Town Hall Playset (The Simpsons)

I use the word "perfect" a lot when I think of this particular playset. Don’t get me wrong, there are a few detractions but they are so minor that using "perfect" fits the description.

Some of the most pivotal moments of Simpson history have happened in proximity of the Town Hall. It’s where Mr. Burns announced his plan to block out the sun and force everyone to use nuclear energy. It’s where the ill-fated Springfield Monorail was born. Not to mention the numerous gatherings on its steps to award medals. It’s also the stomping ground for Springfield’s Mayor Quimby.

As expected, Mayor Quimby is included with the playset. Quimby’s sculpt is perfect. He’s got that fat, slightly bloated look, of a politician being fed from the trough – and nails his cartoon likeness. He fits behind the podium of the playset easily. The included accessories (a "Mayor" sash, a briefcase bulging with money, a gavel, and a "Vote Quimby" placard) don’t seen out of place and most of them are compatible with the other Simpsons figures. (The exception is

  the "Mayor" sash.) Even the sculpt of each is very good, especially the briefcase bulging with money. The playset itself is a scaled down version of the Town Hall, with a backdrop of Groening-esque characters. The podium is raised and this is where the speaker is located.

Phrases from compatible characters almost exclusively relate to the construction of the Monorail and Mr. Burn’s nefarious plans. (One of Mr. Burns' lines is, "You all talk big. But who is going to stop me?") Although, I really like hearing Quimby say, "Did I hear-uh briefcase opening?" The problem with the voices is the 

volume – they’re too loud. Unlike the other playsets the speaker is located in the podium so it’s not naturally muffled like the ones with the speaker on the underside. It’s the first time I wish a playset had a volume knob.

Playability for the playset ranks high because of its compatibility with other Simpson figures, the Mayor Quimby figure and the multitude of accessories. Getting Quimby (or any Simpsons figure for that matter) to hold onto accessories is easy. Of course, like all accessories they can be lost. However, since each figure comes with so much extra stuff you can use replacement pieces. (Instead of the gavel, Quimby can bring order to meetings by clanging the mug of beer packaged with Moe.) Toughness is also very good, but you should be careful installing figures on the base. The prongs that "clamp" into the feet of the figures can be mangled if you’re not at least a little bit careful. My biggest annoyance with the base was getting it out of the box. It’s actually screwed into it. Lacking the proper screwdriver, I used a pair of scissors. I nearly cut myself a few times. I think it would be prudent to use another method of packaging.

Tons of fun and worth the money.

- Omni