Kill Gil, Volumes I & II

Plot

The Simpson family attends "Krusty's Kristmas on Ice" with guest Elvis Stojko. The show ends early when the arena must be reset for a basketball game, sparking a brawl between the show's characters and the Utah Jazz. Marge and the kids leave, while Homer is seen grappling with the Grumple, a parody of the Grinch, demanding the return of Holiday Cheer. The Grumple repeatedly returns wanting to kill Homer.

On Christmas Eve at Costington's department store, Lisa tells Santa she wants the Malibu Stacy Pony Beach Party Set, which is sold out. Santa, revealed to be Gil Gunderson, finds an extra set in the stockroom. Mr. Costington fires Gil for selling the set he had set aside for his daughter. Marge invites Gil for Christmas Eve dinner.

After singing around the piano, Marge insists Gil stay the night. On Christmas morning, Gil retrieves items from his bus locker, assuming a permanent spot at 742 Evergreen Terrace. Marge lets him move in, while Homer is distracted by the Grumple outside.

Opening sequence

The opening sequence is redesigned in a Christmas style, with the town covered in snow. Homer runs to the right in the garage instead of the usual left. Mr. Burns is dressed as Ebenezer Scrooge and Smithers as the ghost of Jacob Marley. A sign at the power plant reads "Merry Christmas, No Bonuses." Jasper stands where Bleeding Gums Murphy normally appears.

Maude Flanders is seen alive. Bart's skateboard is replaced with a snowboard. Marge and Maggie's grocery and car scenes are cut; everyone wears Christmas attire. The couch gag reveals the family reflected on a Christmas tree ornament.

Reception

The episode earned a 4.4 rating and 8.88 million viewers. Dan Iverson of IGN called it the worst Simpsons Christmas episode ever, noting the story was told poorly and Gil's new household made no sense; he found the Grumpo joke confusing but praised the unique opening sequence.

Adam Finley of TV Squad felt Gil could not support an entire episode but liked the Grumple stalking Homer. Colin Jacobson of DVD Movie Guide said it did not go far beyond the basics of Gil's role. In 2008, writer Jeff Westbrook won the Writers Guild of America Award for Television: Animation for this episode.