The children on The Simpsons are always good for a chuckle. Bart is quick with the smart aleck comeback, Ralph is eager to prove his lack of intelligence and Martin loves to share the latest intellectual quip. Two characters that usually fall a bit under the radar are Rod and Todd Flanders. They are just as likely as any other kid in Springfield to tickle your funny bone.

Rod and Todd are the sons of Simpsons’ neighbor Ned and Maude Flanders. They are a deeply religious family and the children lead a bit of a sheltered life because of it. They aren’t allowed to watch Itchy & Scratchy, they have to go to be bed when it’s still light outside and love playing “Good Samaritan.” However, they seem happy and have parents who love them. Unfortunately, their mother Maude was killed in a tragic “shirt cannon” accident. They’ve managed to move on with the help of their loving father, Ned.

The Playmates Action Figure of Rod and Todd serve as a slight bonus. Like Itchy & Scratchy and Sherri & Terri, you get two figures for the price of one. The cost is a mere $4.99 for two exceptional figures. Rod, the older of the brothers, stands about four inches tall. He has orange hair and is wearing a light blue shirt and dark blue pants. Todd stands about three and a half inches. He has orange/brown hair and is wearing a red shirt and green shorts. The figures are perfect likenesses and they look as if they’ve jumped from your television show into your home.

All of the figures in The Simpsons line come with various accessories that add a little bit to the figures. Rod and Todd do come with two accessories and that’s a disappointment. Many of the figures come with four or five accessories, but they don’t. A picture of their dead mother, Maude is included. While I can understand its inclusion, it’s still a little depressing. The other accessory is the Bible Land Board Game. It’s like Candyland, but religious. How fun it is for The Simpsons kids to play that game. Ideally, you would like more accessories. Although, I can’t really think of anything else that would really fit the characters.

Many of the funniest quotes from Rod and Todd are situational and don’t play well out of context. Both figures speak in only two Springfield environments---Springfield Elementary Cafeteria and Main Street. The quotes included are funny to those that have seen the specific episodes, but may not make sense to others. The funniest to those who watch the show are, “I got that for my birthday” and “Each leap brings us closer to God.”

Rod and Todd are active kids, but unfortunately, their respective action figures are not. Their heads turn, their arms move up and down and their waist swivels. Not too much excitement or movement from an action figure. The lack of mobility is a slight negative about the figures, but it’s not enough to harm the overall quality.

Once again, Playmates has succeeded in make a quality action figure. And, in this case, they’ve created two quality action figures. Yes, the quotes and accessories are limited, as is the mobility. However, the likenesses are perfect and they are high quality figures. If you are looking to complete a collection or are getting a gift for a fan, you won’t be disappointed in Rod and Todd Flanders.






Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 4.99
Type of Toy: Action Figure
Age Range of Child: Whole Family