Halloween is next Saturday, and I’m closing in on the end of my Simpsons Treehouse of Horror Halloween specials marathon. Up next is the truly gory “Homer Literally Eats Himself” segment from 2017’s installment. “This makes complete sense,” Homer exclaims after consuming his own finger with some steak sauce. “I eat more and exercise less than the most succulent pig. Of course, I’m delicious!” (This is obviously untrue, as even the laziest apex predator would taste awful because of all the toxins, parasites, and assorted garbage they consume from all the animals they eat. However, this is a Halloween episode not Netflix’s Our Planet.)
My favorite (often quoted) line from “Mmmm … Homer” is once again the headline. It’s also become my mantra in middle-age but without the self-cannibalism. (Watch below.)
There are two Simpsons Halloween specials this year. The first aired last Sunday and is a full-length story called “The Revengening.” The animation is less than inspired, but it’s worth checking out for a fun meta twist that was somehow kept under wraps until it aired. (I won’t spoil it here for those who haven’t watched.)
This Sunday’s Simpsons is the traditional Treehouse of Horror format. As a Gen-Xer who was alive and conscious when the first Treehouse of Horror aired, I obviously have a special affection for the 1990s installments, but recent years have offered their share of classics. In addition to “Mmmm … Homer,” there’s 2002’s “Death Tome” with a great performance from the underrated Yeardley Smith. (Watch below.)
Time is running out for my Halloween subscription sale, which — another spoiler alert — will transition into my Thanksgiving subscription sale. Become a paid subscriber for 40 percent off the usual annual rate. That means you can help keep this newsletter in pumpkin-spice-flavored beverages for just $30 a year. (If you enjoy those beverages, please do so without guilt, as I support seasonal joy.) Thanks to all who have upgraded to paid subscriber status recently. In lieu of cat photos like my friend Noah Berlatsky at Everything Is Horrible, I’m sharing photos of my seasonal decor.
When leaving for school the other day, my son remarked, “I thought we only did murders inside the building?” (Yes, he’s a fan of the Hulu series.)
The living room bar with pumpkins, skulls, and guests hanging around.
When you anniversary is on Halloween, you end up receiving an inordinate amount of skeleton couple-themed gifts.
Monday, I wrote about the escalating “Hulk Smash!” sentiment in modern politics.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin suggested that the rule of law should apply to Donald Trump’s stooges, and youn people should think twice about working for criminal enterprises. This greatly offended the usual corrupt suspects.
It seems like some people enjoy working from home, as long as home includes a barista and powerful wi-fi. No one wants to be a shut-in, I guess.
Yes, it’s time for my fourth annual Halloween spectacular with my friend and fellow Dark Shadows fan, author Laramie Dean. We chat about his new book, There’s No Such Thing As a School for Witches, which comes out on November 24 and is available for pre-order.
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That’s it for this week. See you on Monday for the last week of October!
One of the houses in the neighborhood has a skeleton themed Halloween decoration, but it's not scary, as their skeletons are smiling and waving at passersby, and one skeleton is ready for trick or treating by holding a plastic pumpkin tote for candy.