"Mow Money"

Dixon's Simpsons Comics story takes a first twist that's not too far out of the typical evolution of such a comedy script, but what separates this story from others of its ilk is how a simple task turns into a convoluted masterpiece that leaves Homer weeping.

Whereas convolution usually kills stories, it feeds a Simpsons tale. The unexpected developments draw in important guest appearances by Groundskeeper Willie and Cletis the Slack-Jawed Yokel. They provide a natural change in scenery and lay down a fertile field for character-driven commentary that's always amusing if not laugh out loud funny.

John Costanza and Phyllis Novin emphasize the "a and b" story technique of the show through a clever placement of slapstick background action. The writers of The Simpsons have said that Homer makes for a good star character as well as a good guest starring character in, for instance, a Lisa or Marge story, and Costanza and Novin prove the point with their aside scenes. Even the third tier characters get special attention with regard to visual characterization, and the artists' mecha designs are notable while confined within the Simpsons universe. Art Villanueva makes a fairground sparkle with as much vivid life as the healthy greens of grass, and when the rumble comes, a rainbow accompanies the riders.

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