Series: The Simpsons, 10

Craftsmanship: 8.8 / 10

- Playset is too crowded

- Great likeness and accessories

- Fits right in with the other figures

- Finally Lionel Hutz’s has a perfect place to stand

Playability: 9.0 / 10

- Small accessories can be lost

- Great compatibility

- The play possibilities just increase with every new Simpsons toy

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Judge Snyder (The Simpsons)

by Playmates

I’ve said it many times before, the Simpsons figures from Playmates will go down in history as one of the best toy lines ever. And although Judge Snyder (with Courtroom playset) may not be the best that the lines has to offer, it’s great to be able to put Lionel Hutz in his natural environment.

The problem with the Courtroom base is that it’s way too crowded – more crowded than the recent Treehouse of Terror IV set. Getting figures installed on the base so

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they “speak”, especially the witness stand, is difficult. The peg in front of the witness stand and judge’s bench is more readily accessible but because of it’s position not every figure is able to stand there. Getting Judge Snyder behind the bench takes a bit of dexterity too.

However, Judge Snyder himself is of high Playmates standards

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and entirely consistent with the rest of the Simpson figures; good size and sculpt, four articulation points, appropriate accessories – including a gavel – accessory cross-compatibility and overall durability I’ve come to expect from the Simpsons. Snyder’s cartoon likeness is great and makes for good display but any three-year old will tell you, “It’s all about the play value.” (Okay, he wouldn’t use the term “play value” but that’s the gist.)

The Simpsons strongest appeal is their durability. Playmates recognized early on that these figures are going to be played with – roughly and creatively. Even though Judge Snyder is likely a “fringe” character for kids, he’s just as damage resistant as the other figures. He does possess a good assortment of small accessories so you do have to be careful in that regard, but the cross-compatibility with other accessories means that losing a piece doesn’t mean the end of the world.

Judge Snyder is geared more toward collectors (thanks to packed environment), but he’s tough and might have some kid appeal.

- Omni
(January 5, 2003)