Not only is this segment a loose parody of Sweeney Todd , as Moe uses a trapped and injured Homer’s blood to flavor his new micro-brewed beer, but it’s staged as a theatrical musical – and it’s the first TOH segment to feature complete songs. While it isn’t directly a send-up of the original musical, it does play around with theatrical tropes in some very adroit ways, making it one of the more unique segments in the series of specials.

Certainly not the most highbrow of Simpsons segments, but admittedly, very much indicative of its current character, the idea of a spider-bite allowing Homer to only communicate by passing gas is genius. TOH segments get to play with reality, and even though the supernatural elements of this one are minor, it almost calls back to earlier episodes that explored Homer’s need to communicate his feelings in unusual ways. It is a definite reminder that, sometimes, The Simpsons can still get by on fart jokes.

So, now, we put it to you readers: what are some of your favorite Simpsons “Treehouse of Horror” segments? Let us know in the comments!

Pass on the horror!

-Dana Culling