List of The Simpsons episodes (seasons 1–20)

For seasons 21–present, see List of The Simpsons episodes (season 21–present).

Matt Groening, shown here in 2010, created The Simpsons, which premiered on December 17, 1989.

The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. It is a satirical depiction of a dysfunctional middle-class American lifestyle starring the eponymous family: Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Set in the town of Springfield, the show lampoons both American culture and the human condition. The family was conceived by Groening shortly before a pitch for a series of animated shorts with producer James L. Brooks. Groening named each character (other than Bart) after members of his own family. The shorts became part of the Fox series The Tracey Ullman Show on April 19, 1987. After a three-season run, the sketch was developed into a half-hour prime-time hit show.

From the series debut on December 17, 1989, to May 17, 2009, The Simpsons had broadcast its first 441 episodes, to the end of the twentieth season. The show holds several American television longevity records. It is the longest-running prime-time animated series and longest-running sitcom in the United States. On April 28, 1994, The Simpsons reached its 100th episode in the fifth season. With its twentieth season (2008–09), the series tied Gunsmoke in seasons as the longest-running American prime-time scripted television series, and surpassed Gunsmoke in this record with the twenty-first season premiere on September 27, 2009.

Episodes of The Simpsons have won dozens of awards, including 31 Emmys (ten for Outstanding Animated Program), 30 Annies, and a Peabody. The Simpsons Movie, a feature-length film, was released in theaters worldwide on July 26 and 27, 2007 and grossed US$526.2 million worldwide. The first twenty seasons are available on DVD in regions 1, 2, and 4, with the twentieth season released on both DVD and Blu-ray in 2010 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the series. On April 8, 2015, showrunner Al Jean announced that there would be no more DVD or Blu-ray releases, shifting focus to digital distribution, although this was later reversed on July 22, 2017. Almost two years later, on July 20, 2019, it was announced that Season 19 would be released on December 3, 2019, on DVD.

On April 26, 1998, The Simpsons reached its 200th episode in its ninth season, its 300th episode on February 2, 2003, in the fourteenth season, and its 400th episode in the eighteenth season on May 20, 2007, which is also the last episode of the series to air before the release of The Simpsons Movie.

Episodes

See also: The Simpsons shorts

Season 1 (1989–90)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 1)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
1	1	"Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire"	David Silverman	Mimi Pond	December 17, 1989 (1989-12-17)	7G08	26.7
While Christmas shopping, Bart sneaks off and gets a tattoo. Marge soon discovers this and uses the family's Christmas savings to get it removed. Meanwhile, Homer discovers that he will not be getting a Christmas bonus from Mr. Burns and thus the family has no money to buy Christmas presents. He decides to keep their financial troubles a secret and gets a job as a department store Santa, but later discovers that the job does not pay enough. Desperate for a miracle, Homer and Bart go to the dog racing track on Christmas Eve in hopes of earning some money. He bets it all on a longshot named Santa's Little Helper, who loses. Santa's Little Helper's owner furiously disowns the dog for completing last and Homer lets Bart keep him. Later on, Homer attempts to come clean to everyone, but Bart exclaims that they have a dog and everyone happily welcomes the newest member of the Simpson family.
2	2	"Bart the Genius"	David Silverman	Jon Vitti	January 14, 1990 (1990-01-14)	7G02	24.5
Bart has trouble on an intelligence test and sneakily switches tests with Martin Prince, the class genius. After the results are tabulated, the school psychiatrist labels Bart a genius and sends him to the Enriched Learning Center for Gifted Children. Homer starts treating Bart with respect, but Bart immediately feels out of place among his new classmates and is alienated from his old peers. He confesses that he cheated on the test and is subsequently sent back to Springfield Elementary School.
3	3	"Homer's Odyssey"	Wes Archer	Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky	January 21, 1990 (1990-01-21)	7G03	27.5
Bart's class visits the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant and Homer, anxious to look like he is working, accidentally crashes his cart into a radioactive pipe, causing him to immediately be fired. Depressed and unable to find a new job, he decides to jump off a bridge. His family discover his plan and try to stop him, but in the process they are almost run over by a truck. Discovering his new purpose, Homer embarks on a safety crusade and eventually decides to go after the Nuclear Plant and holds protest rallies. To end Homer's furor, Mr. Burns offers him a job as safety inspector, with increased salary, which Homer accepts. Guest star: Sam McMurray
4	4	"There's No Disgrace Like Home"	Gregg Vanzo & Kent Butterworth	Al Jean & Mike Reiss	January 28, 1990 (1990-01-28)	7G04	20.2
Homer takes his family to the company picnic at Mr. Burns's manor. Marge, Bart and Lisa embarrass Homer and he notices that Mr. Burns seems to favour a family who love and respect one another. Convinced that both he and his family are pathetic, he takes everyone to Dr. Marvin Monroe's family therapy center. When standard methods prove useless in civilizing the family, Monroe resorts to shock therapy and wire the Simpsons to electrodes. Soon the Simpsons start shocking one another and cause Springfield to lose power.
5	5	"Bart the General"	David Silverman	John Swartzwelder	February 4, 1990 (1990-02-04)	7G05	27.1
Bart runs afoul of Nelson Muntz, the school bully, who begins attacking Bart every day after school. Homer suggests fighting back, which does not work. Desperate for a solution, Bart visits Grampa for advice. Grampa takes Bart to meet Herman, who suggests that Bart rally all of the school children and declare war on Nelson. Bart and his army attack Nelson and successfully manage to convince him to give up his bullying ways.
6	6	"Moaning Lisa"	Wes Archer	Al Jean & Mike Reiss	February 11, 1990 (1990-02-11)	7G06	27.4
Lisa becomes depressed, which begins to affect her performance in school. Neither Marge nor Homer are able to make Lisa happier. One night, she hears distant Jazz music and sneaks out of her room to follow it. She meets Bleeding Gums Murphy, who teaches her how to express her music through the saxophone. When Marge drops Lisa off at school the next day, she suggests that Lisa smile no matter how she feels. However, Marge sees that Lisa is being denied her creativity and realizes that that's what is disappointing her. Marge tells Lisa to just be herself, and the entire family go to see Murphy perform at a local Jazz club. Guest star: Ron Taylor.
7	7	"The Call of the Simpsons"	Wes Archer	John Swartzwelder	February 18, 1990 (1990-02-18)	7G09	27.6
Homer becomes envious of Flanders' new RV and goes to "Bob's RV Round-up" to buy one of his own. Settling on a dilapidated camper, he takes the family camping and in the process destroys the RV. Leaving Lisa and Marge behind, Bart and Homer try to find their way back to civilization, but have little luck. Later on, Homer is mistaken for Bigfoot and captured. Marge, Bart and Lisa are saved and Homer is released, although scientists say that they can not determine which species he belongs to. Guest star: Albert Brooks.
8	8	"The Telltale Head"	Rich Moore	Al Jean, Mike Reiss, Sam Simon & Matt Groening	February 25, 1990 (1990-02-25)	7G07	28
Bart becomes friends with Jimbo, Dolph, and Kearney, a group of local troublemakers. Trying to impress them, Bart decides to cut off and steal the head of the statue of Jebediah Springfield. The next day, the entire town grieves for the vandalized statue and Bart discovers that his new friends want to attack the vandal. Feeling remorse, Bart confesses to his family and Homer and Bart take the head back to the statue after passing through the furious people. Notes: First episode to feature Krusty, Sideshow Bob and Reverend Lovejoy.
9	9	"Life on the Fast Lane"	David Silverman	John Swartzwelder	March 18, 1990 (1990-03-18)	7G11	33.5
Having forgotten about Marge's birthday, Homer rushes to the Springfield mall and impulsively buys her a bowling ball. Marge is not impressed with the gift and after discovering that he intends to use it, she decides to spite him by going bowling herself. While at the alley, she meets Jacques, a charming French bowling instructor, who offers her lessons. Jacques begins to fall for Marge and invites her to his apartment. Although she agrees, Marge undergoes a moral dilemma. In the end, Marge visits Homer at the nuclear plant. Guest star: Albert Brooks.
10	10	"Homer's Night Out"	Rich Moore	Jon Vitti	March 25, 1990 (1990-03-25)	7G10	30.3
Bart purchases a mini spy camera and manages to take a picture of Homer dancing next to stripper named Princess Kashmir at a co-worker's strip club party. He gives copies of the picture to his friends, and eventually the picture starts to circulate around until eventually Marge sees it. She kicks Homer out of the house, but the next day explains that she is not upset about him dancing next to a woman, but rather that Bart saw it. She demands that he take Bart and go apologize to Princess Kashmir. Homer agrees and says that he is ready to start respecting women. Guest star: Sam McMurray.
11	11	"The Crepes of Wrath"	Wes Archer & Milton Gray	George Meyer, Sam Simon, John Swartzwelder & Jon Vitti	April 15, 1990 (1990-04-15)	7G13	31.2
Principal Skinner finally becomes fed up with Bart's pranks and proposes that Bart be sent to France as part of the student exchange program. The family agrees and Bart is sent to a "beautiful chateau", which is actually a dilapidated wine making facility. Bart is treated like a slave by two unscrupulous winemakers, César and Ugolin, who eventually feed him wine tainted with antifreeze. Meanwhile, an Albanian boy named Adil starts to live with the Simpsons who, unbeknownst to Homer, is a spy sent by his country to obtain nuclear blueprints. Back in France, Bart learns French and reports the winemakers' crimes to the authorities. Note: First episode to feature Agnes Skinner.
12	12	"Krusty Gets Busted"	Brad Bird	Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky	April 29, 1990 (1990-04-29)	7G12	30.4
While buying ice cream at the Kwik-E-Mart, Homer witnesses a robbery perpetrated by a man believed to be Krusty the Clown, host of "Krusty the Clown Show", Bart's favorite program. Krusty is sent to jail and his show is taken over by his assistant, Sideshow Bob. Bart is certain that Krusty is innocent, and gathers evidence to support his claim, which he takes to "Krusty's bestest friend", Sideshow Bob. Bart realizes that the robbery was actually committed by Bob, who was trying to frame Krusty. Bob is arrested and Krusty thanks Bart for saving him. Guest star: Kelsey Grammer. Note: First episode to feature Kent Brockman.
13	13	"Some Enchanted Evening"	David Silverman & Kent Butterworth	Matt Groening & Sam Simon	May 13, 1990 (1990-05-13)	7G01	27.1
Marge, feeling unappreciated by Homer, makes a call to a radio therapist, which Homer overhears at work. Homer, wanting to make it up to Marge, decides to take her to dinner at a fancy restaurant and hires a babysitter to take care of Bart and Lisa. They are sent Ms. Botz, who Bart and Lisa soon discover is actually a burglar nicknamed "The Babysitter Bandit". They are captured by Ms. Botz and tied up but eventually are freed by Maggie. Bart and Lisa capture Ms. Botz and call the police. Meanwhile, Marge and Homer return home and find Ms. Botz is tied up. Homer, unaware of her true identity, frees her and Ms. Botz makes a clean getaway just moments before the police arrive. Guest stars: June Foray, Penny Marshall and Paul Willson.

Season 2 (1990–91)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 2)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
14	1	"Bart Gets an "F""	David Silverman	David M. Stern	October 11, 1990 (1990-10-11)	7F03	33.6
Bart fails a test and is told that he has one more chance to pass it or else he will be held back a year. Bart tries to get the class genius Martin Prince to help him, but after that fails, Bart prays for help. That night, Springfield is hit with a massive blizzard and the school is closed, giving Bart one more day to study. Despite his desperate attempts, Bart fails the test again. While crying, he mentions an obscure historical event and Mrs. Krabappel, noting that he applied practical knowledge, passes him.
15	2	"Simpson and Delilah"	Rich Moore	Jon Vitti	October 18, 1990 (1990-10-18)	7F02	29.9
Homer discovers a new miracle hair growth formula called Dimoxinil and cheats on some insurance forms so that he can buy some. Homer grows hair overnight and is soon given a promotion at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. He gets a new secretary named Karl, who helps him become successful. However, Mr. Burns' assistant Waylon Smithers becomes jealous of all the attention Burns is giving Homer and discovers that Homer had cheated on the insurance forms. Smithers tries to fire Homer, but Karl claims he cheated on the forms and is fired in Homer's stead. Bart spills Homer's remaining Dimoxinil and Homer loses all of his hair. As a result, Homer is demoted back to his old position. Guest star: Harvey Fierstein.
16	3	"Treehouse of Horror"	Rich Moore, Wes Archer & David Silverman	John Swartzwelder, Jay Kogen, Wallace Wolodarsky, Edgar Allan Poe & Sam Simon	October 25, 1990 (1990-10-25)	7F04	27.4
A Halloween special which is divided into three short stories: Bad Dream House - In this parody of the book The Amityville Horror, the Simpsons move into a new house which turns out to be cursed. Hungry are the Damned - In this parody of the 89th episode of The Twilight Zone, "To Serve Man", the Simpsons are abducted by aliens, who plan to take them back to their home planet, but Lisa becomes suspicious of their intentions. The Raven - A retelling of Edgar Allan Poe's poem "The Raven". Guest star: James Earl Jones.
17	4	"Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish"	Wes Archer	Sam Simon & John Swartzwelder	November 1, 1990 (1990-11-01)	7F01	26.1
After Bart catches a three-eyed fish in a river downstream of the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, the Plant is inspected and found to have 342 violations, which would cost $56 million to rectify. In order to prevent his Plant from being shut down, Mr. Burns decides to run for Governor. After a hard campaign which sees Burns rise from being universally despised to running neck and neck with incumbent Mary Bailey, it is decided that Burns will have dinner with a random employee the night before the election. Homer is chosen, much to Marge's chagrin. Marge serves the three eyed fish to Burns for dinner, who can not eat it and as a result, loses the election.
18	5	"Dancin' Homer"	Mark Kirkland	Ken Levine & David Isaacs	November 8, 1990 (1990-11-08)	7F05	26.1
Homer fires up the crowd at a Springfield Isotopes game and is chosen to be the team's new mascot. He immediately becomes a popular attraction and the Isotopes start a winning streak. As a result, Homer is promoted to the team in Capital City. The Simpsons move to Capital City, but Homer fails to enthrall the crowd, and returns home. Guest star: Tom Poston and Tony Bennett.
19	6	"Dead Putting Society"	Rich Moore	Jeff Martin	November 15, 1990 (1990-11-15)	7F08	25.4
Ned Flanders invites Homer to his house for a beer. Homer, seeing how nice Ned's house is, becomes jealous, causing Flanders to angrily ask him to leave. Flanders immediately regrets his outburst and tries to make up with Homer, who remains defiant. One day while mini golfing, Bart and Flanders' son Todd Flanders decide to enter a mini golf tournament. Homer becomes confident that Bart will win and makes a bet with Ned that the father of the boy who does not win will have to mow their neighbor's lawn in their wife's Sunday dress. On the day of the tournament, Bart and Todd make the finals but decide to call it a draw, forcing both Homer and Ned to fulfill the requirements of their bet.
20	7	"Bart vs. Thanksgiving"	David Silverman	George Meyer	November 22, 1990 (1990-11-22)	7F07	25.9
When he is blamed for ruining Thanksgiving, Bart runs away and finds a soup kitchen and some homeless men. Eventually, Bart returns home, intending to apologize but has last minute thoughts and climbs to the roof of The Simpsons house where he hears Lisa sobbing. He apologizes to her, and the family happily enjoys a meal of leftovers.
21	8	"Bart the Daredevil"	Wesley Meyer Archer	Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky	December 6, 1990 (1990-12-06)	7F06	26.2
The Simpsons go to a monster truck rally that features famous daredevil Lance Murdock. Bart immediately becomes enamored and decides that he wants to become a daredevil as well. Bart's first stunt ends in injury and despite the family and Dr. Hibbert's best efforts, he continues to attempt stunts. Bart decides to jump the Springfield gorge, but Homer gets wind of his plan and makes Bart promise not to jump it. Bart immediately breaks his promise and goes to jump the gorge anyway, but Homer stops him just in time and finally gets Bart to swear he will stop being a daredevil. Homer accidentally ends up having to jump the gorge himself, failing in the attempt.
22	9	"Itchy & Scratchy & Marge"	Jim Reardon	John Swartwelder	December 20, 1990 (1990-12-20)	7F09	22.2
Maggie attacks Homer with a mallet, and Marge immediately blames The Itchy & Scratchy Show for turning her violent. Marge forms S.N.U.H. (Springfieldians for Nonviolence, Understanding, and Helping) and campaigns against the show. Eventually she successfully gets the writers to change their ways and make the show less violent. Meanwhile, Michelangelo's David goes on a coast-to-coast tour of the U.S., and the members of S.N.U.H. mobilize to protest it. Marge, however, states that she likes the statue and realizes that it is wrong to censor one form of art but not another and decides to give up her anti-cartoon violence protest. Guest star: Alex Rocco.
23	10	"Bart Gets Hit by a Car"	Mark Kirkland	John Swartzwelder	January 10, 1991 (1991-01-10)	7F10	24.8
One day, Bart is skateboarding when he is suddenly hit by Mr. Burns's car. An attorney named Lionel Hutz suggests that the Simpsons sue Burns, promising a big cash settlement. Homer agrees, and he and Hutz spend time fabricating Bart's story, taking him to see Dr. Nick Riviera, who has dubious credentials. Marge opposes suing Burns and would be happy with him paying Bart's medical bills and apologizing. Burns eventually finds out about the phony doctor and Marge is called to the witness stand during the trial. She refuses to lie, and her testimony leads to the trial being lost. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
24	11	"One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish"	Wesley M. Archer	Nell Scovell	January 24, 1991 (1991-01-24)	7F11	24.2
The Simpsons go to a new Sushi bar, where Homer takes a liking to the food and decides to try Fugu, which is poisonous if not cut properly. Homer's fugu is not, and he is taken to the hospital where he is told he has 22 hours to live. Homer makes a list of things he wants to do, and spends his last day making amends with Grampa and talking to his children. Homer accepts his fate, but it turns out that he was not poisoned after all and vows to live life to its fullest. Guest star: Larry King and George Takei.
25	12	"The Way We Was"	David Silverman	Al Jean & Mike Reiss and Sam Simon	January 31, 1991 (1991-01-31)	7F12	26.8
In the first Simpsons flashback episode, Marge tells the story of how she and Homer met in high school in 1974. Marge and Homer meet for the first time during detention and he immediately tries to get Marge to be his date for the prom. She initially agrees, but ends up attending with Artie Ziff. In the end, Marge regrets going with Artie, and reveals that she has fallen in love with Homer. Guest star: Jon Lovitz.
26	13	"Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment"	Rich Moore	Steve Pepoon	February 7, 1991 (1991-02-07)	7F13	26.2
Homer gets an illegal cable hook up. Despite their enjoyment of the new channels, Lisa becomes suspicious that they are stealing cable. Her suspicions are confirmed by Reverend Lovejoy and Lisa protests by no longer watching television. Meanwhile, Homer invites his friends over to watch a boxing match, but Lisa's protest gets to him. He decides not to watch the fight and cuts the cable. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
27	14	"Principal Charming"	Mark Kirkland	David M. Stern	February 14, 1991 (1991-02-14)	7F15	23.9
Selma begs Marge to help her find a husband and she enlists Homer's help. Meanwhile, Bart gets in trouble at school and Homer is brought in to talk to Principal Skinner, who he decides would be perfect for Selma. Homer invites Skinner to dinner, but he falls in love with Patty instead of Selma. Patty and Skinner start dating, much to Selma's unhappiness. Skinner proposes to Patty, but she rejects him because of her bond with Selma.
28	15	"Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?"	W.M. "Bud" Archer	Jeff Martin	February 21, 1991 (1991-02-21)	7F16	26.8
Grampa confesses that Homer has a half-brother, who immediately tries to track him down. Homer eventually discovers that his half brother is Herbert Powell, the head of a car manufacturer in Detroit. Herb immediately starts to bond with Bart and Lisa and he invites Homer to design his own car. Homer's car design is a disaster, causing Herb to become bankrupt. Guest star: Danny DeVito.
29	16	"Bart's Dog Gets an "F""	Jim Reardon	Jon Vitti	March 7, 1991 (1991-03-07)	7F14	23.9
Homer becomes fed up with Santa's Little Helper, who continually destroys things. He says he will get rid of him unless he goes to an obedience school. Bart, Lisa and Maggie have grown to love the dog and promise to train him. Santa's Little Helper does poorly there, as Bart is unwilling to use a choke chain. The night before the final exam, Bart and Santa's Little Helper play on Lisa's suggestion, thinking it will be their last few hours together. This bonding breaks down the communication barrier, meaning Santa's Little Helper can now understand Bart's commands, thus passing obedience school much to the family (except Homer)'s happiness. Meanwhile, Lisa has the mumps. Guest star: Tracey Ullman.
30	17	"Old Money"	David Silverman	Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky	March 28, 1991 (1991-03-28)	7F17	21.2
Grampa falls in love with a woman named Beatrice Simmons. On Bea's birthday, Grampa tries to celebrate it, but he is dragged away by Homer. Bea dies that night and Grampa blames Homer for causing him to miss her last moments. After the funeral, Grampa receives $106,000. Bea's ghost appears and she tells him to forgive Homer and spend his money on a worthy cause. Guest star: Audrey Meadows and Phil Hartman
31	18	"Brush with Greatness"	Jim Reardon	Brian K. Roberts	April 11, 1991 (1991-04-11)	7F18	20.6
After discovering some old paintings she did of Ringo Starr, Marge decides to take an art class at Springfield Community College. There, she becomes the top student and wins the college art show. Meanwhile, Mr. Burns needs a painting for the Burns Wing of the Springfield Art Museum, and asks Marge to paint him. At first, she has trouble painting such an evil man, but then decides to paint him naked and frail. Everyone, even Burns, praises Marge's painting. Guest star: Ringo Starr and Jon Lovitz.
32	19	"Lisa's Substitute"	Rich Moore	Jon Vitti	April 25, 1991 (1991-04-25)	7F19	17.7
When Ms. Hoover falls ill with a suspected case of Lyme disease, she is replaced by substitute teacher Mr. Bergstrom. Because of his unorthodox teaching methods, Lisa quickly takes a liking to him. Just as Lisa is about to ask Mr. Bergstrom over to her parents house for dinner, Ms. Hoover returns. Meanwhile, Bart runs for class president against Martin Prince, but loses due to the fact that nobody in the class voted, with the exception of Martin and one of his supporters. Guest star: Dustin Hoffman (as "Sam Etic").
33	20	"The War of the Simpsons"	Mark Kirkland	John Swartzwelder	May 2, 1991 (1991-05-02)	7F20	19.7
After Homer gets drunk at a party, Marge decides to sign them up for a marriage counseling retreat. Homer finds out that the retreat will be held at Catfish Lake and packs his fishing equipment, despite Marge telling him that all they will be doing is resolving their differences. At the lake the next morning, Homer tries to sneak away to go fishing, but Marge catches him and he takes a walk instead. On the dock, Homer finds an abandoned fishing pole. The pole, with the legendary Catfish named General Sherman on the line, yanks him off the pier into a small rowboat, and onto the lake. Homer catches his fish and when he sees Marge upset, immediately lets it go to prove his love for her.
34	21	"Three Men and a Comic Book"	Wes M. Archer	Jeff Martin	May 9, 1991 (1991-05-09)	7F21	21
Bart, Milhouse and Martin Prince pool their money together to buy the first Radioactive Man comic from Comic Book Guy. They discover that they are unable to share the comic and due to their mistrust of each other, end up destroying it. Guest star: Cloris Leachman and Daniel Stern.
35	22	"Blood Feud"	David Silverman	George Meyer	July 11, 1991 (1991-07-11)	7F22	17.3
After Mr. Burns falls ill and desperately needs a blood transfusion, Homer discovers Bart has Burns's rare blood type. Homer urges his son to donate some, promising that they will be handsomely rewarded. However having received the blood, all Burns does is send the family a card. Enraged, Homer writes an insulting reply, but Marge convinces him at the last minute not to send it, but Bart unknowingly mails it anyway. Mr. Burns becomes furious and demands that Homer be beaten. Smithers calls off the beating, however, on the grounds that this action is no way to thank the man who saved Mr. Burns's life. He convinces Burns to instead buy the family a present.

