This is probably my favorite episode of what has been a weak season. Sure, old detective shows might not be the most relevant thing to parody, but I applaud the writers for trying something different. The genre jokes are amusing from the leisurely opening credits gag to Banacek's constantly misogynistic, but surprisingly witty come-on jokes. In fact, the jokes all around are pretty funny here.
8 Reviews
Homer Is Where the Art Isn't - Review.
leolinsimp24 March 2018
Quite a solid episode for the show to return with after a long hiatus. I'm not sure if they parodied a specific show or movie but the detective theme they went for worked really well. The detective also managed to be an enjoyable character, despite having so many scenes to himself. The mystery kept me hooked the whole time which had a good ending to it.
The beginning felt to quick where Homer out of nowhere is interested to buy a painting for millions of dollars. I guess it works because halfway in its being explained how Homer has gotten so interested, but left me thinking for to long. I think I missed Mr Burns's interest in the painting, it might be that he ddin't want to be bid out by a woman after all. I liked the intro with Manacek going to Springfield, and most of the jokes that came with it like the long silences with Wiggum. The rich woman mentioned her girlfriend and they didn't try to make fun of it... that must've taken some will power. I liked most of the scenes where Manacek investigated Homer's case and the flashback to the museum school trip. My favorite jokes being the kids playing around and Homer being so invested in the painting. Manacek hitting on Marge dragged on a bit in my opinion. A bit surprised that Marge didn't play a bigger role with Homer's interest in the painting, while she considers herself to be an artist. Kinda laughed at how Homer imagined Bart's behind as an artwork. Also laughed at Lou being fired due to budget cops where he is apparently 1/3 of Springfields police, and Homer who keeps betting with a ping pong bat.
The ending result was actually surprising where everyone turned out to be a part of the theft, with Lisa being the one that took the actual painting. It did seem out of character for her to just steal an expensive painting, I could give it a pass because of her reasonings where Homer shares a healthier bond with her interests. And she didn't get punished? I do like how they did the outro that has shown moments mentioned before, like Homer becoming a DJ and Marge teaching Homer that art needs to be representational.
Its a good ride of an episode that kept my attention. The guest star played his role well, I got into the story and the characters were well developed. While not a lot of jokes it did have some good ones that gave me a couple of good laughs. This may be one of the better episodes this season, doing a lot of things well and barely any flaws.
The beginning felt to quick where Homer out of nowhere is interested to buy a painting for millions of dollars. I guess it works because halfway in its being explained how Homer has gotten so interested, but left me thinking for to long. I think I missed Mr Burns's interest in the painting, it might be that he ddin't want to be bid out by a woman after all. I liked the intro with Manacek going to Springfield, and most of the jokes that came with it like the long silences with Wiggum. The rich woman mentioned her girlfriend and they didn't try to make fun of it... that must've taken some will power. I liked most of the scenes where Manacek investigated Homer's case and the flashback to the museum school trip. My favorite jokes being the kids playing around and Homer being so invested in the painting. Manacek hitting on Marge dragged on a bit in my opinion. A bit surprised that Marge didn't play a bigger role with Homer's interest in the painting, while she considers herself to be an artist. Kinda laughed at how Homer imagined Bart's behind as an artwork. Also laughed at Lou being fired due to budget cops where he is apparently 1/3 of Springfields police, and Homer who keeps betting with a ping pong bat.
The ending result was actually surprising where everyone turned out to be a part of the theft, with Lisa being the one that took the actual painting. It did seem out of character for her to just steal an expensive painting, I could give it a pass because of her reasonings where Homer shares a healthier bond with her interests. And she didn't get punished? I do like how they did the outro that has shown moments mentioned before, like Homer becoming a DJ and Marge teaching Homer that art needs to be representational.
Its a good ride of an episode that kept my attention. The guest star played his role well, I got into the story and the characters were well developed. While not a lot of jokes it did have some good ones that gave me a couple of good laughs. This may be one of the better episodes this season, doing a lot of things well and barely any flaws.
"Meh" - Lisa Simpson, circa 1996
nathanjhunt15 April 2020
Brilliant Banacek Parody
wunderli113 December 2020
As I watched this fantastic episode, I felt as though it was made for me. The other responses suggest that I may be right. I'm old enough to have watched Banacek when it aired in the early '70s. While it appears that the episode can be enjoyed without having watched Banacek, it certainly helps to have some familiarity with the series. Regardless, this episode is definitely a standout in Season 29.
