“Never, Marge! I can’t live the button-down life like you. I want it all! The terrifying lows! The dizzying highs! The creamy middles. Sure, I might offend a few of the ‘bluenoses’ with my cocky stride and musky odours. Oh, I’ll never be the darling of the so-called ‘City Fathers’ who cluck their tongues, stroke their beards, and talk about ‘What’s to be done with this Homer Simpson’?”

Now this is a line that truly summarises Homer. It’s the climax of his scheme to make money with a big pile of sugar, a totally insane goal that only makes sense in his childlike head. Homer is a creature of pure emotion, something that makes him both endearing and deranged, and Dan Castellanetta commits to it wholeheartedly. This speech is pure gibberish, and yet his total belief in it makes him the perfect comedy character.

You know, I always felt you were the best thing my name ever got attached to … I just want you to know I’ve always been proud of you. You’re my greatest accomplishment and and you did it all yourself. You helped me understand my own wife better and taught me to be a better person.

This, on the other hand, is why he remains a sympathetic character even through all his nonsense. Homer truly wants to be a good person, and he’s an endless supply of love even as he falls short on the practical delivery. I’ve heard many parents say these lines sum up their own feelings towards their children, and it’s a really good summary of the specific relationship between Homer and Lisa. Castellanetta delivers these lines so calmly and carefully, which makes them feel more real.