Season 3 (1991–92)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 3)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
36	1	"Stark Raving Dad"	Rich Moore	Al Jean & Mike Reiss	September 19, 1991 (1991-09-19)	7F24	22.9
Homer's sanity is called into question when he arrives at work wearing a pink shirt. After Bart takes Homer's mental stability test for him, Homer is committed to a mental hospital where he meets a big, hulking bald man who says his name is Michael Jackson. Meanwhile, Lisa is depressed over her upcoming eighth birthday, but is very happy in the end to receive a song that is written specially for her birthday. Guest star: Michael Jackson (under the pseudonym of "John Jay Smith") and Kipp Lennon.
37	2	"Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington"	Wes Archer	George Meyer	September 26, 1991 (1991-09-26)	8F01	20.2
While reading a copy of Reading Digest, Homer finds an entry form for an essay contest for which Lisa signs up. When she wins the contest, she and the family travel to Washington, D.C. where the finals are to be held. Here, Lisa bears witness to the seedy underbelly of politics and becomes bitterly disappointed after learning of a bribery scandal involving Springfield's state congressman. In her final essay, she disdains and condemns the government system, which leads to the arrest of the corrupt congressman. While she fails to win the contest, her faith in government is restored.
38	3	"When Flanders Failed"	Jim Reardon	Jon Vitti	October 3, 1991 (1991-10-03)	7F23	22.8
Homer makes a wish for Ned Flanders to be a financial failure. The wish comes to life when Flanders's store catering to left handed people goes out of business, causing the Flanders family to end up financially in trouble. When finding out that Ned’s house is to be repossessed, Homer feels guilty and decides to help by telling all the left-handed population of Springfield about the Leftorium and calling in a few favors from his friends. This helps Ned keep the store and get his house back. Meanwhile, Bart goes to the Japanese bartender Akira and takes karate lessons, but quits after he discovers that it is not as interesting as he had expected it to be.
39	4	"Bart the Murderer"	Rich Moore	John Swartzwelder	October 10, 1991 (1991-10-10)	8F03	20.8
After having a terrible day at school, Bart stumbles upon the "Legitimate Businessman's Social Club" Mafia bar where the leader, Fat Tony, hires him to work as their permanent bartender. However, when Principal Skinner ends up missing for nearly a week, Bart is immediately blamed for murdering him, causing Bart to get sent to court. As Bart is about to get convicted, the principal shows up which leads to Bart being cleared of all the charges. Guest star: Joe Mantegna, Neil Patrick Harris.
40	5	"Homer Defined"	Mark Kirkland	Howard Gewirtz	October 17, 1991 (1991-10-17)	8F04	20.6
Homer accidentally saves the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant and is ashamed when people mistake him for a hero. When another impending meltdown threatens the Shelbyville plant, he is asked to perform his heroic deeds once again. He is lucky again, but this time he is derided as a lucky imbecile, even more so than he was hailed as a hero. Meanwhile, Milhouse's mom forbids him to be friends with Bart as she feels he is a bad influence on him. Guest star: Magic Johnson, Chick Hearn and Jon Lovitz.
41	6	"Like Father, Like Clown"	Jeffrey Lynch & Brad Bird	Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky	October 24, 1991 (1991-10-24)	8F05	20.2
When Krusty comes over to the Simpsons’ house for dinner, he reveals to them that he is of Jewish heritage, and that his father, Rabbi Krustofski disowned him for pursuing a career in comedy, and not a successful career as a rabbi. Krusty starts to fall apart and Bart and Lisa decide to contact the rabbi and convince him to forgive Krusty. The rabbi at first refuses to see Krusty, but Bart convinces him to do so, and the two reunite. Guest star: Jackie Mason.
42	7	"Treehouse of Horror II"	Jim Reardon	Al Jean, Mike Reiss, Jeff Martin, George Meyer, Sam Simon & John Swartzwelder	October 31, 1991 (1991-10-31)	8F02	20
When Homer, Bart, and Lisa eat a ton of candy, the three begin having various nightmares: Lisa's nightmare (The Monkey's Paw): The Simpsons visit Morocco and find a monkey's paw that makes all their wishes come true – with dire consequences. Bart's nightmare (The Bart Zone): In this parody of theTwilight Zone episode "It's a Good Life", the town of Springfield must think happy thoughts or suffer the powers of Bart's twisted imagination. Homer's nightmare (If I Only Had a Brain): In a parody of the 1931 film Frankenstein, Mr. Burns kills Homer so he can transplant his brain into a robot to create a super-efficient worker.
43	8	"Lisa's Pony"	Carlos Baeza	Al Jean & Mike Reiss	November 7, 1991 (1991-11-07)	8F06	23
When Lisa requires a new saxophone reed for her talent recital, she asks Homer, who immediately promises to buy her one. Though when Homer breaks his promise, he makes up for it by giving Lisa the one thing she had always wanted, a pony named Princess. With a new pony in the house, Homer struggles with two jobs to cover the cost. Lisa, upon seeing what Homer must go through to pay for the pony, decides to sell it. Guest star: Frank Welker.
44	9	"Saturdays of Thunder"	Jim Reardon	Ken Levine & David Isaacs	November 14, 1991 (1991-11-14)	8F07	24.7
After taking a fatherhood quiz, Homer realizes that he knows nothing about Bart, and in the result, strives to be a better father after learning that Bart is one of the racers in the Soapbox Derby. Their entry is not very good, so Bart decides to drive Martin Prince's much nicer racer. Homer is at first devastated, but decides that he must be a good father and support Bart. Bart later goes on to win the race.
45	10	"Flaming Moe's"	Rich Moore & Alan Smart	Robert Cohen	November 21, 1991 (1991-11-21)	8F08	23.9
One night at Moe's Tavern, Homer tells Moe Szyslak of a secret alcoholic cocktail made with cough syrup and fire that he calls "Flaming Homer". When Moe tries Homer's recipe in the bar, he finds it boosts his business and patronage, so Moe steals the recipe from Homer. Later, Moe is about to sell the recipe for $1,000,000 but Homer comes and divulges the secret ingredient, only to find out that Moe was planning to split the million with him. Guest star: Aerosmith.
46	11	"Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk"	Mark Kirkland	Jon Vitti	December 5, 1991 (1991-12-05)	8F09	21.1
The stock in the Nuclear Plant skyrockets amid rumors of a takeover meaning that all the workers get rich, except for Homer who has sold his stockholding for a mere $25 and fears that he will lose his job. The rumors prove true as two German businessmen buy the plant from Mr. Burns for $100 million and fire Homer for incompetence. Mr. Burns decides to buy the plant back when he discovers that his former employees no longer fear him. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
47	12	"I Married Marge"	Jeffrey Lynch	Jeff Martin	December 26, 1991 (1991-12-26)	8F10	21.9
After worrying that she may yet again be pregnant, Marge drives to Dr. Hibbert's office. While anxiously waiting, Homer begins to tell Bart, Lisa, and Maggie about how he and Marge got married at a quickie wedding chapel, and how he attempted to prove to Marge's sisters that he can provide for their upcoming child.
48	13	"Radio Bart"	Carlos Baeza	Jon Vitti	January 9, 1992 (1992-01-09)	8F11	24.2
When Bart's birthday party turns into a disaster, he uses a radio transmitter microphone Homer gave him to play pranks on other citizens. He decides to throw a radio down an old well and tricks the town into thinking a little boy is stuck in it. At first he is successful, but Lisa reminds him that he left a "property of Bart Simpson" label on the radio and goes to retrieve it. Bart becomes trapped in the well and while the town decides to leave him there, Homer frantically tries to rescue him. Guest star: Sting.
49	14	"Lisa the Greek"	Rich Moore	Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky	January 23, 1992 (1992-01-23)	8F12	23.2
Homer begins to bond with Lisa after learning her unique and convenient ability to pick winning American football teams. However, Homer secretly takes advantage of Lisa's ability, using it to gamble money off Moe. When Homer selfishly chooses going bowling with Barney instead of going on a mountain hike with Lisa, Lisa finds out Homer had only been using her for gambling, and refuses to speak to him until he fully understands her.
50	15	"Homer Alone"	Mark Kirkland	David M. Stern	February 6, 1992 (1992-02-06)	8F14	23.7
The family's dependence on Marge causes Marge to suffer a nervous breakdown during her early morning errands, and she decides to go to a spa resort to calm down. Homer, meanwhile, has to care for the troublesome Maggie while Bart and Lisa spend their time with their spinster aunts, Patty and Selma. The entire family realizes how much they need Marge to take care of things, and everybody is happy when she eventually returns from the spa. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
51	16	"Bart the Lover"	Carlos Baeza	Jon Vitti	February 13, 1992 (1992-02-13)	8F16	20.5
When a yo-yo craze sweeps over Springfield Elementary School, Bart's errant yo-yo happens to break a fish tank, killing the class goldfish. Edna Krabappel sentences Bart to a month of detention. Bart decides to write phony love letters to her under the guise of a man who responded to her personal ad. Meanwhile, Homer tries to cut back on swearing after Flanders complains that Todd is picking up on the foul language.
52	17	"Homer at the Bat"	Jim Reardon	John Swartzwelder	February 20, 1992 (1992-02-20)	8F13	24.6
The Springfield Nuclear Power Plant softball team proves to be a huge success with Homer as their official star player. But after Mr. Burns makes a bet with Shelbyville Nuclear Power Plant owner Aristotle Amadopoulis, he hires nine professional baseball players to fill out the team. However, eight of those ringers fall victim to separate misfortunes, and Burns is forced to turn to his regular employees, who win the game. Guest star: Wade Boggs, Jose Canseco, Roger Clemens, Ken Griffey, Jr., Don Mattingly, Steve Sax, Mike Scioscia, Ozzie Smith, Terry Cashman and Darryl Strawberry.
53	18	"Separate Vocations"	Jeffrey Lynch	George Meyer	February 27, 1992 (1992-02-27)	8F15	23.7
The school makes the students take an aptitude test, and it ends up suggesting Bart become a policeman and Lisa become a homemaker instead of a professional jazz musician. While Lisa becomes a troublemaker, Bart improves his grades and behavior and is chosen to be Principal Skinner's newest hall monitor. Guest star: Steve Allen.
54	19	"Dog of Death"	Jim Reardon	John Swartzwelder	March 12, 1992 (1992-03-12)	8F17	23.4
Santa's Little Helper falls ill and the family must make budget cuts in order to pay for his operation. Although his own life is saved, the family begins getting angry with him for losing out on their favorite things so he runs away. Santa's Little Helper ends up in the possession of Mr. Burns, who trains him to become a vicious attack dog. Bart stumbles across the new Santa's Little Helper and is attacked, but Santa's Little Helper recognizes Bart and decides to stop the attack.
55	20	"Colonel Homer"	Mark Kirkland	Matt Groening	March 26, 1992 (1992-03-26)	8F19	25.5
After his behavior at the movie theater embarrasses Marge, Homer and Marge have a large argument, causing Homer to head to a redneck bar where he meets a beautiful barmaid named Lurleen Lumpkin with a talent for singing. Homer becomes her manager and does everything he can to make Lurleen famous, but it takes a very long time for him to notice Lurleen has fallen in love with him. With Marge already upset and thinking Homer's the one with the roving eyes, it is time for him to decide on his romantic future. Guest star: Beverly D'Angelo.
56	21	"Black Widower"	David Silverman	Story by: Thomas Chastain & Sam Simon Teleplay by: Jon Vitti	April 9, 1992 (1992-04-09)	8F20	17.3
Selma reveals that she has a new boyfriend that she met through the prison pen-pal program, Sideshow Bob. Bart is immediately suspicious of Bob, but Bob does everything he can to romance Selma and prove he's changed. After Selma and Bob are married, Bob reveals that he plans to kill Selma, but he is stopped by Bart. Guest star: Kelsey Grammer.
57	22	"The Otto Show"	Wes Archer	Jeff Martin	April 23, 1992 (1992-04-23)	8F21	17.5
Otto crashes the school bus, and is later discovered that he never actually owned a real driver's license, prompting authorities to fire him. Otto then moves in with the Simpsons after he has been evicted, and attempts to teach Bart to learn to play the guitar, though with difficulty. But it's the way he enrages Homer that might provide an inadvertent return ticket to his beloved bus-driving job. Guest star: Christopher Guest and Michael McKean.
58	23	"Bart's Friend Falls in Love"	Jim Reardon	Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky	May 7, 1992 (1992-05-07)	8F22	19.5
Milhouse falls in love with the new girl, Samantha Stankey, jeopardizing Bart and Milhouse's friendship. Bart eventually calls Samantha's father and lets him know what is happening. Her father takes her away, which leads to Bart and Millhouse having a fight. Meanwhile, Homer orders a subliminal cassette tape to help him lose weight, but is sent one that helps him increase his vocabulary after the weight-loss tapes were sold out. Guest star: Kimmy Robertson.
59	24	"Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?"	Rich Moore	John Swartzwelder	August 27, 1992 (1992-08-27)	8F23	17.2
When the radiation from the Nuclear Power Plant causes Homer to become infertile, he is awarded a complete $2,000 compensation. Meanwhile, Homer's half-brother, Herb, now living on the streets, returns with a plan on how to regain his name, wealth, and life back and reluctantly turns to Homer for help. Herb asks for Homer's $2,000 so he can develop a new product that will translate baby gibberish into speech. Guest star: Danny DeVito and Joe Frazier.

