I was surprised by how dramatic the step up in quality was between the first and second season of this show and in a way it was a little disappointing to find that the third season started out a little show. The first group of episodes included some that were not quite as good as the general quality of the previous season; they were still enjoyable but didn't quite have the spark and wit to them that I had assumed the show had achieved. I was only a little disappointed and this was offset as some classic episodes (Flaming Moe's for example) starting coming in.
From this point on I was surprised by how many "classic" episodes kept coming and how good generally the show was. Lots of smart references, laugh out loud moments, risky moments and generally very smart and enjoyable episodes. There are almost no weaker episodes and to be honest I'm not sure if I disliked the odd one here and there because I was over familiar with them rather than anything else. The animation isn't quite where it will be and some characters still seem a bit variable (Chief Wiggum for example) but I liked the way that side characters started to come more and more to the foreground, with some getting episodes focusing very much on them, while everyone else gets their parts fleshed out a little bit (Frink, Skinner, Willie and so on).
The voice work and delivery is great and rewards the great dialogue with great delivery. The guest stars become more common but are well used and are never once pandering or desperate (in the way it can often be with shows trying to get ratings), instead they add to the show and never overshadow the actual characters themselves. Although I do feel it started a little bit slowly, this was a great season and I really enjoyed how the classic episodes just kept coming. Very much looking to season 4 if it can keep the standard that the majority of this season set.