbbey · 10/10 · 8 July 2008]

The Homer They Fall, when Bart's Utility Belt is stolen by the school bullies Homer tries to talk with the boys parents in the hope of getting Bart's belt back, but to his surprise it is revealed to Moe that Homer can sustain multiple hits without falling down. This calls for Moe to pay a visit to his past and get Homer on his way to becoming a great boxer. After a string of fights easily won by Homer Moe gets a visit by the manager of Heavy Weight champion Drederick Tatum. Moe is made an offer that he cannot refuse and Homer must fight the unbeatable champion. Will Homer survive to D'oh again?

A great episode filled with many moments and classic scenes that will have you laughing and looking in awe for the best 20 minutes in TV. Also makes a good gift for Boxing fans!

Kid Moe

[snoozejonc · 9/10 · 15 December 2022]

Homer becomes a boxer after Moe spots his ability to take a punch.

This is a great boxing parody with some strong humour and character moments.

The writers satirise the various aspects of boxing with a nice little arc for both Moe and Homer. Tatum and Lucius are both hilariously realised versions of two legendary characters of the sport.

It has some very memorable lines and sight gags, my favourites involving the Comic Book Guy, Bart's turn signals, Moe's "office", the 'Raging Bull' style bum montage, and virtually everything that comes out of Tatum's mouth.

For me it's an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.

Homer and Moe

[safenoe · 10/10 · 26 April 2024]

The Homer They Fall is from season eight, and for me, this falls within the golden era, which in my humble opinion is the first ten seasons. Here we see Moe's character developed beyond his tavern and being on the receiving end of prank calls from Bart. Here Moe is Homer's boxing manager, and there were so many poignant aspects to this episode, especially when Moe rescues Homer from being punched to a pulp by the dreaded Drederick Tatum, and then the end credits where Moe helps people around the world. Only The Simpsons could get away with that, and certainly I recommend you watch The Homer They Fall.

Sufficient

[gianmarcoronconi · 6/10 · 25 May 2022]

Sufficient stake which is nothing special, for heaven's sake it's funny but not like the others and in my opinion it fails to make an impact with this very banal story even if with a little hint of inspiration.