Season 4 (1992–93)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 4)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
60	1	"Kamp Krusty"	Mark Kirkland	David M. Stern	September 24, 1992 (1992-09-24)	8F24	21.8
Bart and Lisa go to Kamp Krusty for the summer in order to have a break from their parents and meet Krusty the Clown. However, their promises of a fun summer at Kamp Krusty are broken when the director of the camp, Mr. Black, is revealed to be a ferocious accountant and that the camp counselors are the three teenage bullies from school. Meanwhile, Homer is rejuvenated with the kids gone and even begins to regain his hair and lose weight. All of the kids at the camp are treated horribly and Bart survives by clinging to the promise that Krusty himself will soon arrive. However, when this does not happen, Bart leads the campers into a rebellion and they eventually take over the camp. Homer sees a news report about this and immediately loses his hair and regains his lost weight. The real Krusty arrives at the camp and decides to make it up to the kids by taking them to Tijuana, Mexico.
61	2	"A Streetcar Named Marge"	Rich Moore	Jeff Martin	October 1, 1992 (1992-10-01)	8F18	18.3
Marge is cast in a musical production of A Streetcar Named Desire as Blanche DuBois after the play director sees Marge's deep-seated depression when dealing with an uncaring Homer. She struggles with a scene where she has to shove a glass bottle into the brutish Stanley Kowalski (who is played by Ned Flanders), but manages to get over it by imagining Homer as Stanley. Marge begins to become extremely angry with Homer as she sees parallels between him and Stanley. At the end of the musical, Marge believes Homer does not pay attention to her and confronts him with hostility. However, Homer explains that he was genuinely moved by Blanche's situation. Marge realizes that Homer really did watch the musical, and the two happily leave the theater with Stan's saddened expression left behind. Meanwhile, Maggie is sent to the Ayn Rand School for Tots where she attempts to retrieve her pacifier from a strict daycare attendant. Guest star: Jon Lovitz and Phil Hartman
62	3	"Homer the Heretic"	Jim Reardon	George Meyer	October 8, 1992 (1992-10-08)	9F01	19.3
While skipping Sunday's church services, Homer discovers the joy of staying home and having the house all to himself while Marge and the kids experience a rambling sermon from Reverend Lovejoy. Homer decides to start his very own religion customized for himself, despite Marge's continuing objections for giving up his faith. Marge, Reverend Lovejoy and Ned Flanders all try to convert Homer back to his Christianity religion but fail. The next Sunday morning, Homer once again stays at home, but accidentally sets the house on fire and is rescued by Flanders. After the blaze is extinguished, Reverend Lovejoy suggests that God was working in the hearts of Homer's friends, despite their different faiths and this convinces Homer to give church another try. First appearance of God.
63	4	"Lisa the Beauty Queen"	Mark Kirkland	Jeff Martin	October 15, 1992 (1992-10-15)	9F02	19
Lisa's self-esteem breaks off after she sees a crude drawing of herself at Springfield Elementary's fair. When Homer wins the Duff Beer raffle and a ticket to ride on the Duff Blimp, he sacrifices the ticket for the money in order to get Lisa entered into a beauty pageant. Although originally reluctant to enter, she competes and finishes second. However, after the winner is hospitalized, Lisa is declared the new Little Miss Springfield. She is forced to become a shill for Laramie Cigarettes and after seeing children smoking, decides to fight back by protesting against the dangers of cigarettes, and also vows to target the corruption of Mayor Quimby. Quimby and the Laramie officials meet and use a technicality to dethrone Lisa. Homer is upset that Lisa lost her title, but Lisa reminds him that he originally entered her in the contest to help her self-esteem, which it has, and she thanks him. Guest star: Bob Hope.
64	5	"Treehouse of Horror III"	Carlos Baeza	Al Jean, Mike Reiss, Jay Kogen, Wallace Wolodarsky, Sam Simon & Jon Vitti	October 29, 1992 (1992-10-29)	9F04	25.1
In the third Treehouse of Horror episode, the Simpson family holds a Halloween party and several family members tell scary stories: Clown Without Pity - In Lisa's story, Homer buys Bart a Krusty doll which turns out to be evil and tries to kill Homer. King Homer - In Grampa's story, a King Kong parody, Mr. Burns decides to hire Marge Bouvier to trap an ape beast who looks like Homer. Dial "Z" for Zombie - In Bart's story, Bart discovers an occult book and tries to use one of the spells to bring back the family cat, but instead, he accidentally summons a horde of zombies.
65	6	"Itchy & Scratchy: The Movie"	Rich Moore	John Swartzwelder	November 3, 1992 (1992-11-03)	9F03	20.1
At Springfield Elementary's Parent Teacher night, Mrs. Krabappel tells Homer and Marge about Bart's behavior. Wanting Bart to one day become Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Homer decides to punish Bart. However, he never makes his punishments stick and Bart continues on his destructive path. Marge confronts Homer and he agrees that next time he will make his punishment stick. Meanwhile, Bart finds out that Itchy & Scratchy: The Movie is about to hit theaters and immediately buys a ticket. However, when Bart one day forgets to watch Maggie, Homer bans Bart from ever seeing the movie. Bart tries everything to see the movie, but Homer refuses to budge and after the movie closes, Homer declares that one day Bart will thank him. In a flashforward forty years into the future, Homer and Bart, now Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, decide to watch the movie together. Note: First appearance of Bumblebee Man.
66	7	"Marge Gets a Job"	Jeff Lynch	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	November 5, 1992 (1992-11-05)	9F05	22.9
The Simpsons' house begins sinking into the ground. Marge decides to earn extra money to repair the foundation by working at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant and Homer is dismayed about having to work alongside his wife. However, Mr. Burns falls deeply in love with her and begins to seduce her. However, Marge resists and Burns fires her after discovering she is married. Homer stands up for Marge and an impressed Mr. Burns treats them to a free Tom Jones concert. Meanwhile, Bart continually fakes sick to get out of taking a test. Guest star: Tom Jones and Phil Hartman.
67	8	"New Kid on the Block"	Wes Archer	Conan O'Brien	November 12, 1992 (1992-11-12)	9F06	23.1
The Simpsons' next door neighbors move and are replaced by a single mother, Ruth Powers and her daughter Laura. Laura becomes the object of Bart's affection but Bart becomes heart broken after learning that her boyfriend is Jimbo Jones. Meanwhile, Homer wages war against the Sea Captain's seafood restaurant The Frying Dutchman, for falsely advertising their "all-you-can-eat" buffet. Guest star: Sara Gilbert and Pamela Reed. Note: First appearances of The Sea Captain and Ruth Powers.
68	9	"Mr. Plow"	Jim Reardon	Jon Vitti	November 19, 1992 (1992-11-19)	9F07	24
After demolishing both his and Marge's family cars during a snowstorm, Homer buys a snowplow and starts a business plowing driveways. He calls his business "Mr. Plow" and becomes a huge success. Barney Gumble, inspired by Homer decides to start his own rival company and becomes Springfield's new favorite snow plower. Homer tricks Barney into plowing the dangerous Widow's Peak. Barney does so, but gets trapped in an avalanche and after seeing a news report about it, Homer rushes to save him and the two decide to work together, but God melts all of the snow. Guest star: Linda Ronstadt, Adam West
69	10	"Lisa's First Word"	Mark Kirkland	Jeff Martin	December 3, 1992 (1992-12-03)	9F08	28.6
While attempting to get Maggie to say her first word, Marge tells the story of Lisa's first word. In 1983, Marge, Homer and Bart are living in the Lower East Springfield district and Marge announces that she is pregnant. She and Homer decide to move into a house to support their bigger family and move into their present day home. Lisa is born during the 1984 Summer Olympics and Bart immediately becomes jealous of her. He tries several things mean things to her, but only manages to get himself in trouble. Bart decides to run away, but Lisa says her first word: "Bart". Bart discovers that Lisa loves him and embraces her as his sister. In the present day, Homer puts Maggie to bed, saying he wishes that she will never talk. Once he leaves, Maggie utters her first word: "daddy". Guest star: Elizabeth Taylor.
70	11	"Homer's Triple Bypass"	David Silverman	Gary Apple & Michael Carrington	December 17, 1992 (1992-12-17)	9F09	23.6
Due to his many years of eating unhealthy foods, Homer suffers a heart attack, and needs to have a triple bypass surgery. He has to choose between the $40,000 operation set by Dr. Julius Hibbert, which he cannot afford or the $129.95 operation by Dr. Nick Riviera. When he chooses the cheaper surgery, Homer begins to accept that he may die. However, the operation goes well and with a little help from Lisa, Dr. Nick saves Homer's life.
71	12	"Marge vs. the Monorail"	Rich Moore	Conan O'Brien	January 14, 1993 (1993-01-14)	9F10	23
After Mr. Burns is caught storing his excess nuclear waste inside Springfield Park's trees, he is ordered to pay the town $3 million. The town is originally set to agree to fix Main Street, but the charismatic Lyle Lanley interrupts and convinces the town to use the money to buy one of his monorails. The town embraces the suggestion and Homer is hired as the conductor, but the only person remaining not so pleased about the whole situation is Marge. She discovers suspicious evidence and visits a town that had previously purchased one of Lanley's monorails. She discovers that Lanley is indeed a con man and rushes back to town. However, she arrives too late and the monorail has begun to operate, but Homer is convinced to use an anchor to stop the train, thus saving the passengers. Guest star: Phil Hartman and Leonard Nimoy.
72	13	"Selma's Choice"	Carlos Baeza	David M. Stern	January 21, 1993 (1993-01-21)	9F11	24.5
Marge's Great Aunt Gladys Bouvier dies and the Simpsons, Patty, and Selma attend her funeral. During the reading of her video will, Gladys tells Patty and Selma not to die lonely and miserable like she did. Though Patty does not care, Selma decides that she wants a baby. Meanwhile, Homer eats a spoiled hoagie, and becomes dreadfully ill. As a result, he can not fulfill his promise of taking Bart and Lisa to Duff Gardens and Selma agrees to take them instead. However, Selma struggles with parenting and decides she is happier taking care of her pet Iguana Jub Jub. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
73	14	"Brother from the Same Planet"	Jeff Lynch	Jon Vitti	February 4, 1993 (1993-02-04)	9F12	23.8
After leaving Bart alone at soccer practice, Homer's inept parenting prompts Bart to get a "Bigger Brother" named Tom. Homer finds out about this and decides to get revenge by taking part in the "Bigger Brother" program and taking charge of a young boy names Pepi. Pepi and Homer begin to bond and Bart starts to regret taking advantage of the program. At an aquarium, Homer and Tom meet and begin to brawl and Homer is injured. Tom becomes Pepi's new Bigger Brother and Bart bonds with Homer by asking him to share his knowledge of fighting. Meanwhile, Lisa becomes addicted to calling a 1-900 number featuring a pretty-boy celebrity named Corey. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
74	15	"I Love Lisa"	Wes Archer	Frank Mula	February 11, 1993 (1993-02-11)	9F13	25.2
On Valentine's Day, everyone in Lisa's class receives a card, except Ralph Wiggum. Out of pity, Lisa quickly writes one up and gives it to him, much to Ralph's delight. Ralph begins to develop an interest in Lisa, but Lisa is not interested. However, she does not know how to get rid of him. Ralph invites her to go to Krusty's 29th Anniversary Special and she reluctantly accepts. During a televised talk session with Krusty, Ralph declares that he loves her and Lisa explodes and declares that she never liked Ralph. Ralph becomes heartbroken. For the President's Day play, Lisa is cast in a role as Martha Washington and to her horror, Ralph gets the role of George Washington. She becomes afraid that Ralph will embarrass her again, but Ralph gives a rousing performance. After the play, Lisa and Ralph decide to just be friends.
75	16	"Duffless"	Jim Reardon	David M. Stern	February 18, 1993 (1993-02-18)	9F14	25.7
After taking the Duff Brewery tour, Homer is caught driving drunk and is arrested. His license is revoked and he must attend traffic school and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. After much reluctance, Homer agrees to Marge's suggestion of giving up drinking beer for an entire month. He struggles to make it, but eventually does and decides to forgo a reward of a beer by taking Marge for a bicycle ride. Meanwhile, Bart demolishes Lisa's science project of a steroid-pumped tomato, prompting Lisa to make a science project pitting Bart against a Hamster. Guest star: Phil Hartman and Marcia Wallace.
76	17	"Last Exit to Springfield"	Mark Kirkland	Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky	March 11, 1993 (1993-03-11)	9F15	22.4
After learning that Mr. Burns' decision to revoke their dental plan has coincided with Lisa needing braces, Homer convinces his coworkers not to give up their dental plan and becomes the new head of the workers union at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. He holds talks with Mr. Burns, but these go badly because Homer is not intelligent enough to understand Burns' sly innuendos. The plant goes on strike and Mr. Burns decides to take away the electricity for the entire town. However, this just encourages the workers union and Burns decides to reach a deal with Homer. Guest star: Joyce Brothers.
77	18	"So It's Come to This: A Simpsons Clip Show"	Carlos Baeza	Jon Vitti	April 1, 1993 (1993-04-01)	9F17	25.5
In the first Simpsons clip show, it's April Fools' Day and Homer starts playing pranks upon Bart through the day. Bart, angered by the numerous amount of tricks he has fallen for, plans the ultimate revenge on Homer by shaking a can of beer so hard that it causes an explosion. While Homer ends up in a coma, the family reminisces about their past adventures. Bart eventually admits to being the cause of Homer's condition and Homer immediately awakens and begins strangling Bart.
78	19	"The Front"	Rich Moore	Adam I. Lapidus	April 15, 1993 (1993-04-15)	9F16	20.1
After watching a terribly lackluster episode of The Itchy & Scratchy Show, Bart and Lisa decide to start writing their own episodes and sending it to the studio. Roger Meyers, the CEO, immediately rejects their script due to their age. They put Grampa's name on the script and send it back, and Meyers loves it and hires Grampa. Bart and Lisa's cartoons are hugely successful and are nominated for an award. At the ceremony, Grampa finally sees an Itchy & Scratchy cartoon for the first time and is horrified. Meanwhile, Homer and Marge revisit a High School reunion, which prompts Homer to admit that he never officially graduated because he failed a science class. At the reunion, Homer wins several awards but these are revoked, causing Homer to go to night school to make up the lost credits on the class he never passed — remedial science. Guest star: Brooke Shields.
79	20	"Whacking Day"	Jeff Lynch	John Swartzwelder	April 29, 1993 (1993-04-29)	9F18	20
Bart is expelled from Springfield Elementary School, so Marge decides to home school him. Springfield's annual holiday arrives: Whacking Day, a day specifically designed to drive snakes into the town's square and club them to death. When most Springfielders celebrate the local holiday, Lisa is appalled at the upcoming celebration, but her protests fall on deaf ears. Lisa and Bart manage to convince the town about the nightmare of Whacking Day and Principal Skinner decides to allow Bart to return to school. Guest star: Barry White. Note: First appearance of Superintendent Chalmers.
80	21	"Marge in Chains"	Jim Reardon	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	May 6, 1993 (1993-05-06)	9F20	17.3
Springfield is hit with the dreaded Osaka Flu, causing many of the town to fall ill. Due to the exhaustion from having to look after the rest of her ill family, Marge accidentally forgets to pay for Grampa's bottle of bourbon when shopping at the Kwik-E-Mart. Marge is soon arrested for shoplifting and is sentenced to 30 days at Springfield's Woman Prison. Marge's absence is felt everywhere and she is welcomed back with open arms when she is released. Guest star: David Crosby.
81	22	"Krusty Gets Kancelled"	David Silverman	John Swartzwelder	May 13, 1993 (1993-05-13)	9F19	19.4
A new show about a ventriloquist dummy named Gabbo becomes the hottest show in Springfield and Krusty's show is cancelled due to low ratings. Krusty is at first downfallen at the cancellation of his show, but Bart and Lisa manage to convince him to stage a comeback special and invite his celebrity friends to take part. The special is a huge success and Krusty's show goes back on the air. Guest star: Johnny Carson, Hugh Hefner, Bette Midler, Barry White, Luke Perry, Elizabeth Taylor and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Season 5 (1993–94)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 5)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
82	1	"Homer's Barbershop Quartet"	Mark Kirkland	Jeff Martin	September 30, 1993 (1993-09-30)	9F21	19.9
In a flashback, Homer recounts his time with a barbershop quartet called The Be Sharps that also featured Principal Skinner, Apu and Chief Wiggum who was later replaced with Barney. The group became music stars with their hit song "Baby on Board" and won a Grammy. Eventually, Homer started missing his family and the group began to lose its popularity, so it broke up. Guest star: George Harrison, David Crosby and The Dapper Dans.
83	2	"Cape Feare"	Rich Moore	Jon Vitti	October 7, 1993 (1993-10-07)	9F22	20.0
Bart starts receiving threatening letters in the mail and it is soon revealed that they were sent to him by Sideshow Bob. Bob is released from prison, so Bart is placed in the Witness Relocation Program and the Simpson family is moved to Terror Lake. However, Bob follows the Simpsons there and sneaks onto the family's houseboat and tries to kill Bart. Cornered, Bart asks Bob to sing the entire score of H.M.S. Pinafore as a last request. Bob does so, and during his performance the boat drifts through Springfield and Bob is caught. Guest star: Kelsey Grammer. Title Reference: Cape Fear
84	3	"Homer Goes to College"	Jim Reardon	Conan O'Brien	October 14, 1993 (1993-10-14)	1F02	18.1
After failing a test at the nuclear plant, Homer's lack of a college degree is revealed and he is sent back to pass a nuclear physics class. Homer, having seen too many bad National Lampoon's Animal House knock-off movies, goofs off, so he is sent to a group of boys for tutoring. The boys, who are stereotypical nerds, try to help Homer, but he instead tries to help them party and decides to pull a prank on another college. They steal Springfield A&M's mascot, but his friends are caught and expelled. Homer invites them to live with him, but his family soon become angered by their new housemates, so Homer decides to try to help them get back into college. Consequentially, he fails his final exam and is convinced by Marge to return to college for another year.
85	4	"Rosebud"	Wes Archer	John Swartzwelder	October 21, 1993 (1993-10-21)	1F01	19.5
After a disastrous birthday party, Mr. Burns pines for his long-lost childhood toy, a teddy bear named Bobo. The bear ends up in the hands of Maggie and when Homer discovers this, he tries to use the bear to get a large reward from Burns. When Burns agrees, Homer tries to hand the bear over, but is stopped by Maggie. Homer, seeing that Maggie has become attached to the bear, decides not to give it back to Mr. Burns, who promises that Homer will regret the decision. Mr. Burns later returns and talks to Maggie and she eventually gives it back to him. Guest star: The Ramones.
86	5	"Treehouse of Horror IV"	David Silverman	Conan O'Brien, Greg Daniels, Dan McGrath, Bill Oakley, Josh Weinstein & Bill Canterbury	October 28, 1993 (1993-10-28)	1F04	24.0
In a parody of Night Gallery, Bart tells three scary stories based on paintings: The Devil and Homer Simpson – Homer sells his soul to the Devil (Ned Flanders) for a doughnut. Terror at 5½ Feet – While riding the bus to school, Bart discovers that there is a Gremlin on the side of the bus. Bart Simpson's Dracula – The Simpsons are invited to a dinner with Mr. Burns, where Bart and Lisa discover that Mr. Burns is a vampire. Guest star: Frank Welker and Phil Hartman.
87	6	"Marge on the Lam"	Mark Kirkland	Bill Canterbury	November 4, 1993 (1993-11-04)	1F03	21.7
Marge and neighbor Ruth Powers have a girls' night. Meanwhile, Homer tries to have fun without Marge and Lionel Hutz is hired as Bart, Lisa, and Maggie's babysitter. Homer hitches a ride home with Chief Wiggum, who is following behind Marge and Ruth and decides to pull them over. However, Ruth speeds her car up and reveals to Marge that she stole it from her ex-husband. Marge decides to stay with Ruth, but eventually the police catch up with them and the charges are dismissed. Guest star: George Fenneman, Pamela Reed and Phil Hartman.
88	7	"Bart's Inner Child"	Bob Anderson	George Meyer	November 11, 1993 (1993-11-11)	1F05	18.7
Marge realizes that she is no fun because of her constant nagging and seeks help from self-help guru Brad Goodman, who then uses Bart's irreverent attitude as a new example of how people should behave. The entire town of Springfield begins to act like Bart, who at first enjoys things but begins to feel that his role as a troublemaker is usurped. During the inaugural "Do what you feel" festival, several things go wrong and the town decides to stop acting like Bart. Guest star: James Brown, Albert Brooks and Phil Hartman.
89	8	"Boy-Scoutz 'n the Hood"	Jeffrey Lynch	Dan McGrath	November 18, 1993 (1993-11-18)	1F06	20.1
Bart and Milhouse find $20.00 on the street and buy a Squishee made entirely of syrup. After a night of bingeing and carousing, Bart wakes up to discover that he has joined a Boy Scouts-esque troupe called "The Junior Campers". Bart initially hates the group, then enjoys it, until Homer agrees to participate in their river-rafting trip. In a boat with Ned and Rod Flanders, Homer loses their map and the boat gets lost in the ocean. After being stuck out at sea for several days, they discover an oil rig with a Krusty Burger and are saved. At the end of the episode the rest of the campers including Ernest are attacked by an unknown monster at an abandoned campsite. Guest star: Ernest Borgnine.
90	9	"The Last Temptation of Homer"	Carlos Baeza	Frank Mula	December 9, 1993 (1993-12-09)	1F07	20.6
Mr. Burns hires a female worker named Mindy Simmons in accordance with government policy and Homer is worried that his crush on her will ruin his marriage with Marge. Both Mindy and Homer have feelings for each other, but in the end Homer decides not to cheat on Marge. Meanwhile, Bart becomes a nerd after doctors find several things physically wrong with him and apply treatments that make him look like a nerd. Guest star: Michelle Pfeiffer, Werner Klemperer and Phil Hartman.
91	10	"$pringfield (or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)"	Wes Archer	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	December 16, 1993 (1993-12-16)	1F08	17.9
After the local economy stalls, everyone in town votes for gambling to be legalized, prompting Mr. Burns to open a casino. Homer becomes a blackjack dealer, and Marge becomes so addicted to gambling that she forgets about her family life. Meanwhile, Bart opens up his own casino after being kicked out of Mr. Burns's and Lisa struggles to have her costume done for a school pageant. Homer agrees to help her, but does a terrible job, so he decides to go to the casino to get Marge back. Guest star: Robert Goulet and Gerry Cooney.
92	11	"Homer the Vigilante"	Jim Reardon	John Swartzwelder	January 6, 1994 (1994-01-06)	1F09	20.1
A crime wave hits Springfield, caused by the elusive cat burglar and Lisa's saxophone is stolen, so Homer agrees to try to get it back. The police are ineffective, so Flanders creates a neighborhood watch group, which Homer takes charge of. However, Homer's incompetence causes the vigilante group to commit more crimes than it prevents, and they are unsuccessful in catching the cat burglar. With the help of Grampa, Homer discovers that the burglar is a charming senior named Malloy. Malloy is arrested, but he tricks the citizens of Springfield into thinking he has hidden millions of dollars and escapes during the ensuing rush to find the money. Guest star: Sam Neill.
93	12	"Bart Gets Famous"	Susie Dietter	John Swartzwelder	February 3, 1994 (1994-02-03)	1F11	20.0
After sneaking away from a school trip to a box factory, Bart sneaks onto the set of the Krusty the Clown show. He gets a job as Krusty's production assistant and soon becomes sick of the job. One day, he is close to quitting, but Krusty runs up and says he needs to use Bart in a sketch. Bart becomes an accidental star when he says, "I didn't do it" during the botched sketch. He becomes famous but soon becomes tired of being known for one line. Marge convinces him that the main thing is to make people happy, so Bart decides to continue, but the audience soon becomes tired of Bart's act and forget about him. Guest star: Conan O'Brien.
94	13	"Homer and Apu"	Mark Kirkland	Greg Daniels	February 10, 1994 (1994-02-10)	1F10	21.8
After twice getting food poisoning from expired food sold at the Kwik-E-Mart, Homer teams up with Kent Brockman to report Apu. Apu is fired from his job and comes to stay with the Simpsons, and he is replaced by actor James Woods. Homer resolves to help Apu get his old job back, and the two travel to India to talk to the owner of the Kwik-E-Mart, but are unsuccessful. Apu decides to visit his old Kwik-E-Mart and saves James Woods' life. Woods is so grateful that he helps Apu get re-hired. Guest star: James Woods.
95	14	"Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy"	Jeffrey Lynch	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	February 17, 1994 (1994-02-17)	1F12	20.5
Lisa protests against the phrases on her new Talking Malibu Stacy doll, which she finds demeaning to women. She tracks down the reclusive creator Stacy to make a more politically correct doll. Meanwhile, Grampa is worried that he is getting old, so he takes a job at Krusty Burger. Lisa and Stacy create "Lisa Lionheart" which gets a lot of positive buzz, but is a flop when the Malibu Stacy executives release a new doll that comes with a hat. Guest star: Kathleen Turner.
96	15	"Deep Space Homer"	Carlos Baeza	David Mirkin	February 24, 1994 (1994-02-24)	1F13	18.2
NASA decides that they need to hire average joes in order to get higher television ratings. They recruit Homer and Barney to train to be the first average American in space. Homer, who wants to be respected, is the winner by default, and goes into space with Buzz Aldrin. While there, he causes a lot of havoc and eventually breaks the handle on the space shuttle's hatch. Homer inadvertently seals the door shut with an inanimate carbon rod, and the shuttle returns to Earth. The rod is hailed as a hero, but Homer gains the respect of Aldrin and his family. Guest star: Buzz Aldrin and James Taylor.
97	16	"Homer Loves Flanders"	Wes Archer	David Richardson	March 17, 1994 (1994-03-17)	1F14	18.0
Homer begins to like Flanders after being invited to a football game. However, Homer's constant presence around Flanders and his family causes Ned to feel hate for Homer. One day while trying to drive away from Homer, Flanders is arrested and charged with drunk driving. Flanders begins to lose the respect of the church congregation until Homer sticks up for him. Flanders thanks Homer and the two remain friends.
98	17	"Bart Gets an Elephant"	Jim Reardon	John Swartzwelder	March 31, 1994 (1994-03-31)	1F15	17.0
While stuck cleaning the house, Bart wins a radio contest and chooses a gag prize, an elephant, instead of the real prize, $10,000 cash. The radio station eventually gets Bart his elephant, which is named Stampy. When taking care of Stampy gets too expensive Homer decides to sell him to an ivory dealer rather than turn him over to a non-profit Animal Refuge. Bart tries to run away with Stampy, but the elephant escapes. They track him down, and Homer agrees to give him to the Animal Refuge.
99	18	"Burns' Heir"	Mark Kirkland	Jace Richdale	April 14, 1994 (1994-04-14)	1F16	14.7
Mr. Burns has a near-death experience which prompts him to find an heir to inherit his wealth after he dies. Bart is rejected, but Burns soon decides to choose him after seeing that Bart is "a creature of pure malevolence". Marge convinces Bart to go spend some time with Burns, and soon becomes more disruptive than normal to his own family and decides to go live with Mr. Burns. Bart eventually starts to miss his family, but Burns manipulates him into staying. Burns tries to have Bart prove his loyalty by firing Homer, but Bart instead decides to go back to living with his family. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
100	19	"Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song"	Bob Anderson	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	April 28, 1994 (1994-04-28)	1F18	19.7
Bart accidentally gets Principal Skinner fired after he brings Santa's Little Helper to school for show and tell. Bart feels guilty for what he did, and befriends Skinner. Meanwhile, Ned Flanders is hired as principal and the school goes to pot. Bart decides that while he enjoys having Skinner as a friend, he needs him as an enemy, but discovers that he returned to the Army to be a sergeant. Bart convinces Skinner to return and they get Flanders fired so that Skinner can get his old job back. Guest star: Frank Welker.
101	20	"The Boy Who Knew Too Much"	Jeffrey Lynch	John Swartzwelder	May 5, 1994 (1994-05-05)	1F19	15.5
Bart plays hooky from school and ends up at the birthday party of Freddy Quimby, the Mayor's nephew, where Freddy is accused of assaulting a waiter. Bart knows the truth, but would have to admit that he was playing hooky if he testifies. Meanwhile, Homer is chosen for jury duty in the assault case against Freddy Quimby and takes advantage of being sequestered in a hotel. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
102	21	"Lady Bouvier's Lover"	Wes Archer	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	May 12, 1994 (1994-05-12)	1F21	15.1
While attending Maggie's first birthday party, Grampa falls for Marge's mother Jackie. Grampa and Jackie start dating, but he is soon pushed aside in favor of Mr. Burns. Burns and Jackie are soon engaged to be married, much to the chagrin of Marge and Smithers. Grampa crashes the wedding and tries to get Jackie back, but she decides that she does not want to be married. Meanwhile, Bart steals Homer's credit card to buy a piece of Itchy and Scratchy memorabilia that turns out to be a rip-off. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
103	22	"Secrets of a Successful Marriage"	Carlos Baeza	Greg Daniels	May 19, 1994 (1994-05-19)	1F20	15.6
Tired of being called "slow," Homer signs up to teach a class on keeping a successful marriage at a learning annex. He is an unsuccessful teacher and finds that the only way he can keep the class interested is to tell racy secrets about Marge and their bedroom antics. Marge soon gets fed up with Homer telling their secrets and kicks him out. Homer starts living in Bart's treehouse and becomes so lost without Marge that he begs her to take him back, and she eventually agrees. Guest star: Phil Hartman.

