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Halloween is a time when a Simpsons fan's thoughts turn to Treehouse of Horror. Over the years, we've had plenty of exemplary gems to celebrate the season, and today, on Halloween, the BOP staff comes together to reminisce about our favorites. Mine are listed in chronological rather than preferential order, but I do give a clue below as to which segment is my favorite.

Hungry Are the Damned (Treehouse of Horror I)

How can I neglect to include the vignette that introduces us to Kang and Kodos? That duo would become integral to Treehouse of Horror over the years, even to the point that they show up to complain when they are not included. I especially enjoy how expectations are subverted with regards to dinner. I'm still not going to try to pronounce Serak the Preparer's name, though.

Lisa's Nightmare aka The Monkey's Paw (Treehouse of Horror II)

The title probably tells you all you need to know, but if you're wondering what makes this vignette special, well, it's everything. Kang and Kodos return to enslave humanity thanks to Lisa's wish for world peace. Homer makes a wish that can't be messed up and asks for a turkey sandwich, but even it is a little dry. Kang and Kodos tell us, "Soon, they will make a board with a nail so big, it will destroy them all!" And finally, after Ned wishes for and receives an opulent home, Homer pouts and says, "I wish *I* had a monkey's paw." It's so perfectly Homer, and a wonderful encapsulation of what Treehouse of Horror is all about.

Clown Without Pity (Treehouse of Horror III)

After forgetting Bart's birthday, Homer runs off to the nearest House of Evil to purchase a gift. The following exchange is one that you will see quoted quite often amongst Simpsons aficionados, myself included:

Owner: Take this object, but beware it carries a terrible curse!
Homer: [worried] Ooooh, that's bad.
Owner: But it comes with a free Frogurt!
Homer: [relieved] That's good.
Owner: The Frogurt is also cursed.
Homer: [worried] That's bad.
Owner: But you get your choice of topping!
Homer: [relieved] That's good.
Owner: The toppings contains Potassium Benzoate.
Homer: [stares]
Owner: That's bad.

The segment is packed with similar gems, as the Krusty the Clown doll Homer purchases for Bart seems hell bent on being just a bit stabby and stalky. We also learn that Homer's baloney's first name *and* last name are H-O-M-E-R. Patty moves toward lesbianism, while Krusty Doll comes on to Malibu Stacey ("It's a little hot for that cheerleader outfit, don't you think?"). Homer reveals that not only is the clown after him, but that the toaster has been laughing at him, too. Best of all, the whole thing could have been avoided if Homer and Bart had just set the doll to something besides "Evil." If I'm forced to choose, this is the one segment I could watch on an endless loop.

The Devil and Homer Simpson (Treehouse of Horror IV)

After realizing that he already ate the "emergency" donut, Homer laments that he would sell his soul to have one of the confectionary treats. In an instant, the devil appears (in a brilliant move, he looks like Flanders) and agrees that Homer can have a donut as long as he agrees to sign away his soul. Amusingly, Mr. Burns likes the cut of Satan's jib. Homer seems to outsmart the devil, holding onto one final piece of donut so that his soul is not forfeit. The allure is too much, though, and Homie eats the "forbidden" crumbs. When the devil's minions try to torture Homer with "all the donuts in the world," he just keeps eating until they're almost gone, leading his keeper to say, I don't understand it. James Coco went mad in 15 minutes!" Ultimately, Homer has a trial where the jury is composed of Benedict Arnold, Lizzie Borden, Richard Nixon, John Wilkes Booth, Blackbeard, John Dillinger and the starting line of the 1976 Philadelphia Flyers. Ultimately, Marge prevails when she shows she was already the owner of Homer's soul, but the devil soon has his revenge, turning Homie's head into a giant donut… which he picks at and eats.

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