This, for me, is everything a Simpsons episode should be. It's essential viewing for any fan.
The premise is simple, yet effective for The Simpsons. Whilst the idea of a dog going missing has been done, and can be done in every avenue of entertaininment it doesn't decrease how much one can like this episode. Yes, it's almost cliched in some ways, but it's cliche is only due to the preceding forms of media that have overdone the story. As is stands, The Simpsons have done it the best.
The plot is handled well with a seemingly unrelated first story that acts as the introduction for the bulk of the episode. This subplot doesn't take up a lot of time, yet it acts as an exciting and hilarious introduction to the episode. From there, it heads in the direction of overdone dog movies, yet comes out being quite touching for the viewer. A child losing their pet due to monetary cirsumstances is certainly something that a lot of families have gone through, and it's more than a respectable scenario for The Simpsons to go through. The conflict of money is handled nicely with Marge & Homer trying to downplay the conflict, with Bart & Lisa acting as the other side of the argument. The entire family is characterised well and in fairly conservative roles that allow them to keep their dignity and appealing natures in an episode which could easily threaten them (especially the adults).
The later conflict of the dog causing problems is completely understandable and sympathetic to the nature of humans from what I've seen. The dog running away then acts as a further catalyst for further conflicts which are resolved in a very emtionally driven yet highly enjoyable Simpsons style.
The episode is chock full of hilarity, which actually gets it the bulk of the high score from me. From the get go of the lottery story to the text appearing on screen at the end, the humour really doesn't stop. Yes, some of it is dog related but it's still extremely funny. Some of the better Homer jokes can be seen here, with his reaction to losing the lottery (Why did you keep it a secret?) and his disdain for caring for the dog later on in the episode. Mr. Burns also has his moments, with the animation of the "poka poka poka!" scene being pretty hilarious. Burns is also perfectly characterised as the evil old conservative capatilist who's tremendously out of touch with the real world ("I can't wait to start pawing througn my garbage") we've all learned to hate. Mention also needs to go to Skinner, who gets an awesome portrayal in this episode as the epitome of his strict, Vietnam ravished character ("One eraser? I've been done over by this government before. I was in Nam! - ...") that he should be.
The music and visuals of the episode, although already mentioned deserve further credit. The Peter & the Wolf musical piece heard over Santa's Little Helper helps a scene that's already animated in an extremely unconventional, yet perfectly suited way. I simply adore that scene, and I can't wait for it to come on every time I watch it.
The Clockwork Orange parody also serves as my favourite movie reference on the Simpsons. It's bloody hilarious and I can never control my laughter any time I see it. It works so well within the context it's used in, it doesn't seem at all forced, it goes on for just long enough and the visuals from the movie translate brilliantly into the episode. It's the reference that all other references should struggle to be like. Adding even more to its credibility is that a person who hasn't even seen A Clockwork Orange will find it highly entertaining, and highly relevant to the plot (and let's face it, a lot of references in the cartoon world of Family Guy/Simpsons aren't).
"I love you boy...love you boy...love you boy...love you boy..." spoken by Bart serves as an awesome climax for the narrative, coming out sweet in the end. I simply adore the ending, and it goes even further by having the Simpsons family stroking their beloved dog in the end. Awww, how heartwarming.
10/10 - Even though some might view the story as being cliched and hence not worthy of such a score, I don't consider it that way. It's perfect.