Season 6 (1994–95)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 6)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
104	1	"Bart of Darkness"	Jim Reardon	Dan McGrath	September 4, 1994 (1994-09-04)	1F22	15.1
A heat wave is gripping Springfield and the townspeople attempt to cool down. Bart and Lisa persuade Homer to buy them a swimming pool, which proves popular with the town's other children. Bart ends up breaking his leg when he dives off his treehouse and is forced to spend the rest of the summer in his room. Realizing that he has become isolated, Lisa gives Bart her telescope to cheer him up. Using it, he witnesses Ned Flanders digging a grave and through his ramblings, becomes convinced that Ned has killed his wife Maude. He sends Lisa over to the Flanders' house to look for proof of the "crime", only for Ned to return, holding an axe. However, he is merely putting it away; and it is revealed that Maude is still alive and well, and all that Ned killed was her favorite plant.
105	2	"Lisa's Rival"	Mark Kirkland	Mike Scully	September 11, 1994 (1994-09-11)	1F17	16.7
A new student named Allison Taylor arrives at Springfield Elementary School and proves to be more than a match for Lisa in both educational and musical feats. After Allison wins first chair saxophone in the school orchestra ahead of her, Lisa vows to defeat Allison at something: by winning the school diorama contest. Meanwhile, Homer steals 500 pounds of sugar from an overturned truck and decides to sell it to the town. However, despite his best efforts to guard his sugar mound, a rainstorm dissolves it. At the contest, Bart switches Allison's diorama of The Tell-Tale Heart with a cow's heart to help Lisa win. Lisa's guilt at the plan forces her to give Allison's real model back. The pair set aside their differences and become friends. Principal Skinner decides that neither Allison nor Lisa's entry deserves to win, awarding victory to Ralph Wiggum. Guest star: Winona Ryder.
106	3	"Another Simpsons Clip Show"	David Silverman	Penny Wise	September 25, 1994 (1994-09-25)	2F33	13.5
After reading The Bridges of Madison County, Marge decides that she and Homer need to teach the kids about romance. Each of the Simpsons (using clips from previous episodes) reminisce about past romantic encounters, leaving them all depressed and believing that love does not work. However, Homer saves the day by pointing out that one relationship has succeeded, his and Marge's.
107	4	"Itchy & Scratchy Land"	Wes Archer	John Swartzwelder	October 2, 1994 (1994-10-02)	2F01	14.8
Bart and Lisa convince their parents to take their family vacation at the newly opened Itchy & Scratchy Land. After experiencing several of the violent attractions, Homer and Marge go to "Parents Island", while Bart and Lisa continue to explore the park. The vacation seems to be going well, until Bart and Homer are both apprehended by the park security for assaulting a staff member dressed in an Itchy suit. Professor Frink realizes that all of the park's Itchy & Scratchy robots will turn on their masters; an event which proves true as a horde of Itchy and Scratchy robots advance on the Simpsons. Homer throws everything he can at them, before discovering that a camera's flash destroys the robots. The family take more cameras from a gift shop and defeat the Itchy & Scratchy army. Roger Meyers, Jr. thanks them, and the Simpsons agree that it was actually their best vacation ever.
108	5	"Sideshow Bob Roberts"	Mark Kirkland	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	October 9, 1994 (1994-10-09)	2F02	14.4
After pleading his case on air to right-wing talk show host Birch Barlow, Sideshow Bob is released from prison. Soon, Bob is announced as the Republican candidate for mayor of Springfield. Bart and Lisa help campaign for Mayor Quimby but despite their efforts, Bob wins the election with a landslide majority. Within days, the Simpsons awake to find that their house will soon be demolished to make way for the planned Matlock Expressway. Bart and Lisa begin to suspect that Bob somehow rigged the election. While searching through the voter records, Lisa is left a message by someone who claims to know what actually happened. The whistleblower turns out to be Waylon Smithers, who dislikes some of Bob's policies. He gives Bart and Lisa the name of a man who voted for Bob, but had really been long dead. The pair discover that virtually every single person who supposedly voted for Bob is actually dead. At the trial, Bart and Lisa trick Bob into confessing his crime, and he is put back in prison. Guest star: Kelsey Grammer, Larry King, Dr. Demento and Phil Hartman.
109	6	"Treehouse of Horror V"	Jim Reardon	Greg Daniels, Dan McGrath, David S. Cohen & Bob Kushell	October 30, 1994 (1994-10-30)	2F03	22.2
A Halloween special which is divided into three short stories: The Shinning – A parody of the film The Shining, in which Homer tries to kill the rest of the family after Mr. Burns cuts off the beer supply and cable TV in his winter home. Time and Punishment – While attempting to fix it, Homer creates a time machine out of his toaster. Nightmare Cafeteria – To solve the problems of overcrowded detention and lack of meat, the Springfield Elementary teachers resort to eating the students. Guest star: James Earl Jones.
110	7	"Bart's Girlfriend"	Susie Dietter	Jonathan Collier	November 6, 1994 (1994-11-06)	2F04	15.3
Bart becomes attracted to Reverend Lovejoy's daughter Jessica, but finds his attempts to impress her repeatedly ignored. After pulling a prank on Groundskeeper Willie, and offending Jessica's parents at dinner, she becomes interested in him. As they begin a relationship, Bart believes that Jessica is a bad influence on him and decides against seeing her anymore. However, at church Bart has to sit next to Jessica, who steals the money from the church collection plate and frames him for the crime. Next week, Lisa tells the congregation that Jessica was the real perpetrator, and suggests they search Jessica's room. The money is found hidden under Jessica's bed, and she admits to the crime. Guest star: Meryl Streep.
111	8	"Lisa on Ice"	Bob Anderson	Mike Scully	November 13, 1994 (1994-11-13)	2F05	17.9
Lisa discovers that she is failing gym class. In order to pass, she joins a local ice hockey team as their goalie. This creates an intense sibling rivalry between her and Bart, who is jealous of Lisa's abilities because he had always been the family's star hockey player. Marge tries to resolve their conflicts by reminding them that they are not in competition with each other, but this backfires as the next fixture is between Bart and Lisa's teams. During the match, Bart prepares to take a penalty against Lisa, but remembering past events in which they helped each other, the pair throw aside their equipment and embrace, tying the game.
112	9	"Homer Badman"	Jeff Lynch	Greg Daniels	November 27, 1994 (1994-11-27)	2F06	17.0
Homer and Marge attend a candy convention, where Homer successfully steals a gummy Venus de Milo. Later, after Homer takes the children's babysitter Ashley Grant home, he notices that the gummy Venus has become stuck to her pants and grabs it, an action that Ashley misinterprets as a sexual advance. A mob of protesters soon appear at the Simpsons' house, claiming that Homer sexually harassed Ashley. All of Homer's attempts to prove himself innocent go wrong, until he tells his side of the story on a Public-access television. Groundskeeper Willie sees Homer's speech and gives him a secretly recorded video tape that shows Homer was innocent after all. Guest star: Dennis Franz.
113	10	"Grampa vs. Sexual Inadequacy"	Wes Archer	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	December 4, 1994 (1994-12-04)	2F07	14.1
Homer and Marge's marriage is beginning to sour due to their fading sex lives. Grampa concocts a tonic that successfully cures their problems. The effectiveness of the tonic results in he and Homer going into business together, selling "Simpson and Son's Tonic" to the public. When they visit the farmhouse where Homer grew up, the two get into an argument, resulting in Grampa calling Homer an "accident". Homer refuses to speak to Grampa ever again, and vows to be a better father to his own children. Later, he goes back to the farmhouse, coincidentally at the same time as Grampa. Both of them accidentally set fire to the building, and reconcile. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
114	11	"Fear of Flying"	Mark Kirkland	David Sacks	December 18, 1994 (1994-12-18)	2F08	15.6
After being banned from Moe's for life, Homer goes to a pilots' bar. There, he is mistaken as a real pilot and destroys a plane. As payment for the mistake, the Simpsons are given free tickets to anywhere in America. Marge becomes uneasy on the plane and admits that she has a fear of flying, putting the vacation on hold. Marge undergoes treatment with therapist Dr. Zweig, who uncovers the roots of Marge's fear. The problem she has is that her father was a male flight attendant. Zweig assures her that male flight attendants are now very common, and Marge is ostensibly cured. Guest star: Anne Bancroft, Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Rhea Perlman, John Ratzenberger and George Wendt.
115	12	"Homer the Great"	Jim Reardon	John Swartzwelder	January 8, 1995 (1995-01-08)	2F09	20.1
Homer discovers that Lenny and Carl are members of the ancient secret society known as the Stonecutters. Gaining membership through Grampa, Homer takes great pleasure in the society's many privileges and events. Unfortunately, during a celebratory dinner he unwittingly destroys the Stonecutter's "Sacred Parchment". Homer is stripped of his membership, until it is discovered that he is "The Chosen One" who will lead the Stonecutters to glory. Homer's reign eventually angers his fellow members, who break off and form a new society known as "The Ancient Mystic Society of No Homers", banning Homer from joining. Guest star: Patrick Stewart.
116	13	"And Maggie Makes Three"	Swinton O. Scott III	Jennifer Crittenden	January 22, 1995 (1995-01-22)	2F10	17.3
Homer regales the long story of Maggie's birth. Back in 1993, Homer dreams of working at the bowling alley, even though it pays less than his job at the Power Plant. Homer works out a way that means the family will have enough to live on, as long as everything stays exactly the way it is. However, Marge becomes pregnant once again, but tries to keep the news from Homer. He eventually finds out and, because of the impending financial problems, is forced to go back to the Power Plant. As much as he dreads the idea of having another child, when Maggie is born Homer immediately falls in love with her.
117	14	"Bart's Comet"	Bob Anderson	John Swartzwelder	February 5, 1995 (1995-02-05)	2F11	18.7
During detention, Bart accidentally discovers a comet. It is then discovered that the comet is heading straight for Springfield, and a rocket is launched to destroy it. However, it misses and blows up the only bridge out of town, dooming everyone in Springfield. The Simpsons and the Flanders share the bomb shelter that Ned had built, to hopefully protect themselves from the comet. Soon, everyone in town joins them in the shelter, but the door cannot be closed unless somebody leaves. Homer decides that the only useless person there is Ned, and forces him to go. Homer then feels guilty about his decision and leaves, with the rest of the town following him. However the danger is averted when the comet enters the atmosphere and burns up in the thick layer of pollution.
118	15	"Homie the Clown"	David Silverman	John Swartzwelder	February 12, 1995 (1995-02-12)	2F12	17.6
Krusty's poor gambling skills and wasteful habits land him in deep financial trouble, and to make up for it he launches a training college for clowns. Homer enters the program, and after graduating he impersonates Krusty at the events that the real Krusty deems unworthy of his personal appearance. Homer discovers that, mistaken for Krusty, he receives all sorts of benefits from authority figures and businesses. The impersonation goes too far when Homer is kidnapped by Fat Tony's mob, to whom the real Krusty is indebted. Luckily, the real Krusty arrives and his and Homer's lives are spared after they entertain the mob with an elaborate clown trick. Guest star: Joe Mantegna, Dick Cavett and Johnny Unitas.
119	16	"Bart vs. Australia"	Wes Archer	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	February 19, 1995 (1995-02-19)	2F13	15.1
In order to prove Lisa wrong about the coriolis effect, Bart calls several locations in the southern hemisphere. He collect calls Australia, but the call lasts six hours and costs $900.00. After the call's recipient complains, Australia indicts Bart for fraud. The United States State Department negotiates a settlement, with Bart having to publicly apologize in Australia. There, after Bart apologizes, the parliament wishes to give him the additional punishment of a booting. Bart and Homer flee, but Bart later agrees to accept the booting anyway. Before he can be punished, he moons the Australians and the family leave in a helicopter. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
120	17	"Homer vs. Patty and Selma"	Mark Kirkland	Brent Forrester	February 26, 1995 (1995-02-26)	2F14	18.9
After a bad investment, Homer is forced to borrow money from Patty and Selma. In return the pair make Homer's life miserable. After Marge finds out, Homer decides to become a chauffeur, but is pulled over when he does not have a chauffeur's license. When he goes to apply for one, Patty and Selma (the DMV examiners) mercilessly fail him on all counts. The pair begin to smoke, but are told by their supervisor such an action could cost them their promotions. Homer acts quickly and claims the cigarettes are his own, saving Patty and Selma, in exchange for clearing his debt to them. Meanwhile, Bart is forced to take ballet but finds that he enjoys it. Guest star: Susan Sarandon and Mel Brooks.
121	18	"A Star Is Burns"	Susie Dietter	Ken Keeler	March 5, 1995 (1995-03-05)	2F31	14.4
Springfield adopts Marge's suggestion of a film festival, in which any of the townspeople can enter a short film. To help her judge, Jay Sherman comes from New York to stay at the Simpsons' house. Homer feels threatened by Jay, and so Marge puts him on the panel as well. At the festival, the vote becomes deadlocked between Mr. Burns self-glorifying biopic and Barney's touching film about alcoholism. Homer, originally supporting Hans Moleman's film Man Getting Hit by Football, is convinced to vote for Barney's film, which wins the competition. Guest star: Jon Lovitz, Phil Hartman and Maurice LaMarche.
122	19	"Lisa's Wedding"	Jim Reardon	Greg Daniels	March 19, 1995 (1995-03-19)	2F15	14.4
At a renaissance fair, a fortune teller predicts the story of Lisa's first true love. She explains that Lisa will fall madly in love with British student Hugh Parkfield. The pair's relationship grows, with Hugh eventually proposing to Lisa. The wedding will take place in Springfield, but Lisa becomes embarrassed with her family's behavior, particularly Homer's. Hugh begins to bond with them, until Homer presents him with a pair of tacky cuff links, which he grudgingly agrees to wear at the wedding. He does not actually wear them, and when questioned by Lisa he states that after the wedding they will return to England and avoid all but minimal contact with her family. Disgusted, she calls off the wedding. Guest star: Mandy Patinkin and Phil Hartman.
123	20	"Two Dozen and One Greyhounds"	Bob Anderson	Mike Scully	April 9, 1995 (1995-04-09)	2F18	11.6
Santa's Little Helper falls in love with a female greyhound, who eventually gives birth to 25 puppies. The puppies prove troublesome and Homer and Marge decide to give them away. They have several offers, but the puppies do not want to be split up, leading to Mr. Burns stealing the lot. Burns is seemingly caring for the puppies, but reveals that he plans to make a tuxedo out of them, and only keep one. Bart and Lisa sneak in but fail in their attempt to rescue the dogs. As Burns is about to kill the puppies, Bart places the dog Burns wishes to keep with the others, hoping that Burns will not kill them if he can not tell which is which. However, Burns notes that his dog can stand up, but discovers that they all can. Burns has a change of heart and decides not to kill any of the dogs, a decision that pays off handsomely for him as they all become champion racers.
124	21	"The PTA Disbands"	Swinton O. Scott III	Jennifer Crittenden	April 16, 1995 (1995-04-16)	2F19	11.8
Edna Krabappel calls a strike to protest against Principal Skinner's low spending on Springfield Elementary School. Bart fuels the strike by repeatedly turning the teachers against Skinner. The parents of Springfield eventually decide to take matters into their own hands, and recruit volunteers from the community to take over as temporary teachers. After several failed substitutes, Marge becomes Bart's teacher. Bart grudgingly decides to resolve the strike, and locks both Krabappel and Skinner in Skinner's office. The experience inspires them to rent out the school cloakrooms to Springfield Prison, in order to earn more money.
125	22	"'Round Springfield"	Steven Dean Moore	Teleplay by: Joshua Sternin & Jennifer Ventimilia Story by: Mike Reiss & Al Jean	April 30, 1995 (1995-04-30)	2F32	12.6
When Bart is rushed to hospital, Lisa meets with Bleeding Gums Murphy in another ward. He lends Lisa his saxophone for her school recital, but when she returns she learns that Bleeding Gums has died. Lisa is the only person who attends his funeral and vows to make sure that everyone in Springfield knows his name. She decides to honor Bleeding Gums' by having his album played on the radio, but cannot afford it. Bart buys it for her, using the $500 he won from suing Krusty. Lightning strikes the station's antenna, projecting the album into every radio in Springfield. Guest star: Ron Taylor, Steve Allen and Phil Hartman.
126	23	"The Springfield Connection"	Mark Kirkland	Jonathan Collier	May 7, 1995 (1995-05-07)	2F21	12.7
After he cons Homer, Marge chases down Snake, and gets him arrested. Finding the experience exhilarating, Marge enrolls in the police force. After passing the training course, Marge begins fighting crime. Initially Homer finds that being a "cop-husband" is good, but changes his mind when Marge arrests him for illegal parking and stealing her police hat. After he is released, Homer finds a jean-counterfeiting operation in his garage, led by Herman. As the group prepares to kill Homer, Marge saves him. Herman escapes and takes Homer hostage in Bart's treehouse. Marge rescues him again, and Herman falls to the ground and is apprehended. After finding that the rest of the force is corrupt, Marge resigns. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
127	24	"Lemon of Troy"	Jim Reardon	Brent Forrester	May 14, 1995 (1995-05-14)	2F22	13.1
After Marge teaches him about town pride, Bart becomes embroiled in a fight with a boy from the neighboring town of Shelbyville. The next day, Springfield's lemon tree is stolen by Shelbyville, and Bart leads Milhouse, Nelson, Martin, Todd, and Database to get it back. The group learn that the tree is at an impound lot. Homer uses Flanders' RV to lead the adults to find their kids, and the two groups decide to recover the tree together. Parking the RV in a hospital zone, it is towed to the impound lot, allowing the Springfieldians to rescue the tree, and escape back home.
128	25	"Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part One)"	Jeffrey Lynch	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	May 21, 1995 (1995-05-21)	2F16	15.0
Springfield Elementary School strikes oil, and plans to spend elaborately. Mr. Burns finds out about the oil and establishes a slant drilling operation to take it for himself. As a result Moe's Tavern is closed, the Springfield Retirement Home collapses, Bart's treehouse is destroyed and Santa's Little Helper is injured, and the school loses all of its money. Burns next decides to build a machine capable of blocking out the sun over Springfield. He fires a recalcitrant Smithers, and Homer vows revenge after Burns repeatedly fails to remember his name. After an emergency town meeting, Burns sets up the sun blocker, believing himself invincible. However, he is shot by an unidentified assailant, and collapses on the town's sundial Everyone realizes that since Burns angered several people recently, just anyone could have been the assailant. The plot concludes in the seventh season opener "Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part Two)". Guest star: Tito Puente.

