Sixteen seasons (and counting) of pop culture-rocking brilliance, the first four of which have already been gloriously archived on DVD. But in the words of Krusty the Clown: What has The Simpsons done for me lately? Well, how about all 22 episodes of season 5, each accompanied by commentary, deleted scenes, and other encyclopedic extras that hopelessly devoted Simpsons fans crave, no, demand? Season 5 is perhaps not as classics-packed as the third and fourth seasons, but no self-respecting Simpsons fan should be without the episodes "Homer's Barbershop Quartet," featuring George Harrison, "Cape Feare," one of Sideshow Bob's (and guest voice Kelsey Grammer's) finest half-hours, "Rosebud," "Springfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)," and "Bart Gets Famous," with the Springfield-sweeping catchphrase "I didn't do it." Plus, the star power this season is impressive: Michelle Pfeiffer as Homer's comely, donut-loving co-worker in "The Last Temptation of Homer," Albert Brooks as a self-help guru who unleashes "Bart's Inner Child," Kathleen Turner as the creator of Malibu Stacy in "Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy," and, as themselves, the Ramones ("Rosebud"), James Woods ("Homer and Apu"), Buzz Aldrin ("Deep Space Homer"), and even Robert Goulet ("Springfield").

HAIL ANTS!

I won't go over individual episodes since several people already have, but rest assured - seasons 4-7 were the show's peak. Season 4 firmly established a groove for the series, and season 5 keeps it going with outstanding episodes galore. "Rosebud" (where Burns wants his old teddy bear back) is arguably the best Simpsons episode ever, and it is in this set. Other outstanding episodes include "Burns' Heir" (Bart gets angry at his family and is adopted by Burns), "Bart Gets Famous" (the "I Didn't Do It" one), and "Deep Space Homer" (Homer joins NASA and goes into space).

If you are new to the DVD sets or (gasp) new to the series, and you can only pick up one season set....well...get season 4, as it is the pinnacle. But as soon as you're done watching that you're going to want more, and that's what season 5 provides.

Excellent episodes

INTRODUCTION:
The Simpsons is the ultimate animated sitcom - no questions asked. For many years the series has never failed to please its fans. The fifth season is a classic, and no true fan of the series will deny that. Like all seasons, the fifth will get a DVD release - but only God knows when. Read on for my review.

EPISODE SUMMARIES:
Season five consists of the following episodes.
-Homer's Barbershop Quartet: Homer flashes back to when he sang in a barbershop quartet.
-Cape Feare: The Simpsons are relocated by the witness relocation program when Sideshow Bob sends threatening letters.
-Homer Goes to College: Homer must complete a nuclear physics college class to keep his job.
-Rosebud: Mr. Burns yearns to get back his long lost teddy bear.
-Tree House of Horror IV: Homer sells his soul for a donut, a gremlin attacks a school bus, and Mr. Burns is revealed to be a vampire in this year's halloween special.
-Marge on the Lam: Marge's evening out with new neighbor Ruth Powers turns into a run from the law.
-Bart's Inner Child: A self-help guru praises Bart for his "I do what I want" attitude.
-Boy Scoutz N the Hood: While hallucinating, Bart unintentionally joins the Junior Campers - a Boy Scout-like organization.
-The Last Temptation of Homer: At the power plant, Homer is continually distracted by a good-looking female co-worker.
-$pringfield: Mr. Burns opens a casino, and Marge develops a gambling problem there.
-Homer the Vigilante: When the Springfiend Cat Burgler steals Lisa's saxophone, Homer sets up a neighborhood watch.
-Bart Gets Famous: An accident on stage during the Krusty the Clown show makes Bart instantly famous.
-Homer and Apu: Apu is fired from the Kwik-E-Mart, and comes to live with the Simpsons.
-Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy: Disgusted by the new Malibu Stacy doll, Lisa confronts the doll's creator.
-Deep Space Homer: In a desperate attempt to gain ratings, NASA agrees to send an average American into space. Guess who they choose.
-Homer Loves Flanders: Flanders takes Homer to a football game, and two end up becoming good friends!
-Bart Gets an Elephant: Bart wins an elephant in a radio contest.
-Burns' Heir: After a display of rage, Bart becomes the heir to the fortune held by Mr. Burns.
-Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song: When Santa's Little Helper is discovered in a vent at Springfield Elementary School, Superintendent Chalmers fires Principal Skinner.
-The Boy Who Knew Too Much: Bart ditches school, and becomes the lone witness to a potential crime.
-Lady Bouvier's Lover: Grampa falls in love with Marge's mother, only to have Mr. Burns take her away from him.
-Secrets of a Successful Marriage: Homer teaches an adult education course on marriage success, and releases secrets kept between him and Marge.

SERIES OPINIONS:
There are some great episodes of the Simpsons out there, but the fifth season contains some of the finest ones of all. To put it simply, when this set is released (probably sometime in 2005), I recommend the purchase.

DVD:
Obviously, the DVD hasn't been released yet, but I think we can expect what we've come to expect from these releases. Bonus features will probably include commentary and interviews with cast and crew. I'm hoping the packaging will be changed to something similar to the King of the Hill and Family Guy sets, rather than the "slipcase and fold out" style that the other sets have used. But, of course, that probably won't happen.

OVERALL:
What more is there for me to say? The Simpsons is a comedy masterpiece, and this season is a masterpiece among masterpieces! When it comes out, BUY IT. I know I'm going to.

Best so far

Season 5 is the best season released on DVD thus far. In fact, it's one of the greatest seasons of The Simpsons ever. This DVD set will not disappoint!