“Treehouse of Horror XXVI” sees Sideshow Bob finally kill Bart—and hopefully not us too
Here’s what’s up in the world of TV for Sunday, October 25th. All times are Eastern.
Top pick
The Simpsons (Fox, 8 p.m): Some of you may remember that a few years ago The A.V. Club was featured on The Simpsons, a move that is still the proudest moment in many of our careers and one all staff members are contractually obligated to mention whenever it comes up. And we’ve now been mentioned again, albeit in a more dubious fashion, as the press release for tonight’s episode—written in the voice of Sideshow Bob—called us out for trying to kill The Simpsons as often as he does. It might not be as flattering as last time, but whenever The Simpsons mentions us (even tangentially), it’s a tremendous boost to the self-esteem as we bask in reflected glory.
In all seriousness though, the Treehouse of Horror episodes are sturdy and clever installments of the show even in recent years, and number 26 will try something brand new as Sideshow Bob finally succeeds in his quest to kill Bart. Dennis Perkins (who incidentally thought last week’s episode was one of the best Simpsons installments in years—take that, press release!) is uncowed by being called out and is ready to face down this terrifying trilogy. As a precaution though, he’s installing a full perimeter of rakes all around his house.
Also noted
Once Upon A Time (ABC, 8 p.m.): “Merida attempts to carry out a covert mission Emma has assigned her.” Now, Gwen Ihnat has all the respect for Meridia’s archery skills, but she thinks between all that frizzy red hair, a tendency to accidentally turn family members into bears, and an accent that’s “a bit much” (her words), Meridia’s not your first choice for anything covert.
Brooklyn Nine-Nine (Fox, 8:30 p.m.): Captain Holt’s back in charge of the Nine-Nine, just in time for the tiebreaker round in the Holt vs. Jake “amazing detective slash genius” heist competition. While LaToya Ferguson thought last year’s version of the game went far too over-the-top, she’s optimistic the writers can rein it in enough to approach the success of the first round. And if not, just give her a memorable Terry Halloween costume and it’ll all be worthwhile.
The Walking Dead (AMC, 9 p.m.): Things have gone to hell for the Alexandria residents, as indeed things always must in this show’s universe. Zack Handlen is just hoping that we haven’t seen the last of Enid, though her departure at the end of “JSS” may signify she’s been absorbed back into the Too Many Cooks universe, where all actors who participated must inevitably be drawn back in by the will of Smarf. Hail Smarf. Smarf is life.
Homeland (Showtime, 9 p.m.): Well, it only took the Homeland writers three episodes to take Carrie into full Crazy!Carrie territory, which Joshua Alston believes sets a new record for their demonstration of lack of restraint. Now placing the over/under on how soon until the Brody hallucinations kick back in. Our money’s on the finale, if only because Showtime can use it as guerilla marketing for Billions.
The Last Man On Earth (Fox, 9:30 p.m.): Now that Phil’s been begrudgingly accepted back into the group, our attention turns to that mysterious final scene where we learn Todd’s been sneaking out of the house at night. Where is he going and what is he doing on these nocturnal adventures? There’s three theories Vikram Murthi’s come up with: he’s in a Florida Army rear detachment, he’s pulling small-time scams in Illinois, or he’s a nurse at an extended care unit.