Season 7 (1995–96)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 7)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
129	1	"Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part Two)"	Wes Archer	Bill Oakley & Josh Weinstein	September 17, 1995 (1995-09-17)	2F20	16.0
In the previous episode, Mr. Burns was shot by an unknown gunman. Mr. Smithers believes he may have shot Burns while in a drunken stupor, and turns himself in. However, it is discovered that he is innocent, so the police question several other suspects and eventually discover Simpson DNA evidence on Burns. Mr. Burns himself awakens and is only able to say "Homer Simpson". The police immediately arrest Homer, but he manages to escape. Lisa investigates the clues herself and discovers vital evidence that clears Homer but at that moment he is spotted at the hospital. Lisa, Smithers, the police and many townsfolk go to Mr. Burns' hospital room where they find Homer strangling Burns. Burns is shaken out of his daze and reveals that he was really shot by Maggie Simpson. Marge apologizes for Maggie's actions and everything returns to normal. Guest star: Tito Puente.
130	2	"Radioactive Man"	Susie Dietter	John Swartzwelder	September 24, 1995 (1995-09-24)	2F17	15.7
It is decided that filming for the new Radioactive Man film will take place in Springfield and the producers decide to cast a local child in the role of Fallout Boy. Many of Springfield's children, including Bart and Milhouse, audition for the role, with the part eventually going to Milhouse. However, Milhouse decides he does not like being a star and flees the production. He refuses to return and play the role and the producers, having been bankrupted by Mayor Quimby and the townsfolk, decide to close production and leave town. Guest star: Mickey Rooney, Phil Hartman.
131	3	"Home Sweet Homediddly-Dum-Doodily"	Susie Dietter	Jon Vitti	October 1, 1995 (1995-10-01)	3F01	14.5
Several misunderstandings at home and school cause the child welfare dept. to accuse Homer and Marge of being negligent parents. As a result, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie are taken away and put in the care of Ned Flanders and his family. To get their kids back, Homer and Marge must pass a parenting class, while Ned discovers the kids are not baptized and decides to do it himself. Homer and Marge are allowed to get their kids back and manage to stop the baptizing ceremony. Homer eventually takes the baptizing for Bart and experiences momentary religious enlightenment before returning to his original self. Guest star: Joan Kenley.
132	4	"Bart Sells His Soul"	Wesley Archer	Greg Daniels	October 8, 1995 (1995-10-08)	3F02	14.8
While forced to clean the organ pipes after playing a prank against the church, Bart sells his soul to Milhouse for five dollars, to prove his point that a soul does not exist. Bart begins to regret it when weird things begin happening to him such as not finding cartoons funny or not accepting hugs. Meanwhile, an encounter with the Hibbert family results in Moe converting Moe's Tavern to a family restaurant to make more money. The Simpson family eat there one night and after taunting from Lisa, Bart erupts and leaves to find his soul. It turns out that Milhouse had given Bart's soul to Comic Book Guy who in turn had sold it to someone else. It turns out that it was sold to Lisa, and she gives Bart his soul back. Back at the family restaurant, Moe loses his temper and swears at a child, resulting in him losing his customers and converting back to his tavern.
133	5	"Lisa the Vegetarian"	Mark Kirkland	David S. Cohen	October 15, 1995 (1995-10-15)	3F03	14.6
After a visit with a lamb at a petting zoo, Lisa decides to become a full vegetarian. She tries to draw others towards it, but her efforts are wasted. At the same time, Homer decides to throw a barbecue and Lisa is outraged when those in attendance laugh at her suggestion of eating Gazpacho. She ruins the barbecue by destroying his main host (a roasted pig) and after refusing to apologize to Homer, runs away saying Homer is a prehistoric carnivore. She goes to the Kwik-E-Mart and meets Apu who reveals he is a vegan and tells Lisa to be tolerant and not go pushing her own views on everyone else. Lisa apologizes to Homer, admitting she had no right to ruin his barbecue. Guest stars: Paul McCartney Linda McCartney Phil Hartman .
134	6	"Treehouse of Horror VI"	Bob Anderson	John Swartzwelder, Steve Tompkins & David S. Cohen	October 29, 1995 (1995-10-29)	3F04	19.7
A Halloween special which is divided into three short stories: Attack of the 50-Foot Eyesores–An ionic storm brings Springfield's oversized advertisements and billboards to life and they begin attacking the town. Nightmare on Evergreen Terrace–In a parody of the A Nightmare on Elm Street movies, Groundskeeper Willie attacks schoolchildren in their sleep to get revenge on the parents who did not save him when he burned to death. Homer3–While finding a hiding place while preparing for an upcoming visit from Patty and Selma, Homer steps into a portal behind a bookcase that takes him into a three-dimensional world. Guest star: Paul Anka.
135	7	"King-Size Homer"	Jim Reardon	Dan Greaney	November 5, 1995 (1995-11-05)	3F05	17.0
Unhappy with the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant's new exercise program, Homer decides to get on workman's comp by purposely gaining 61 pounds. He succeeds in his goal and is able to work at home. He spends a lot of his time goofing off and tries to go see a movie. When he is turned away because of his weight, Homer returns home but finds that a nuclear meltdown is about to take place at the plant. He hijacks an ice cream truck and rushes to the plant and is able to save everyone when he falls into a tank and prevents poisonous gas from escaping. As a reward, Mr. Burns guarantees to make Homer thin again, but gives up and decides to pay for a liposuction. Guest star: Joan Kenley.
136	8	"Mother Simpson"	David Silverman	Richard Appel	November 19, 1995 (1995-11-19)	3F06	15.3
On a Saturday morning Homer fakes his death in order to get out of working at Mr.Burns garbage collecting event and is later forced to go to the records office to verify that he is alive. The clerk reveals that Homer's mother is still alive but Homer disagrees and goes to his mother's grave for proof. The grave actually belongs to Walt Whitman but Homer by chance does meet with his mother. He takes her home to meet his family, but she remains silent as to where she was for the past 27 years. The family finally forces her to reveal her secret: she was part of group of Hippie radicals in the 1960s and is on the run from Mr. Burns and the FBI. Mr. Burns later discovers Mona's whereabouts and she is forced to return into hiding. Guest star: Glenn Close and Harry Morgan.
137	9	"Sideshow Bob's Last Gleaming"	Dominic Polcino	Spike Feresten	November 26, 1995 (1995-11-26)	3F08	14.2
Sideshow Bob escapes from his prison guards and steals an atomic bomb at an airshow and threatens to detonate it unless Springfield gets rid of television. The city is forced to obey, but Bart and Lisa discover that Bob is hiding in the Duff blimp and confront him. Bob discovers that Krusty is still broadcasting his show, so he captures Bart and an airplane and goes on a Kamikaze mission to kill Krusty. However, he fails and is sent back to jail. Guest star: Kelsey Grammer and R. Lee Ermey.
138	10	"The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular"	Pound Foolish	Penny Wise	December 3, 1995 (1995-12-03)	3F31	16.4
Troy McClure hosts a special episode of The Simpsons that gives viewers a behind the scenes look at the show. It features clips of the series' beginnings as filler on The Tracey Ullman Show, fan mail readings, a look at the "real" Matt Groening, Simpsons trivia questions and unaired scenes from popular episodes, including the alternate ending to the "Who Shot Mr. Burns" two-parter. Guest star: Phil Hartman.
139	11	"Marge Be Not Proud"	Steven Dean Moore	Mike Scully	December 17, 1995 (1995-12-17)	3F07	16.7
Bart attempts to shoplift a popular video game at the local Try-N-Save but is caught by the security guard. The guard tells Bart to never set foot in the store again and leaves a message on the Simpson family's answering machine. Bart manages to stop Homer and Marge from finding out, but is later dismayed when he finds out that the entire family is going to Try-N-Save for the family's Christmas photo. Bart is discovered by the security guard, who shows Homer and Marge the security footage of Bart stealing the game. Marge becomes distant and Bart is left out of family activities. Bart fears he has lost his mother's love, and decides he must regain it so he visits the Try-N-Save, and returns with a bulge in his coat. Marge confronts him, believing he was shoplifting again. She finds Bart has hidden a picture of himself bought as a Christmas present for Marge. Marge is overjoyed, and in gratitude for receiving her Christmas gift, she gives Bart his. Guest star: Lawrence Tierney.
140	12	"Team Homer"	Mark Kirkland	Mike Scully	January 7, 1996 (1996-01-07)	3F10	16.7
Homer assembles a bowling team consisting of Apu, Moe and Otto so he can play on league nights. He gets the team funding from Mr. Burns during one of his ether-induced hallucinations. The team does well until Mr. Burns discovers that he paid for them and decides to join the team. The team starts losing games but still manage to make it to the league championship where they manage to win. The team is overjoyed but Mr. Burns has a change of heart and takes the trophy for himself. Meanwhile, the students of Springfield Elementary School are forced to wear uniforms after Bart comes to school wearing a T-shirt with a shocking message on it.
141	13	"Two Bad Neighbors"	Wes Archer	Ken Keeler	January 14, 1996 (1996-01-14)	3F09	16.5
Former president George Bush moves to Springfield and Bart starts to annoy him. One day Bush loses control and spanks Bart. Homer, who had been jealous of the attention Bush had been receiving, is outraged and launches a prank war. Bush eventually decides to leave Springfield and is replaced with Gerald Ford. Note: First appearance of Disco Stu.
142	14	"Scenes from the Class Struggle in Springfield"	Susie Dietter	Jennifer Crittenden	February 4, 1996 (1996-02-04)	3F11	14.4
Marge finds a fancy Chanel suit at a discount outlet store, and is invited to start spending time at the local country club. Marge immediately fits in but is forced to alter her suit every day so it appears that she is always wearing a new outfit. Meanwhile, Homer discovers that he has a natural talent for golf and is challenged to a game by Mr. Burns. Meanwhile, Marge accidentally destroys her Chanel suit on the night of a gala ball where she will become a member of the club and buys a new one for thousands of dollars. She demands that her family behave themselves, but realizes that she is becoming too snobby and decides she doesn't want to join the club. Guest star: Tom Kite. Note: First appearance of Brandine Spuckler.
143	15	"Bart the Fink"	Jim Reardon	Story: Bob Kushell Teleplay: John Swartzwelder	February 11, 1996 (1996-02-11)	3F12	15.0
Bart unintentionally gets Krusty the Clown audited by the IRS after his attempt to get him to sign a check exposed Krusty's illegal tax shelter. When his financial situation worsens, Krusty fakes his death to escape from the public eye. However, Bart and Lisa find him and convince him that he needs showbusiness. Guest star: Bob Newhart.
144	16	"Lisa the Iconoclast"	Mike B. Anderson	Jonathan Collier	February 18, 1996 (1996-02-18)	3F13	13.4
While doing research for an essay, Lisa finds a confession written by town founder Jebediah Springfield revealing that he was a murderous pirate named Hans Sprungfeld who tried to attack George Washington and never cared about the people of Springfield. Homer decides to help Lisa get the message out, but they are arrested by the town council. Lisa claims Sprungfeld had a silver tongue so the council decides to exhume Jebediah to prove Lisa wrong. It turns out that there is no silver tongue but Lisa later discovers that it had been stolen from the grave by Hollis Hurlbut, the local historian. The two rush to reveal the truth about Jebediah, but Lisa realizes that the myth had inspired the entire town and decides to keep it a secret. Guest star: Donald Sutherland, Phil Hartman.
145	17	"Homer the Smithers"	Steven Dean Moore	John Swartzwelder	February 25, 1996 (1996-02-25)	3F14	14.1
At the advice of Mr. Burns, Smithers takes a vacation and hires Homer to be his replacement, thinking that Homer could never outshine him. However, Smithers' plan backfires when Homer's incompetence causes Burns to learn how to do things for himself resulting in the now useless Smithers losing his job as Burns' assistant. Homer decides to help Smithers get his job back, but their plan backfires and the two get into a fight in Mr. Burns' office. Burns is accidentally knocked out of a window and needs Smithers to do things for him again.
146	18	"The Day the Violence Died"	Wesley Archer	John Swartzwelder	March 17, 1996 (1996-03-17)	3F16	14.4
During a parade celebrating the 75th anniversary of Itchy & Scratchy, Bart meets Chester J. Lampwick, a homeless man who claims that he was the real creator of Itchy and not Roger Meyers as was previously believed. Bart helps the homeless man get royalties, but in doing so bankrupts the studio that produces Itchy & Scratchy. Bart and Lisa are upset and decide to try to help get Itchy & Scratchy back but are dismayed to discover that a different duo — Lester and Eliza — has already done so. Guest star: Suzanne Somers, Kirk Douglas, Alex Rocco and Jack Sheldon.
147	19	"A Fish Called Selma"	Mark Kirkland	Jack Barth	March 24, 1996 (1996-03-24)	3F15	12.9
Troy McClure tries to save his dying career and debunk the rumors of his bizarre sexual life, by marrying Marge's sister, Selma. Selma discovers that the marriage is a sham but decides that being a sham wife is okay. However, Troy is informed by his agent that becoming a father will help his career even more but Selma refuses to bring a child into their loveless marriage and leaves. Guest star: Jeff Goldblum and Phil Hartman.
148	20	"Bart on the Road"	Swinton O. Scott III	Richard Appel	March 31, 1996 (1996-03-31)	3F17	11.8
While stuck at the DMV with Patty and Selma on "Go To Work With Your Parents Day," Bart creates a fake driver's license for himself and uses it to go on a spring break road trip with Milhouse, Nelson, and Martin. Meanwhile, Homer and Lisa bond after spending "Go To Work With Your Parents Day" together and the two have a lot of fun. Bart and his friends decide to go to the 1982 World's Fair in Knoxville but discover that their guide book is outdated and the fair ended years ago. Stuck in Knoxville with no money, Bart becomes a courier and calls Lisa for help. Lisa convinces Homer to order a nuclear console from Knoxville, thus helping Bart get home. Guest star: Jim Lau.
149	21	"22 Short Films About Springfield"	Jim Reardon	Richard Appel, David S. Cohen, Jonathan Collier, Jennifer Crittenden, Brent Forrester, Rachel Pulido, Steve Tompkins, Bill Oakley, Josh Weinstein, Matt Groening & Greg Daniels	April 14, 1996 (1996-04-14)	3F18	10.5
Bart and Milhouse wonder if anything interesting happens to the citizens of Springfield, which leads to a chain of vignettes about the lives of Springfielders including Apu, Mr. Burns, Dr. Nick, Moe, Principal Skinner, Chief Wiggum, Bumblebee Man, Reverend Lovejoy, Cletus and Comic Book Guy.
150	22	"Raging Abe Simpson and His Grumbling Grandson in "The Curse of the Flying Hellfish""	Jeffrey Lynch	Jonathan Collier	April 28, 1996 (1996-04-28)	3F19	13.0
The relationship between Grampa and Bart deteriorates and around the same time, one of Grampa's fellow-veterans of World War II dies, leaving Mr. Burns as the only other living member of Grampa's war squad, the Flying Hellfish. In the final days of the war, the unit had discovered several paintings and agreed on a tontine, placing the paintings in a crate, and the surviving member would inherit the paintings. As Mr. Burns wants the paintings as soon as possible, he orders Grampa's assassination and hires an assassin to do the job. To escape death, Grampa moves into the Simpsons house, where the family let him live in Bart's room. Grampa reveals the secret of the treasure to Bart, and the two manage to steal Burns' key and leave to get the paintings. They succeed, but are discovered by the State Department who give the paintings back to their rightful owner.
151	23	"Much Apu About Nothing"	Susie Dietter	David S. Cohen	May 5, 1996 (1996-05-05)	3F20	11.3
After a bear wanders into Evergreen Terrace, Mayor Quimby is forced to raise taxes so they can pay for a new bear patrol. When the citizens are outraged, Quimby blames illegal immigrants and creates Proposition 24, which will deport them. The family discovers that Apu is in fact an illegal immigrant and decide to help him get his citizenship. Apu succeeds and Homer gives a heartfelt speech about why Springfield should reject Prop 24, however, it still passes with 95% majority and Groundskeeper Willie is deported.
152	24	"Homerpalooza"	Wesley Archer	Brent Forrester	May 19, 1996 (1996-05-19)	3F21	12.9
In an attempt to show his kids how hip he is, Homer takes Bart and Lisa to the Hullabalooza music festival where Homer is hired as a sideshow freak who can withstand the force of cannonball blasts. As a result, Homer gets to go on tour with the festival and suddenly finds himself living the high life. As the tour approaches a stop in Springfield, Homer's stomach begins to hurt and he is sent to a veterinarian who advises Homer that if he performs his act one more time, his stomach will burst and he will die. Homer shrugs this news off, not wanting to lose his popularity. At first he decides to do his job, but at the last second he loses his nerve and dodges the cannonball. He is released from the festival and goes back to being not respected by his children. Guest star: The Smashing Pumpkins, Cypress Hill, Sonic Youth and Peter Frampton.
153	25	"Summer of 4 Ft. 2"	Mark Kirkland	Dan Greaney	May 19, 1996 (1996-05-19)	3F22	14.7
At the start of summer, Ned Flanders asks Homer to take care of his beach house in Little Pwagmattasquarmsettport. The family decide to go there and Lisa, realizing that she is not as cool as she thinks, uses the new locale as a chance to rid herself of her nerd image and becomes a surfer girl. She becomes best friends with a girl named Erin and a group of locals, but Bart becomes jealous and reveals to them that Lisa is in fact a teacher's pet. Lisa runs off crying, thinking that she has lost her new friends, but the next night they surprise her and say she was a good friend. Guest star: Christina Ricci.