The writers don't know their own history
natashajamos-0131519 April 2022
Obv none of you so called fans never saw the earlier seasons.
Marge was already pregnant with Bart when she married Homer. In this episode she wasn't pregnant at all when she married Homer. Big fail.
Homer worked at a bowling alley when Marge was pregnant not at some start up company.
Marge was already pregnant with Bart when she married Homer. In this episode she wasn't pregnant at all when she married Homer. Big fail.
Homer worked at a bowling alley when Marge was pregnant not at some start up company.
Hilarious and Fun Parody of Detective Shows,
lesleyharris3022 March 2019
Homer is Where the Art Isn't is a terrific Simpsons episode with a very well written plot and tons of very funny scenes. It is a very fun parody of old detective shows from the 70s and 80s, mimicking them in such a clever way you can tell the writers did their research while writing this episode.
There is gag after gag, which is perfectly fine and obviously what we have come to expect from the Simpsons, but it does get carried away with itself sometimes to an extent that the plot can sometimes get lost, which was a shame because the story had so much potential that, had it been a tad more focused in telling that, this could have been a ten for me.
The highlight of the episode, for me, is without a doubt Bill Hader as Detective Manacek, perfectly protraying the kind of character they were parodying in a very satisfying way, and he had some stellar quotes throughout that had me in absolute stitches, he is a character I would not mind seeing again.
Hilarious and well constructed episode. Fun from beginning to end, Homer is Where the Art Isn't is a silly Simpsons at its finest.
Homer gets caught in a fix when he is accused of stealing a million dollar painting.
There is gag after gag, which is perfectly fine and obviously what we have come to expect from the Simpsons, but it does get carried away with itself sometimes to an extent that the plot can sometimes get lost, which was a shame because the story had so much potential that, had it been a tad more focused in telling that, this could have been a ten for me.
The highlight of the episode, for me, is without a doubt Bill Hader as Detective Manacek, perfectly protraying the kind of character they were parodying in a very satisfying way, and he had some stellar quotes throughout that had me in absolute stitches, he is a character I would not mind seeing again.
Hilarious and well constructed episode. Fun from beginning to end, Homer is Where the Art Isn't is a silly Simpsons at its finest.
Homer gets caught in a fix when he is accused of stealing a million dollar painting.
Superb 70's cop show parody...
stevenjlowe821 August 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This episode really really impressed me with it's style and vibrant animation. One thing I can say in favour of modern Simpsons is that is visually more interesting and daring than the golden era. The scene of Homer dancing in his beloved painting was a truly great visual treat and I was mightily impressed.
Also full points to the voice and characterization of Manacheck, he was spot on for those stereotypical male character types that fronted a lot of cop shows in the 70's. I loved his ghastly outdated pick up lines. This episode really did a great job of capturing the essence of they style of shows with their often outlandish conclusions with numerous ludicrous plot twists.
I had tremendous fun with this episode it's easily one of the strongest from the modern Simpsons era imo.
Also full points to the voice and characterization of Manacheck, he was spot on for those stereotypical male character types that fronted a lot of cop shows in the 70's. I loved his ghastly outdated pick up lines. This episode really did a great job of capturing the essence of they style of shows with their often outlandish conclusions with numerous ludicrous plot twists.
I had tremendous fun with this episode it's easily one of the strongest from the modern Simpsons era imo.
George Peppard would be proud
safenoe30 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A superb parody and homage to the seventies detective dramas such as Banacek, and whilst I haven't seen Banacek, I'm sure its late star, George Peppard, would be proud of the homage.
Bill "Barry" Hader was the perfect choice as the voice of Manacek, and I loved all the tropes of seventies detective dramas which made me smile and chuckle.
Whilst this episode is well outside the golden era (being the first 10 seasons), I know that this episode, Homer is Where the Art Isn't is one to watch at least more than once, and would count as an honorary addition to the golden era.
I have to start watching some Banacek episodes.
Bill "Barry" Hader was the perfect choice as the voice of Manacek, and I loved all the tropes of seventies detective dramas which made me smile and chuckle.
Whilst this episode is well outside the golden era (being the first 10 seasons), I know that this episode, Homer is Where the Art Isn't is one to watch at least more than once, and would count as an honorary addition to the golden era.
I have to start watching some Banacek episodes.
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