The Simpsons Treehouse of Horror XXXVI Review: A Decent Combo of the Classic and New

The episode kicks off with “The Last Days of Crisco,” and right away, you know things are gonna get weird. This segment takes the classic “Jaws” hunting formula and throws in some “The Blob“ body horror for good measure. The result is genuine cringeworthy hilarity in that special “Simpsons” way. What makes this segment work is its commitment to the bit.

We’re not just getting a straightforward “Jaws” parody (how many times can you do that?). Instead, the writers blend in elements of classic body horror, creating something that feels both familiar and fresh. The mysterious murdering monster emerging from Springfield’s sewers is equal parts hilarious and disturbing, exactly what these specials should be. The animation leans into the grotesque without going too far, walking the fine line that “Treehouse of Horror” episodes have perfected. It’s gross enough to make you uncomfortable, but not so much that you can’t watch while eating dinner. That’s an art form, people.

“Clown Night with the Devil”: Krusty Ain’t Rusty

This segment is the strongest of the trio, mixing comedy and horror homogenously. The following short, “Clown Night with the Devil,” gives the indie horror hit “Late Night with the Devil” the Krusty treatment. The premise is brilliantly simple: Krusty’s hosting a live Halloween special, and things go sideways when a demonic guest shows up. What could go wrong? (Everything. Everything goes wrong.) The segment maintains that creative mix of black-and-white and color footage from the original film, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to the parody.

However, what really sells this segment is its willingness to take a dark turn. We’re talking genuinely disturbing moments mixed with classic “Simpsons” humor. Michael Keaton voices Hal Julian, Idris Elba plays The Devil, and the whole thing has this chaotic energy that makes you forget you’re watching a cartoon that’s been on air since 1989.

The voice cast really brings their A-game here. Dan Castellaneta (cleverly credited as “The Devil and Daniel Castellaneta”) and the rest of the ensemble create legitimately unnerving moments. The balance between horror and comedy is tricky, and when a Halloween cartoon special can make you feel actual tension, you know they’re doing something right. It would have also been hilarious if Ned Flanders reprised as the devil again – “Treehouse of Horror IV,” “The Devil and Homer Simpson.”

“Plastic World”: Life in Plastic, But Not Fantastic

Unfortunately, “Treehouse of Horror XXXVI” stumbles with its final segment. “Plastic World” attempts to parody “Waterworld,” imagining Springfield’s post-apocalyptic plastic-dominated future. On paper, it’s an interesting concept—especially given our current environmental anxieties. In execution? It just didn’t make a splash.

The segment experiments with mixed media by incorporating actual plastic materials and 3D animation with the standard 2D animation. That’s a cool visual trick, and you’ve got to respect the ambition. The problem is that the story itself doesn’t mesh well with the styles. It lacks the hyperbolized violence and absurdist humor that made the first two segments pop. Instead, it feels like it’s treading water (pun absolutely intended).

Final Thoughts: Worth Your Halloween Scaring, Hands Down

“The Simpsons: Treehouse of Horror XXXVI” is a mixed bag, but that doesn’t make it a failure. “Clown Night with the Devil” alone justifies the episode’s existence, delivering genuinely clever horror parody that works on multiple levels. “The Last Days of Crisco” provides solid body horror laughs, and while “Plastic World” disappoints, it doesn’t sink the ship because of the attempts to test the waters of something new. The creative talent behind “The Simpsons” deserves a standing ovation because, even after 36 Halloween specials, they still understand how to stick to their working formula while also expanding their creative horizons.