Season 8 (1996–97)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 8)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
154	1	"Treehouse of Horror VII"	Mike B. Anderson	Ken Keeler, Dan Greaney & David S. Cohen	October 27, 1996 (1996-10-27)	4F02	18.3
A Halloween special which is divided into three short stories: The Thing and I – Bart discovers he has an evil twin, who is living in the Simpsons' attic. The Genesis Tub – After intending to prove that sugary drinks will rot teeth, Lisa creates her own miniature universe. Citizen Kang – Kang and Kodos impersonate presidential candidates Bill Clinton and Bob Dole in order to invade Earth. Guest star: Phil Hartman
155	2	"You Only Move Twice"	Mike B. Anderson	John Swartzwelder	November 3, 1996 (1996-11-03)	3F23	13.9
When Homer accepts a new job at the Globex Corporation the Simpson family moves to Cypress Creek. Homer enjoys his new work and his easy-going boss, but is completely unaware that his boss is an evil genius and that the company is a vehicle for international extortion. The rest of the family have trouble settling in Cypress Creek and begin to get homesick so Homer must make a choice between Cypress Creek and Springfield. Guest star: Albert Brooks.
156	3	"The Homer They Fall"	Mark Kirkland	Jonathan Collier	November 10, 1996 (1996-11-10)	4F03	17.0
When Bart is beaten up by school bullies, Homer takes matters into his own hands. Although Homer is unable to make his point, Moe is impressed by his ability to withstand a beating. Moe talks Homer into becoming a boxer with Moe as his manager. His sole strategy is to let opponents knock themselves out while pounding on Homer. Promoter Lucius Sweet becomes aware of Homer's rise as a boxer and wants him to fight Drederick Tatum, the heavyweight champion. Guest star: Michael Buffer and Paul Winfield.
157	4	"Burns, Baby Burns"	Jim Reardon	Ian Maxtone-Graham	November 17, 1996 (1996-11-17)	4F05	12.6
A man named Larry's jaw drops when he sees his father Mr. Burns on a train from Yale to Springfield and Larry immediately follows the train. When he arrives at Mr Burns's mansion he identifies himself as Mr. Burns's long lost son. Burns admits that Larry is the result of a one-night stand and accepts him as his own. Soon, however, Larry proves to be an incurable oaf and Burns gets tired of him. Homer befriends Larry because they share similar interests. Together they fake Larry's kidnapping to win back Burns's love. But when Burns is told that Homer has kidnapped his son Homer and Larry are chased by reporters and the police. When told of the fake kidnapping Burns cannot continue as Larry's father and Larry leaves Springfield to return to his family. Guest star: Rodney Dangerfield.
158	5	"Bart After Dark"	Dominic Polcino	Richard Appel	November 24, 1996 (1996-11-24)	4F06	14.1
Bart does property damage to a house and Homer makes him do chores to pay for his misdeed. The house turns out to be a burlesque saloon and a group of concerned citizens confront Homer on Bart's work. Marge agrees with the group and joins them in their attempt to oust the saloon from Springfield. In a town hall meeting, Marge convinces the townspeople to demolish the old house, but when the destruction team begins, Homer sings a song that changes everybody's mind. The demolition stops, but Marge's bulldozer accidentally slips out of gear and damages the house.
159	6	"A Milhouse Divided"	Steven Dean Moore	Steve Tompkins	December 1, 1996 (1996-12-01)	4F04	12.8
Marge decides to host a dinner party at the Simpson house. They invite their friends to it, but the Van Houtens have a very bad time and argue and fight throughout the night until Luann announces that she wants a divorce. Luann happily settles back to single life with Milhouse, and starts dating an American Gladiator named Pyro. Homer is confident that it will never happen to him, but Kirk tells him how quickly things can change. He realizes that he has taken his marriage for granted and overcompensates by smothering Marge. Deciding that their marriage is finished, Homer secretly files for a divorce from Marge. Homer then surprises her by asking her for her hand in marriage again and Marge accepts. Kirk tries the same strategy with Luann, but she refuses.
160	7	"Lisa's Date with Density"	Susie Dietter	Mike Scully	December 15, 1996 (1996-12-15)	4F01	N/A
Nelson is punished for vandalizing Superintendent Chalmers' car and has to help Willie around the schoolyard. When Lisa watches Nelson torment Willie, she finds herself attracted to him and decides to try to change Nelson into a better person. Lisa goes on a date with him and they kiss, but when he is later revealed to be lying about vandalizing Skinner's house, she loses the attraction. Meanwhile, Homer finds an autodialer and starts a telemarketing scam.
161	8	"Hurricane Neddy"	Bob Anderson	Steve Young	December 29, 1996 (1996-12-29)	4F07	N/A
A hurricane destroys the Flanders' home and they have to move into the church basement. The people of Springfield gather to rebuild their house, but when Ned sees the poor workmanship, he has a complete breakdown. Ned commits himself to a mental institution and his psychiatrist discovers that Ned's past has taught him to suppress his anger. The psychiatrist then teaches Ned to express his anger with Homer as a role model and Ned gets cured. Guest star: Jon Lovitz.
162	9	"El Viaje Misterioso de Nuestro Jomer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)"	Jim Reardon	Ken Keeler	January 5, 1997 (1997-01-05)	3F24	14.9
Homer begins to hallucinate after eating a dish laced with potent Guatemalan peppers at the chili cook-off. In this hallucination he meets a mystical coyote, which tells him to find his soul mate. After a fight with Marge, he is concerned that she is not really his soul mate. Homer leaves the house and seeks solitude in a lighthouse. Marge arrives at the lighthouse and apologizes and then Homer realizes that Marge is his soul mate after all. Guest star: Johnny Cash.
163	10	"The Springfield Files"	Steven Dean Moore	Reid Harrison	January 12, 1997 (1997-01-12)	3G01	20.9
Homer walks home one night from Moe's Tavern. On his way he sees an eerie glowing creature. The next day Homer's story is printed in the local newspaper. FBI agents Mulder and Scully read the story and go to Springfield to investigate this X-file. After talking with Homer they find his credibility shaky and quickly leave again. Bart and Homer then set up a camp to videotape the creature. When the creature appears, Lisa reveals that the creature is actually Mr. Burns after a medical treatment by Dr. Riviera. Guest star: Leonard Nimoy, David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson.
164	11	"The Twisted World of Marge Simpson"	Chuck Sheetz	Jennifer Crittenden	January 19, 1997 (1997-01-19)	4F08	14.0
Marge starts a new pretzel franchise after being voted out of the Springfield Investorettes for being too conservative. The Investorettes see this and strike back by getting a falafel van. Homer helps Marge with her business by asking Fat Tony for assistance. Soon the orders pour while the falafel business mysteriously fails. Fat Tony attempts to collect all of Marge's profit, but she refuses. He then sends his goons to the Simpson house where he meets the Japanese mafia, who was sent by the Investorettes, and it ends in a showdown between the two mafias. Guest star: Jack Lemmon and Joe Mantegna.
165	12	"Mountain of Madness"	Mark Kirkland	John Swartzwelder	February 2, 1997 (1997-02-02)	4F10	9.1
To encourage teamwork, Mr. Burns takes all of his employees to a corporate retreat in the mountains. The employees pair up and Homer becomes Burns's partner. The challenge is to find a cabin on the snowy mountainside. The pair to finish last will be fired. Burns and Homer cheat by using a snowmobile and make it the cabin before everybody else, but an avalanche buries the cabin. Homer and Burns go insane in the cold and get into a fight. In the fight they ignite a propane tank, which rockets the cabin to safety.
166	13	"Simpsoncalifragilisticexpiala(Annoyed Grunt)cious"	Chuck Sheetz	Al Jean & Mike Reiss	February 7, 1997 (1997-02-07)	3G03	17.7
Marge is stressed by the demands of motherhood and the Simpsons get a magical British nanny, who floats down from the sky holding an umbrella. The nanny is a miracle worker, who teaches Bart and Lisa how to clean and charms everybody. However, the Simpsons cannot stop living their messy ways and the nanny's spirit gets crushed. She leaves the family realizing that she has taught them nothing.
167	14	"The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show"	Steven Dean Moore	David S. Cohen	February 9, 1997 (1997-02-09)	4F12	15.5
A new character, Poochie, is added to The Itchy & Scratchy Show as an attempt to boost failing ratings. Bart and Lisa convince Homer to audition for the voice of Poochie. He gets the part and makes public appearances with the voice actor behind Itchy and Scratchy. Poochie's debut is not well received and the producers decide to kill him off. Homer refuses to cooperate and records a different version of the death scene. Homer is convinced that he managed to keep Poochie, but when the episode airs, the character is edited out. Guest star: Alex Rocco.
168	15	"Homer's Phobia"	Mike B. Anderson	Ron Hauge	February 16, 1997 (1997-02-16)	4F11	15.3
The family tries to sell an old heirloom at a collectibles store and strike up a relationship with John, the store owner. The Simpsons invite John over to their house to assess their other belongings and Homer takes a liking to him. Marge then informs Homer that John is gay and he refuses to see him again. Afterwards Homer notices changes in Bart's behavior and fears that John has turned him into a homosexual. Trying to make Bart manlier, they go on a hunting trip, but get attacked by a herd of aggressive reindeer. Suddenly, John arrives and saves the day. Homer then thanks John for saving his life and accepts him as a friend. Guest star: John Waters.
169	16	"Brother from Another Series"	Pete Michels	Ken Keeler	February 23, 1997 (1997-02-23)	4F14	15.1
Sideshow Bob is released from prison and his brother, Cecil, hires him to supervise the construction of a dam. Bart suspects that Bob is up to something and sneaks into his office along with Lisa. There he discovers a suitcase filled with money. Bob enters and explains his innocence, but Bart and Lisa do not believe him. Cecil now enters and holds them all at gunpoint. His plan is to blow up the dam and walk away with the $15 million he embezzled from the project. Bob would naturally be blamed allowing Cecil to get revenge for Bob stealing his part as Krusty's sidekick. Cecil now locks up Bob, Bart and Lisa, but they manage to escape and stop Cecil. Guest star: Kelsey Grammer and David Hyde Pierce.
170	17	"My Sister, My Sitter"	Jim Reardon	Dan Greaney	March 2, 1997 (1997-03-02)	4F13	15.1
Lisa wants to start babysitting, but Marge thinks she is too young. Flanders urgently needs a babysitter and Lisa gets her first job. When Flanders gives her a glowing review, she starts to get steady work. Then one evening, Lisa is put in charge of babysitting Bart and Maggie. Bart is outraged and embarks on a series of pranks. When Bart refuses to go to bed, Lisa accidentally knocks him down the stairs which dislocates his arm. Lisa tries to help him by transporting him in a wheelbarrow to Dr. Nick. Bart falls out of the wheelbarrow and rolls down a hill. The townspeople are mortified, but Lisa continues to get jobs the following day.
171	18	"Homer vs. the Eighteenth Amendment"	Bob Anderson	John Swartzwelder	March 16, 1997 (1997-03-16)	4F15	14.6
Alcohol is banned from Springfield after Bart accidentally gets drunk at a town parade. Rex Banner is appointed to replace Chief Wiggum as police chief to enforce the new laws and stop Fat Tony from smuggling. Rex is successful, but then Homer starts to smuggle alcohol. Eventually, Homer ends his bootlegging ends and approaches Wiggum with a plan to expose himself and restore Wiggum's good name. Homer is about to receive punishment by being catapulted, but he is saved by an impassioned speech by Marge. The liquor ban is then lifted and the town celebrates by getting drunk. Guest star: Joe Mantegna and Dave Thomas.
172	19	"Grade School Confidential"	Susie Dietter	Rachel Pulido	April 6, 1997 (1997-04-06)	4F09	13.3
Seymour Skinner and Edna Krabappel strike up a conversation at a party and take a romantic interest in each other. They try to keep their affair a secret, but Bart sees them kiss. The following day the couple hears Bart telling his classmates about it and silences him by deleting his permanent records. Bart becomes their go-between for exchanging love notes, but he gets tired of that and exposes Skinner and Krabappel in the janitor's closet locked in a passionate embrace. The word spreads all over town and Superintendent Chalmers gives Skinner an ultimatum – either end the relationship or face dismissal. Skinner pretends that he is in fact a virgin and the matter is cleared up.
173	20	"The Canine Mutiny"	Dominic Polcino	Ron Hauge	April 13, 1997 (1997-04-13)	4F16	N/A
Bart gets a credit card and buys a well trained new dog called Laddie. When Bart cannot pay the balance on the credit card the bank repossesses Laddie. Instead of giving them Laddie, Bart gives the repo men Santa's Little Helper. Feeling guilty Bart gives Laddie to the police and sets out to find Santa's Little Helper and finds him at a blind man's house. Bart tries to kidnap his dog, but instead the blind man alerts the police. When they arrive, Laddie, who is now a police dog, sniffs out a bag of marijuana and the blind man gets arrested. Bart can then leave with Santa's Little Helper.
174	21	"The Old Man and the Lisa"	Mark Kirkland	John Swartzwelder	April 20, 1997 (1997-04-20)	4F17	14.0
Mr. Burns loses his fortune in a bad investment. He is not doing well alone and is committed to the Springfield Retirement Castle. Disgusted by his surroundings, he vows to get his fortune back. He then sees Lisa collecting recyclables and remembers her opposition towards him. He believes that the reason for losing his fortune was that he was surrounded by "yes men" and therefore asks Lisa to help him. Lisa introduces Burns to recycling and by collecting these he soon gets enough money to buy a recycling plant. In reality this recycling plant captures all aquatic life and grinds it into to all-purpose goo. Lisa is horrified, but Burns regains his fortune and buys back his power plant. Guest star: Bret Hart.
175	22	"In Marge We Trust"	Steven Dean Moore	Donick Cary	April 27, 1997 (1997-04-27)	4F18	16.9
Marge is concerned that Reverend Lovejoy does not meet the needs of his parishioners and becomes the new advice giver at the Church. When Marge gains a loyal following, Lovejoy gets concerned that he has become "shepherd without a flock". Meanwhile, Homer finds an old Japanese product, "Mr. Sparkle", a dish-washing detergent, with a logo that oddly resembles him. When he calls up the company behind the product, he finds Mr. Sparkle is a composite of two company logos. Marge is unable to help Ned Flanders in a crisis and calls up Lovejoy for help. Lovejoy solves the crisis and gets his congregants' interest in his next sermon telling the story. Guest star: Denise Kumagal, Karen Maruyama, Sab Shimono and Gedde Watanabe.
176	23	"Homer's Enemy"	Jim Reardon	John Swartzwelder	May 4, 1997 (1997-05-04)	4F19	11.8
Frank Grimes, a new employee at the Nuclear Power Plant, is a hard-working man who has never been given a break in his life. At work he meets Homer and takes an instant dislike to his poor job performance and attitude. Meanwhile, Bart steps into a tax auction and buys an abandoned factory for a dollar, which he uses to play factory with Milhouse. Homer tries to win Grimes approval by inviting him over for a family dinner. When Grimes sees Homer's accomplishments and home, he becomes even more bitter. Imitating Homer's behavior at work, he runs amok and electrocutes himself.
177	24	"The Simpsons Spin-Off Showcase"	Neil Affleck	Story: Ken Keeler Teleplay: David S. Cohen, Dan Greaney and Steve Tompkins	May 11, 1997 (1997-05-11)	4F20	11.6
Troy McClure hosts a show which features three ideas for spin-offs to The Simpsons: Chief Wiggum, P.I. – Chief Wiggum and Seymour Skinner are detectives in New Orleans. The Love-Matic Grampa – Grampa's soul is contained in Moe's Love Tester machine. The Simpson Family Smile-Time Variety Hour – The Simpsons host a 70s variety show. Guest star: Tim Conway and Gailard Sartain.
178	25	"The Secret War of Lisa Simpson"	Mike B. Anderson	Richard Appel	May 18, 1997 (1997-05-18)	4F21	12.7
Bart is enrolled in a military school after unintentionally pranking the whole town. After seeing the school Lisa decides she wants to join too. Lisa is the first female cadet and therefore gets to stay in her own private barrack. This move creates resentment among the boys at the facility and Bart refuses to speak to his sister. Later, Bart secretly apologizes and helps her train for a test. When Lisa has trouble completing the test Bart publicly encourages her at the expense of his own reputation, and she finally passes the test. Guest star: Willem Dafoe.

