Yesterday, Everybody Loves Hypnotoad was released on DVD. The TV show -- produced, written, and directed by the Hypnotoad, and starring the same -- is a hilarious romp that follows the ins-and-outs of the Hypnotoad's daily life. As a viewer, I was fully captivated by the show, except during the brief establishing shots (a suburban house; a Seinfeldian diner) and the commercial breaks -- for some reason those scenes failed to hold my attention.

The DVD includes one full 22-minute episode of Everybody Loves Hypnotoad, and features a flashback sequences and even some bloopers. It also includes some DVD "extras," such as a 90-minute time-travelling episode of Futurama, which was of some interest.

All Hail the Hypnotoad!

Speaking of Futurama, I though it was worth mentioning briefly that at this point in my life I regard Futurama as a much better series than The Simpsons. Some of you who know me are aware that I was obsessed with The Simpsons between the age of 13 and 18 (1992-1997), so this is no minor declaration.

My reasoning: while The Simpsons was probably the greatest show on television between its 3rd and 7th seasons, inclusive, it has since not only gone downhill but become so inanely self-conscious as to render it painful for me to watch. Futurama, on the hand, was consistently great all four seasons.

If you were to grade each season with a number 1-10, The Simpsons would have three or four 10-rated seasons, plus five or six more 8+ seasons. However, most of the seasons after the 9th, and especially recently (now at the 16th) would be rated 6 or below, giving it a season an average score of around 7. Futurama, on the hand, had four 9+ seasons, giving it a 9+ average. QED. Futurama is a better show, and yes, the Space Pope is reptilian.