The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Episode 1

The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Episode 1

Aired: October 25th 1990
Season 2: Episode 3

Written by: John Swartzwelder, Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky, Edgar Allan Poe & Sam Simon

Welcome to the first Treehouse of Horror "Review". An interesting fact is that this is the only Treehouse of Horror episode to actually feature the Treehouse setting. The opening has Marge walking out to the stage to warn the audience of how scary the episode is and to not let your children watch. This is a clear reference to Frankenstein (1931).

Next we get to see a quick tour through the cemetery with celebrity names, Simpsons characters and creators (which will be a reoccurring motif in future episodes). Also, a small detail you may miss is the fly saying "OW" as it flies into the bug zapper (reference the film the Fly).

The entire episode is tied together under the premise that Bart and Lisa are telling each other scary stories on Halloween night, all while Maggie and Homer (unknown to the kids) listen on. This sets the perfect mood to a Halloween night that most kids can relate to. 

Segment 1 - Bad Dream House

This is my favorite segment of this episode. The plot of this segment revolves around the Simpson's moving into a house that they purchase on the cheap due to the fact that it was built on an ancient Indian burial ground, and sure enough strange things start happening. There are a few really funny moments in this one with my favorite being when Homer is yelling at the realtor for not warning them about the house, only to find out he was told multiple times.

Here is the list of the references I noticed while watching this segment.
- Poltergeist: From the plot to the tree outside of Lisa's window, the Indian Burial ground, a portal and the way the house disappears at the end of the segment.

- Amityville Horror: The bleeding walls, the house speaking to the Simpsons and trying to get them to turn on one another.

- Psycho: The house looks just like Norman Bates house.

- Exorcist: Maggie's Head Spinning

- Shining: Homer carrying the axe (may be a bit of a stretch)

- Suspiria: The use of colors throughout the segment

Segment 2 - Hungry Are the Damned

This segment marks the first appearance of Kang and Kodos who would go on to be a Treehouse staple in all future segments. The Simpons are abducted by the Regellians while being fed their favorites dishes, Lisa is concerned this is a plot to fatten them up before eating them. It all turns out to be a big misunderstanding.

Here is the list of the references I noticed while watching this segment.

- The Twilight Zone Episode "To Serve Man": The plot and the misunderstanding with the book.

- Kang and Kodos: Inspired by Weird Comics (multiple)

Segment 3 - The Raven

This is the first Simpons segment to be based on a book. The Raven is a retelling of the Poe classic, with little changed, other than the injection of Simpsons humor. I personally never really enjoyed this one but I can understand why they included it in the episode.

Edgar Allen Poe Books: The Raven drops include The Pit and the Pendulum, The Telltale Heart and The Purloined Letter.

Closing: Homer is terrified after hearing all of these stories and is scared as Marge turns off the lights. In conclusion there are many better episodes but this was a solid first attempt at a Halloween special.