Season 9 (1997–98)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 9)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. households / viewers (millions)
179	1	"The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson"	Jim Reardon	Ian Maxtone-Graham	September 21, 1997 (1997-09-21)	4F22	10.5
Homer allows Barney to use his car when Barney is picked to be the designated driver for that night at Moe's Tavern. However, Barney disappears for two months with the car, and returns without it. Homer searches for his car, and eventually receives a letter from the City of New York. The family is excited to go there to obtain the car, but Homer, who had had a bad experience in New York when he was younger, is reluctant. After reaching New York City, Homer sees the car parked near the World Trade Center, where he must wait by so that an officer can remove the wheel clamp. He is distracted from standing watch for the police when he has to go the bathroom, and causes him to miss the police officer. Homer gets angry, and leaves the city with the clamp on.
180	2	"The Principal and the Pauper"	Steven Dean Moore	Ken Keeler	September 28, 1997 (1997-09-28)	4F23	14.9
When a celebration is held at Springfield Elementary to honor his 20 years as principal, Seymour Skinner is revealed to be an impostor when the real Seymour, Sgt. Seymour Skinner, shows up. The principal's real name is revealed to be Armin Tamzarian, an orphan from Capital City. Armin soon leaves to return to Capital City, and Sgt. Seymour Skinner takes over as principal. However, many, including Agnes Skinner, soon decide they preferred the old Seymour. After persuading him to come back from Capital City to be Principal Skinner again, the townspeople send Sgt. Skinner out of town on a railroad. Guest star: Martin Sheen.
181	3	"Lisa's Sax"	Dominic Polcino	Al Jean	October 19, 1997 (1997-10-19)	3G02	12.9
After being disrupted by Lisa's saxophone practice, Bart gets into a fight with Lisa, ultimately causing her saxophone to be thrown out the window and run over by a truck, flattening it. Trying to console her, Homer shares the story of how she got her saxophone. After finishing the story, Homer once again decides to not spend the money on an air conditioner and buys a new saxophone for Lisa instead. Guest star: Fyvush Finkel.
182	4	"Treehouse of Horror VIII"	Mark Kirkland	Mike Scully, David S. Cohen & Ned Goldreyer	October 26, 1997 (1997-10-26)	5F02	10.9
A Halloween special which is divided into three short stories: The HΩmega Man – After the French strike Springfield with a nuclear bomb, Homer discovers that he is the only one who survived the attack, until mutants come after him. Fly Vs. Fly – Bart uses Professor Frink's teleporter to turn himself into a fly. Easy Bake Coven – In a 1600s Puritan town, Marge is accused of being a witch, which turns out to be true. She flees to her sisters' cave, where the three become the inventors of Halloween.
183	5	"The Cartridge Family"	Pete Michels	John Swartzwelder	November 2, 1997 (1997-11-02)	5F01	10.3
After a large soccer riot leads to an extended period of mob rule throughout Springfield, Homer decides to forgo an expensive security system in favor of a gun. As Marge disapproves of a gun in the house, Homer takes her to an NRA meeting to sell her on the concept. Marge's objections continue, finally forcing Homer to agree to get rid of the weapon. Unfortunately, Bart and Milhouse later discover it concealed in the refrigerator. Infuriated and frightened, Marge takes the kids and leaves Homer. With nothing but his gun and his indignation for company, Homer hosts an NRA meeting in his empty house, only to be kicked out of the group when the members themselves acknowledge his reckless and irresponsible treatment of firearms. Thusly humbled, Homer seeks out his family to admit his mistake.
184	6	"Bart Star"	Dominic Polcino	Donick Cary	November 9, 1997 (1997-11-09)	5F03	10.6
When the children of Springfield are deemed to be overweight, many parents place their children in the peewee football team, including Bart. Ned is the coach of the team, until he quits after Homer's heckling, which ultimately leads to Homer being the new coach. While being tough on Bart originally, Homer realizes how rough his father was on him when he played sports. This leads Homer to make Bart the quarterback instead of the more skilled Nelson, causing the team to lose a few games and Bart to become angry at his father. Unwilling to make Nelson the quarterback again initially, Homer finally apologizes to Bart for pressuring him and replaces him with Nelson, thus allowing the team to win the championship. Guest star: Joe Namath, Roy Firestone & Mike Judge.
185	7	"The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons"	Steven Dean Moore	Richard Appel	November 16, 1997 (1997-11-16)	5F04	11.4
After Marge enters Apu into a bachelor auction, many women find an interest in him. However, Apu soon receives a letter from his mother, regarding the arranged marriage he is supposed to have. He does not want to marry the stranger, and following the advice of Homer, tells his mother that he is already married. Curious, his mother comes to America to see his wife, which Homer says Marge can pretend to be. But his mother soon realizes that she is not actually his wife, making the plans for the arranged marriage to continue. Apu becomes depressed until he learns at his wedding that his arranged wife, Manjula, is actually quite lovely. Guest star: Jan Hooks & Andrea Martin.
186	8	"Lisa the Skeptic"	Neil Affleck	David S. Cohen	November 23, 1997 (1997-11-23)	5F05	9.3
Lisa discovers that a shopping mall is going to be built at a site where prehistoric fossils were found. Afraid of there being more prehistoric items at the site, Lisa complains to the developers and starts an archaeological survey at the site. Late into the dig, Lisa unearths a skeleton with bones that resemble wings, similar to an angel's. Despite the whole town believing it to be an angel, Lisa takes a sample of the skeleton and has it tested to see if it is one of a human. The results are inconclusive, leaving Lisa still skeptical. After an interview about her beliefs, there is a town riot against the science community. During the riots, the skeleton is stolen. The town finally discovers it on a hillside with the message, "The End Will Come at Sundown" carved into it. However, the entire ordeal turns out to be publicity stunt that was pulled off by the mall's developers. Surprisingly, the town is not angry, but is instead fascinated by the low prices at the mall. Guest star: Stephen Jay Gould.
187	9	"Realty Bites"	Swinton O. Scott III	Dan Greaney	December 7, 1997 (1997-12-07)	5F06	10.6
Homer takes Marge to a police-seized property auction, where he buys a sports car that was formerly Snake's. On the ride home, Marge decides to walk because of Homer's erratic driving in the new car. She runs into Lionel Hutz, who is now a realtor. Interested, Marge takes a test to become one, and soon works for a realtor company, Red Blazer Realty. However, after being threatened to be fired for failing to sell any houses, Marge must lie to the Flanders to sell them a house where murders had once taken place. Feeling guilty, Marge tells them the truth after they stay there for a night, which only seems to make them more fascinated in living in the home. Meanwhile, Snake hears about the auction of his car and is so angry that he breaks out of jail to get it back. As he and Homer fight, the car crashes into the house, causing the Flanders to move back to their home, and Marge to get fired.
188	10	"Miracle on Evergreen Terrace"	Bob Anderson	Ron Hauge	December 21, 1997 (1997-12-21)	5F07	9.6
On Christmas morning, Bart wakes up earlier than the rest of the family and goes to open his presents. After playing with a remote control firetruck, Bart accidentally starts a fire, causing the plastic Christmas tree and the presents to melt. Bart hides the melted mess, but the next morning, reports to the family that there had been a robber. The news media soon reports this, and the community rallies to their aid and donates $15,000, which Homer spends on a car he soon crashes. However, Bart soon tells the truth to his family; that there never was a robber. The community soon finds out, and demands their money back. Marge decides to go on Jeopardy! to make the money back, but does not succeed. When the family comes back home, they find that the town has looted their entire house of everything except a washcloth. Guest star: Alex Trebek.
189	11	"All Singing, All Dancing"	Mark Kirkland	Steve O'Donnell	January 4, 1998 (1998-01-04)	5F24	8.9
Homer goes out and rents a western movie to watch with his family on the VCR. However, the movie turns out to be a musical, which disgusts Homer. The family reminds Homer of the past times that he has sung and danced in enjoyment, and soon, the family is singing and dancing themselves. Snake enters the house through a window and threatens the family, but decides they would not be good hostages. The family sings once more, and later, Snake comes back, threatening to kill them for putting an annoying tune in his head, but realizes he is out of ammunition and leaves. The family continues to sing, until Snake returns to kill them, but the family tells him they are finished singing. The episode ends with Marge humming nearby the living room window, causing Snake to shoot through it.
190	12	"Bart Carny"	Mark Kirkland	John Swartzwelder	January 11, 1998 (1998-01-11)	5F08	11.7
While the family is at a traveling carnival, Bart accidentally crashes Adolf Hitler's car. To pay off the debts, Homer and Bart get jobs at the carnival by helping with the booths and exhibits, where they befriend Cooder and Spud, a father-and-son carny team. Unfortunately, Homer causes their booth to get shut down, when he does not recognize the bribe Chief Wiggum was asking for. Homer decides to allow the two carnies to stay at his home. The next day, the family goes to a glass bottom boat ride with the tickets Cooder gave them, only to discover their house has been taken over by the two carnies when they return. After brainstorming on how to get the house back, Homer decides to make Cooder a deal: If Homer can get a hula hoop around the house's chimney, he can have his house back, but if he does not, he will sign the deed of the house to Cooder. However, the family fool the two carnies, and rush back into the house before the two can do anything. Guest star: Jim Varney.
191	13	"The Joy of Sect"	Steven Dean Moore	Steve O'Donnell	February 8, 1998 (1998-02-08)	5F23	9.4
After encountering two recruiters of a sect called "The Movementarians", Homer attends a session that teaches about their sect, where he is brainwashed to join. Homer moves the entire family to their compound, where the entire family, except Marge, is brainwashed. Marge escapes through a dangerous getaway, and finds Reverend Lovejoy, Ned Flanders and Groundskeeper Willie for help. The four manage to kidnap the family back. They are able to persuade Lisa and Bart to not believe in the sect anymore, but are unable to get Homer back, as the sect's lawyers take him back before they are able to. However, Homer no longer believes in the sect when he arrives, and manages to expose them as fake. The group then disbands, and the family goes back home.
192	14	"Das Bus"	Pete Michels	David S. Cohen	February 15, 1998 (1998-02-15)	5F11	9.6
As the students of Springfield Elementary are being driven to a model UN conference, Otto drives the bus off a bridge after his brake pedal is blocked by a grapefruit. To obtain help, Otto swims off, while the kids are still in the bus. Soon, when the bus is nearly full of water, the kids manage to escape and swim to an island. Once there, the kids find no food, causing Bart to swim back to the sunken bus to get the cooler full of food. Lisa advises everyone to not eat much, as it may be the only food they could have for some time. However, the cooler is found empty the next morning, with the food wrappings discarded around Milhouse, who claims a monster ate it. Lisa champions the charter of the Model UN and insists on giving Milhouse a trial, wherein he is found innocent. The verdict angers the kids, however, inciting violence against Lisa, Milhouse, and Bart, who are forced to flee. The three hide in a cave, but are chased out by a boar, which is soon found out to be the "monster". The kids kill the boar and eat it, and a narration assures that Moe saves the kids. Meanwhile, Homer starts his own internet company, but it is eventually destroyed by Bill Gates. Guest star: James Earl Jones.
193	15	"The Last Temptation of Krust"	Mike B. Anderson	Donick Cary	February 22, 1998 (1998-02-22)	5F10	9.5
After a rude awakening to his own hackneyed and dated comedy act, Krusty does some heavy drinking and wakes up in front of the Flanders' house. Bart takes him inside his house and into his room, where Krusty, looking at all the Krusty merchandise, realizes that he has sold out instead of focusing on comedy. Bart invites Jay Leno to help clean up Krusty, and modernize his jokes. However, Krusty's attempts fail, causing him to announce his retirement. During his announcement, the group of reporters find his tirade against modern comedians hilarious, influencing Krusty to try a hipper, more honest blend of comedy and social criticism. Although he becomes a popular comedian again, Krusty ends up selling out once more when some advertisers bribe him to endorse a car, in return for a free one. Guest star: Jay Leno, Janeane Garofalo, Bobcat Goldthwait, Hank Williams Jr., Steven Wright & Bruce Baum.
194	16	"Dumbbell Indemnity"	Dominic Polcino	Ron Hauge	March 1, 1998 (1998-03-01)	5F12	10.3
After several unsuccessful attempts at getting a girlfriend, Moe finally gets one after walking away from a disco with Homer. The woman, Renee, surprisingly finds Moe attractive, resulting in Moe treating her lavishly. After spending too much, Moe's credit card maxes out, causing him to become desperate for money. He soon devises a plan to have Homer steal his car and crash it to accomplish insurance fraud. Unfortunately, Homer gets caught and ends up in jail. With the insurance money, Moe decides not to bail Homer out of jail, but instead take a Hawaiian vacation with Renee. After finding out, Homer escapes and decides to find Moe for revenge. Meanwhile, Moe confesses the truth to Renee, who is happy at first, but is disgusted with him after his plans to free Homer involve lying again. Renee leaves Moe, then he accidentally starts a fire at his tavern. At the same time, Homer comes to fight Moe, but both faint from smoke inhalation. Finally, Barney comes and saves the two, and Homer allows Moe to temporarily run his bar at the Simpsons' house. Guest star: Helen Hunt.
195	17	"Lisa the Simpson"	Susie Dietter	Ned Goldreyer	March 8, 1998 (1998-03-08)	4F24	10.4
Soon after being unable to solve a brain-teaser that several others at school were able to solve, and forgetting some of her day to day tasks, Lisa learns from Grampa that the Simpsons have a long history of losing their intelligence in late childhood. Lisa soon realizes that she cannot escape genetics, and accepts that she will soon be very unintelligent. After realizing the importance of sharing what you can with the world while you still have the chance, she lies her way onto a news broadcast to deliver a message on treasuring your brain. Homer sees this and, upon learning what Abe told her, attempts to disprove the theory of the "Simpson gene" by gathering every Simpson in the area together to showcase their merits. Unfortunately it is quickly apparent that Homer did not research this project much, as many of his guests prove to be simpletons, deadbeats, and stooges. Lisa's salvation only comes when she begins to meet the Simpson women, including a doctor who submits that the defective "Simpson gene" is located only on the Y-chromosome. Re-validated, Lisa celebrates that she is once again herself, an event aptly crowned when she finally manages to solve the brain-teaser that so plagued her. Meanwhile, Apu finds out that Jasper has locked himself inside a freezer at the Kwik-E-Mart and decides to turn it into a freak house.
196	18	"This Little Wiggy"	Neil Affleck	Dan Greaney	March 22, 1998 (1998-03-22)	5F13	8.9
When Marge realizes that Ralph Wiggum has no friends, she volunteers Bart to be his friend. Initially unwilling, Bart discovers that Ralph's father, Chief Wiggum, owns a key that opens every lock in Springfield. The two go out at night and open many places to have fun, but soon encounter bullies Nelson Muntz, Dolph, Jimbo, and Kearney. The four pressure Bart and Ralph to sneak into an abandoned prison, but Bart decides not to when he sees that Ralph is scared. The key is thrown over into the prison by the trouble-makers, causing Bart and Ralph to go retrieve it. While in the prison, the two find an old electric chair, which they turn on to see if it still works, and later go home. The next day, Mayor Quimby announces the prison is reopened, and decides to demonstrate what criminals could face by sitting in the, unknown to the police and the mayor, active chair. Bart rushes to Lisa for help to tell the mayor that the chair is active, leading Lisa to fire a small rocket with a note attached to the prison. The rocket misses and crashes into the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. Mr. Burns responds and, upon realizing the prison has been using free electricity, turns off the power, saving the mayor.
197	19	"Simpson Tide"	Milton Gray	Joshua Sternin & Jennifer Ventimilia	March 29, 1998 (1998-03-29)	3G04	9.0
Homer is fired from the Nuclear Power Plant following a near meltdown, and decides to join the Naval Reserve. Meanwhile, Bart decides to get an earring. Homer graduates from basic training, and must go of on a mission of war games, but not before taking Bart's earring, which he disapproves of. Later, on the submarine, Homer befriends the Captain, who leaves him in charge when he goes to check a blocked torpedo. Homer believes the ship is being fired at, and launches a torpedo, accidentally ejecting the Captain. Homer eventually gets the submarine lost, and is considered a traitor by the media. The United States Navy fires at the submarine, causing a leak which Homer stops with Bart's earring. The submarine is soon surfaced, and Homer is taken into custody by the Navy. However, he escapes any trouble due to the Navy judges having to resign over various scandals that they are involved in. Homer then leaves the Navy with a dishonorable discharge. Guest star: Bob Denver & Rod Steiger.
198	20	"The Trouble with Trillions"	Swinton O. Scott III	Ian Maxtone-Graham	April 5, 1998 (1998-04-05)	5F14	7.4
Forgetting to do his annual income taxes until the night they are due, Homer rushes to fill out his forms with false information. Soon after, he is arrested for tax fraud, but makes a deal to work for the FBI for immunity from the IRS's prosecutions. After a successful operation made by Homer, the FBI decides to have Homer obtain a one trillion dollar bill that is in the hands of Montgomery Burns. Homer leads Mr. Burns to believe that he is a reporter, causing Mr. Burns shows him the bill. The FBI rushes into the mansion and arrests Mr. Burns, but Homer decides to rescue him. Mr. Burns gets the help of Waylon Smithers, and with Homer, the three escape in Mr. Burns' plane. Looking for an island to buy, Mr. Burns decides to land in Cuba, where the three meet Fidel Castro. Castro does not wish to sell Cuba, but is interested in seeing the trillion dollar bill. However, after he is handed the bill, he decides to not return it. The show ends with the three on a raft back to the United States. Guest star: Paul Winfield.
199	21	"Girly Edition"	Mark Kirkland	Larry Doyle	April 19, 1998 (1998-04-19)	5F15	8.5
Lisa becomes a news anchor of a children's news segment on the "Krusty the Clown Show" when the channel discovers that it requires some educational programming. Meanwhile, Bart destroys Groundskeeper Willie's shack after he takes away Bart's skateboard. Later, Marge makes Lisa allow Bart to be the sports anchor, but after the channel sees Bart's success, they promote him to co-anchor. To prove to Lisa that he is a good anchor, Bart starts to produce "Bart's People", which are human interest stories, a news segment that becomes extremely popular. Resentful of his success, Lisa sends Bart a fake letter. In it, she pretends to be an immigrant who lost his home. Seeing an opportunity, Bart rushes to the landfill to do a live "Bart's People", only to discover that the immigrant was actually Groundskeeper Willie, who goes after Bart. Seeing what she did, Lisa rushes to save Bart, and is able to persuade Willie to let Bart go, using the emotion striking techniques Bart used in his segments.
200	22	"Trash of the Titans"	Jim Reardon	Ian Maxtone-Graham	April 26, 1998 (1998-04-26)	5F09	10.2
When Homer is unable to take all of his trash to the curb, barely missing the garbage truck, Homer insults the garbage men, leading the family to have their garbage collection service cut off. After the house collects a huge amount of trash, Marge writes an apology letter to the sanitary commission, signing with Homer's name. However, Homer finds out and goes to city hall to rescind it. Following an angry meeting with the commissioner, Homer decides to run for his position. Homer's campaigning fails to win much support, until he promises the town that they will no longer need to do any garbage-related work. This causes Homer to win in a landslide. Initially, Homer is able is keep his promise, but he uses an entire year's budget in a month, causing the workers to go on strike, fearing they will not be paid. Homer makes a deal with neighboring towns to dump their trash in Springfield's abandoned mines to make money, but when the mines are filled, trash starts to burst out of the ground. The town is then forced to completely move five miles away. Guest star: U2 & Steve Martin
201	23	"King of the Hill"	Steven Dean Moore	John Swartzwelder	May 3, 1998 (1998-05-03)	5F16	9.2
Bart becomes disappointed with his father after he fails miserably in a game of Capture the Flag. Thusly shamed, Homer decides to go to a gym every night to exercise, while eating an energy bar called "Powersauce" and being trained by Rainier Wolfcastle. In time Homer develops quite the impressive build, so much so that when Wolfcastle refuses two Powersauce representatives when they ask him to climb Springfield's tallest mountain, the Murderhorn, Homer is the one to take over this publicity stunt. To make sure Homer gets to the top, the company hires two Sherpas to drag Homer up the mountain during the night. However, Homer soon realizes the Sherpas are doing this, and fires them so that he can climb solo. After much climbing, Homer believes he has finally made it to the top, but then sees that he has only made it to a plateau of the mountain. Feeling that he cannot climb any higher, Homer places a flag where he is. This creates a crack which breaks the top of the mountain off, making the plateau where Homer is standing become the peak. After climbing back down, Bart shows that he is proud of his father again. Guest star: Brendan Fraser & Steven Weber.
202	24	"Lost Our Lisa"	Pete Michels	Brian Scully	May 10, 1998 (1998-05-10)	5F17	7.6
When Bart comes home with some novelty items superglued to his face, Marge takes him to the emergency room, spoiling Lisa's chance to go the Springfield Museum to catch the last day of the Isis Exhibit. Marge forbids Lisa to take public transportation to the museum by herself, but Lisa is able to manipulate her father for his permission to take the bus. However, Lisa takes the wrong bus and ends up in the middle of nowhere. Meanwhile, Homer realizes that he should not have given Lisa permission to take the bus by herself. He rushes to the museum to find her, but she has managed to get downtown after much travel. Near the museum, Homer decides to use a cherry picker to locate Lisa, but the cherry picker loses control and falls into the pier, and floats off to a drawbridge. Lisa sees this, and quickly tells the bridge operator to lower the bridge, which catches Homer by his head to save him. Unfortunately, the exhibit is closed, but Homer promises to break into the museum at night with Lisa, where the two discover one of the exhibits' objects is a musical box.
203	25	"Natural Born Kissers"	Klay Hall	Matt Selman	May 17, 1998 (1998-05-17)	5F18	8.6
Homer and Marge go out on their anniversary dinner, but are forced to take the kids. They end up having an unromantic dinner, and lose interest in being intimate later that night. Later, the two must go purchase a new refrigerator motor, but during a rainstorm, their car gets stuck in the mud, so the two rush into a barn. When the farm owner nearly discovers them, the two become excited and have sex. When they return home, they decide to spend a weekend at a bed and breakfast, but when they are there, they find themselves romantically uninspired once again, until a maid discovers them on a bed. They then realize that the fear of getting caught makes them excited. Later, they decide to go to a miniature golf course to have sex in the windmill there, just like they did when they were younger. The people there soon realize there is something inside the windmill, and the two barely manage to escape unseen. However, the people see their underwear, and realize someone was there. To get home, the nude couple steals a hot air balloon, but they accidentally wind up landing on a football field full of people. Homer and Marge travel back home, and are in the newspaper the next day.

Season 10 (1998–99)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 10)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. households (millions)
204	1	"Lard of the Dance"	Dominic Polcino	Jane O'Brien	August 23, 1998 (1998-08-23)	5F20	7
All the girls in Lisa's class are impressed by the mature, trendy personality of a new student named Alex Whitney, and do everything they can to be just like her. Lisa, who is not as impressed and chooses to be herself, is forgotten by her classmates and becomes jealous of Alex. Lisa's friends and Alex decide to host a school dance and they buy outfits for it in order to get dates. When Lisa goes to the dance, she discovers that the boys and the girls are at separate ends of the room, too embarrassed to dance with each other. As a result, Lisa is able to prove that Alex and her classmates are only children and not as mature as they try to be. Meanwhile, Homer convinces Bart to drop out of school for what he thinks to be a more promising pursuit: selling grease. However, this endeavor fails when their business results in a scuffle with Groundskeeper Willie. Guest star: Lisa Kudrow
205	2	"The Wizard of Evergreen Terrace"	Mark Kirkland	John Swartzwelder	September 20, 1998 (1998-09-20)	5F21	7.95
Homer discovers that he has not done anything in life that will be remembered after he dies, so he decides to become an inventor like Thomas Edison. However, his initial inventions such as an electric hammer are considered unpractical and are not well received. After a period of depression, Homer comes up with his first good invention—a chair that cannot tip over—only to discover that Edison also invented the same design. However, Edison's invention has remained unnoticed in Edison's preserved office at the Edison National Historic Site in West Orange New Jersey, so Homer sets out to destroy it. There, he has a change of heart and returns home, only to leave his electric hammer behind. When the museum staff members find it, they believe it is an undiscovered invention by Edison. The hammer becomes a success and Edison's heirs earn a lot of money, making Homer angry. Guest star: William Daniels
206	3	"Bart the Mother"	Steven Dean Moore	David S. Cohen	September 27, 1998 (1998-09-27)	5F22	7.35
Nelson invites Bart over to test a BB gun he won at an arcade center. When Bart uses it and accidentally kills a bird mother, Marge becomes furious with him, thinking that he killed the animal on purpose. Bart feels guilty for what he did and takes it upon himself to nurse the mother's orphaned eggs. Marge soon finds out about this and becomes proud of him. However, when the eggs hatch, they are found to be lizards that lived in the bird's nest. Skinner, a member of the Springfield Birdwatching Society, tells Bart that the lizards must die because they kill so many species of birds. Bart refuses and helps the lizards escape. After the lizards devour the pigeon population, which the townsfolk considered to be a nuisance, Bart is honored by Mayor Quimby. Guest star: Phil Hartman (in his final appearance)
207	4	"Treehouse of Horror IX"	Steven Dean Moore	Donick Cary, Larry Doyle & David S. Cohen	October 25, 1998 (1998-10-25)	AABF01	8.5
In the ninth Treehouse of Horror episode, there are three stories: "Hell Toupée" – Homer gets a hair transplant from Snake Jailbird, who was sentenced to death after breaking the city's three-strikes law. Snake's spirit possess Homer through the hair, forcing Homer to kill the people who witnessed against Snake after his final crime, including Bart. "The Terror of Tiny Toon" – When Lisa and Bart find a plutonium rod to use as a remote control battery, the two get sucked into a special, extremely violent Halloween episode of The Itchy & Scratchy Show. "Starship Poopers" – Marge, Homer, and Kang end up on The Jerry Springer Show after Marge confesses to Homer that Maggie is an alien and that Kang is her real father. Guest stars: Regis Philbin, Kathie Lee Gifford, Jerry Springer, Ed McMahon and Robert Englund
208	5	"When You Dish Upon a Star"	Pete Michels	Richard Appel	November 8, 1998 (1998-11-08)	5F19	9
When a parasailing accident sends Homer crashing into the secret home of Hollywood couple Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin, they hire him as their personal assistant, provided that Homer does not tell anyone where they live. The couple starts to become irritated with Homer, who gives them ridiculous suggestions for film screenplays. When he accidentally violates their trust by revealing their location in Springfield, the couple immediately end the friendship. After a chase between the Hollywood stars in their Hummer and Homer in his mobile museum of stuff that belongs to the couple, Homer is ordered by a court of law to remain 500 miles away from any celebrity. Guest stars: Alec Baldwin, Kim Basinger, Ron Howard, and Brian Grazer
209	6	"D'oh-in' in the Wind"	Mark Kirkland & Matthew Nastuk	Donick Cary	November 15, 1998 (1998-11-15)	AABF02	8.3
While filling out a Screen Actors Guild form (after starring in an instructional video filmed at the nuclear plant where he works), Homer realizes that he does not know what his middle initial "J" stands for. After finding the answer, "Jay", on a mural in the hippie commune where his mother once lived, Homer decides to live the hippie lifestyle. He stays with his mother's old friends Seth and Munchie who now own a juice company. Homer quickly ruins one of their juice shipments by accident, and tries to make up for it by taking crops from their garden and making juice with them. However, some of these crops contained drugs and after people start to have crazy hallucinations from drinking the juice, Chief Wiggum arrests Seth and Munchie. Guest Stars: George Carlin, Martin Mull, and a special performance by Yo La Tengo
210	7	"Lisa Gets an "A""	Bob Anderson	Ian Maxtone-Graham	November 22, 1998 (1998-11-22)	AABF03	8
While sick from school, Lisa becomes obsessed with a video game and forgets to study for a test on the book The Wind in the Willows. Not willing to fail, she calls upon Bart and Nelson to help her cheat, and gets an A+++. Consequently, Springfield Elementary School now qualifies for a basic assistance grant. Tormented by guilt for cheating, she reveals what she did to Skinner and Superintendent Chalmers, who persuade her to keep it a secret so the school can keep the money. At the grant ceremony, Lisa finally bursts out, only to realize the real ceremony had already taken place as Skinner and Chalmers anticipated her actions. Meanwhile, Homer houses a lobster to eat, but becomes emotionally attached to it and makes it his pet. However, he accidentally boils it to death while giving it a hot bath, and eats it sadly.
211	8	"Homer Simpson in: "Kidney Trouble""	Mike B. Anderson	John Swartzwelder	December 6, 1998 (1998-12-06)	AABF04	7.2
As the Simpson family is driving home after spending the day at a ghost town tourist attraction, Grampa needs to use the restroom but Homer refuses to stop the car. Grampa is forced to hold his urine in for hours and as a result his kidneys explode. With not much time left for Grampa to live, Homer offers to give his father one of his kidneys. However, he runs away from the hospital out of fear of the procedure and decides to hide, feeling shame for leaving Grampa at the operating table. He joins a group of weird characters on a ship who are also hiding out of shame for things they have done in their lives. However, Homer is rejected even from these outcasts because they are angered and disgusted by what he has done to his father. They throw him into the ocean and he drifts back to Springfield. There, he plans on giving his kidney again, but runs away at the last minute once more. After being knocked out by a car while fleeing from the hospital, Homer unwittingly gives his kidney while unconscious.
212	9	"Mayored to the Mob"	Swinton O. Scott III	Ron Hauge	December 20, 1998 (1998-12-20)	AABF05	8.5
After saving Mayor Quimby from rioters at a science fiction convention, Homer becomes Quimby's bodyguard. When Homer discovers that Mafia leader Fat Tony is providing rat milk to the schools of Springfield, he forces Quimby to expose Tony in return for saving Quimby from falling off a ledge. After Tony is arrested, he threatens to take Quimby's life. While Quimby is spending an evening at a dinner theater, Homer discovers that Fat Tony is there alongside his henchman, Louie, having been released on bail. Homer foils an attempt by Louie to kill Quimby, and as Homer and Louie fight, Tony is able to savagely beat Quimby with a baseball bat. However, Tony makes sure to only restore Quimby's fear of the Mafia and not kill him. Guest stars: Mark Hamill and Joe Mantegna
213	10	"Viva Ned Flanders"	Neil Affleck	David M. Stern	January 10, 1999 (1999-01-10)	AABF06	11.5
When Springfield's only casino is demolished, massive dust clouds form, prompting the Simpson family and Ned to go to a car wash to get rid of the dust on their cars. There, Homer sees that Ned gets a senior discount. Thinking that Ned is not a senior and lying about his age, Homer reveals this at church. As a result, Ned is forced to admit to everyone that he is sixty years old and only looks young because he has never done anything exciting in his life. Out of pity, Homer decides to take him to Las Vegas, where, after a night of partying and gambling, they end up marrying two casino barmaids while drunk. As Homer and Ned try to escape from the barmaids the next day, they go on a wild rampage through the casino, until they are confronted by casino security and banned from ever visiting Las Vegas again. Guest star: The Moody Blues
214	11	"Wild Barts Can't Be Broken"	Mark Ervin	Larry Doyle	January 17, 1999 (1999-01-17)	AABF07	8.8
Homer, Lenny, Carl, and Barney celebrate a rare victory of the Springfield Isotopes baseball team and end up going on a drunken rampage through town. During this rampage, they vandalize Springfield Elementary School. The next morning, Chief Wiggum suspects that students committed the crime and places all of Springfield's youth under curfew. The children respond by setting up a pirate radio show in which they reveal the embarrassing secrets of Springfield's adults. The location from which the children send out the broadcast is soon tracked down and an argument between the children and the adults ensues. As each side is stating their case in a song, the senior citizens turn up to complain about the children and the adults and agree to raise a curfew for everyone less than seventy years old. Guest star: Cyndi Lauper
215	12	"Sunday, Cruddy Sunday"	Steven Dean Moore	Tom Martin, George Meyer, Brian Scully & Mike Scully	January 31, 1999 (1999-01-31)	AABF08	11.5
While buying new tires for his car, Homer meets a travel agent who offers Homer a free bus ride to the Super Bowl, as long as he can find enough people to fill the agent's bus. A group of Springfield men tag along to what soon becomes a problematic trip after the tickets are discovered to be fake. As a result, they are locked in "Super Bowl Jail". Thanks to help from Dolly Parton, they break out and attempt to find the football field, until they get lost in the sea of players that run through the corridors of the stadium to the locker room after winning the Super Bowl. Much to their happiness, Homer and his friends end up in the locker room with the players. Meanwhile, Marge and Lisa try to find the missing parts of "Vincent Price's Egg Magic", a celebrity-endorsed craft kit. Guest stars: John Madden, Troy Aikman, Dan Marino, Pat Summerall, Rosey Grier, Fred Willard, Dolly Parton, and Rupert Murdoch
216	13	"Homer to the Max"	Pete Michels	John Swartzwelder	February 7, 1999 (1999-02-07)	AABF09	8.3
Homer is delighted with the positive attention he receives after a new television show airs that features a police character also named Homer Simpson. However, when the character is changed from a hero to a bumbling idiot by the show's producers, Homer is mocked and taunted by those he knows, so he changes his name to "Max Power" to rid himself of the negative attention. The new name earns Max respect, and he and Marge are invited to a party where they meet a lot of famous people who are going to save a redwood forest from destruction by chaining themselves to the trees. However, Max accidentally cuts his tree with his chains while running away from police officers Eddie and Lou. The tree knocks down all the other redwoods in a chain reaction, angering Max's newfound friends. In the end, Max changes his name back to Homer. Guest star: Ed Begley, Jr.
217	14	"I'm with Cupid"	Bob Anderson	Dan Greaney	February 14, 1999 (1999-02-14)	AABF11	7.7
After Apu and Manjula have a big fight, Apu showers his wife with elaborate Valentine's Day gifts to make up for it, making the rest of the men in Springfield look bad in front of their women. His final gift is to write a love note to Manjula in the sky—which Homer (along with a group of other discontented male characters) plans to sabotage. When the plane is about to spray the message "I ♥ U MANJULA", Homer manages to destroy the canister at "I ♥ U", a message that the women of Springfield think was made only for them by their partners. Homer is able to win Marge's love back by jumping out of the plane covered in roses and landing in front of her in their backyard. Meanwhile, to reconcile Apu with his wife, Elton John performs a private concert for the couple. Guest stars: Elton John and Jan Hooks
218	15	"Marge Simpson in: "Screaming Yellow Honkers""	Mark Kirkland	David M. Stern	February 21, 1999 (1999-02-21)	AABF10	8.6
Homer buys an SUV but upon discovery that it was designed as a "woman's car", he gives it to Marge. Infatuated with the car, she proceeds to develop a ferocious road rage and ends up losing her license when she fails a driving test and crashes it into a prison. However, her road rage is required when Homer accidentally sets all the rhinoceros in a zoo free. Marge agrees to assist the police in rounding up the animals, but learns there is one missing and sees Homer being carried off by it. She chases the angry rhino into a construction site and deliberately crashes the SUV, making it burst into flames. The rhino instinctively attempts to stamp out the fire, allowing Homer to escape. Guest stars: John Kassir and Hank Williams, Jr.
219	16	"Make Room for Lisa"	Matthew Nastuk	Brian Scully	February 28, 1999 (1999-02-28)	AABF12	7.6
When Homer uses Lisa's room as a cellular phone transmitter to pay off damages he did to the Bill of Rights at a Smithsonian exhibit, Lisa is forced to move into Bart's room. Lisa becomes furious with her father for having to share a room with her brother. She fears that she and Homer will never be close because of their clashing personalities and begins to develop stress-related stomach aches. To relieve these aches, Homer and Lisa visit a New Age store where the owner convinces them to go on a spiritual journey by lying in a sensory deprivation tank for a prolonged amount of time. On her journey, Lisa discovers that beneath Homer's bumbling outside, he really does care about her. Reconciled, the two of them watch a demolition derby together, something they equally enjoy. Meanwhile, Marge uses Maggie's baby monitor to listen in on other people's phone calls; however, when Milhouse and Bart play a prank on her, Marge knocks Milhouse out, thinking he was a burglar.
220	17	"Maximum Homerdrive"	Swinton O. Scott III	John Swartzwelder	March 28, 1999 (1999-03-28)	AABF13	15.5
While at a steakhouse, a trucker named Red challenges Homer to an eating contest. Red wins, but quickly dies of "beef poisoning", making it the first time he will miss a shipment. Feeling bad for him, Homer takes on the duty of transporting Red's cargo to Atlanta with his son Bart by his side. After falling asleep behind the wheel, Homer awakes to discover that the truck drove by itself with its Navitron Autodrive system. He informs other truck drivers, who tell him that he cannot let anyone know about the Autodrive system because it would make all truck drivers lose their jobs. Later, when cars that pass by Homer find out about it, a mob of truckers confront him. Homer and Bart escape, finish the shipment on time, and go home on a freight train. Meanwhile, after deducing that only Homer and Bart get to do the fun things in life, Marge and Lisa decide to add excitement to their lives by installing a new doorbell. However, it starts to malfunction after Lisa presses it.
221	18	"Simpsons Bible Stories"	Nancy Kruse	Tim Long, Larry Doyle & Matt Selman	April 4, 1999 (1999-04-04)	AABF14	12.2
Reverend Lovejoy punishes the congregation with a thorough reading of the Bible after discovering a chocolate Easter bunny in the collection plate. This leads to the Simpson family falling asleep and dreaming of themselves in Biblical stores: Adam and Eve – Homer and Marge are Adam and Eve, who get tempted by a snake into eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. Moses – Milhouse is Moses, who fights back against the Egyptians (Principal Skinner and the Springfield Police) in order to free the Jews (the children of Springfield Elementary School). King Solomon – In this short piece, Homer is King Solomon, who must decide which man (Lenny or Carl) is the true owner of a cherry pie. David and Goliath – Bart is David, who tries to slay Goliath (Nelson) after Goliath kills David's oldest friend.
222	19	"Mom and Pop Art"	Steven Dean Moore	Al Jean	April 11, 1999 (1999-04-11)	AABF15	8.5
Homer tries to assemble a barbecue pit quickly, but fails and is left with a mismatched collection of parts stuck in hardened cement. As a result, he vents his rage on the construct, mangling it further. When Homer takes the failed barbecue pit back to the store, an art dealer sees it and describes it as a masterpiece of outsider art. As a result, he gets his own art exhibition and channels his rage into his work. Marge, who had been trying to succeed at art for years, gets jealous of Homer's easy success. However, when Homer makes new art pieces for a show called "Art in America" that are similar to his first piece, his peers reject him as repetitive. In an attempt to do something groundbreaking, Homer floods Springfield and puts snorkels on the animals. The townspeople declare this a masterpiece and everyone enjoys the new "Grand Canals of Springfield". Guest stars: Jasper Johns and Isabella Rossellini
223	20	"The Old Man and the "C" Student"	Mark Kirkland	Julie Thacker	April 25, 1999 (1999-04-25)	AABF16	6.9
After ruining Springfield's chances of hosting the Olympics with an ethnically offensive stand-up act in front of the International Olympic Committee, Bart is forced to volunteer at the Springfield Retirement Castle. Meanwhile, Homer receives 1,000 springs he intended to sell as the mascot he created for the Olympics, Springy the Springfield Spring. He uses various get-rich-quick schemes to sell off the mascots, but fails miserably due to Springfield's hatred of Bart's comedy routine. Ultimately, Homer is forced to flush the mascots down the toilet. At the retirement home, Bart is dismayed at how little the seniors are allowed to do and decides to take them on a boat ride, which the seniors thoroughly enjoy until they crash into a schooner. The boat begins to sink, but the springs that Homer flushed down the toilet out onto the bottom of the sea cause the boat to bounce up to the surface long enough for the United States Coast Guard to rescue everyone. Guest star: Jack LaLanne
224	21	"Monty Can't Buy Me Love"	Mark Ervin	John Swartzwelder	May 2, 1999 (1999-05-02)	AABF17	7.26
Billionaire Arthur Fortune captures Springfield's heart by giving each customer a dollar at the opening of his new store. This embarrasses the unpopular Mr. Burns, who recruits Homer to help him be loved by all. However, their various schemes fail. Feeling disappointed, Burns makes his newest plan, which is to go to Scotland to catch the legendary Loch Ness Monster. After some minor setbacks, Burns is able to capture the monster and sends it to Springfield to be unveiled, where the friendly "Nessie" charms all of the spectators and makes Burns more likable. However, during the unveiling, Burns is blinded by camera flashes and runs into a camera which crashes and starts a fire. As a result, the crowd flees in panic. Following this disaster, Homer cheers up Burns by pointing out that being loved means you have to be nice to people every day but being hated is effortless. Guest star: Michael McKean
225	22	"They Saved Lisa's Brain"	Pete Michels	Matt Selman	May 9, 1999 (1999-05-09)	AABF18	6.8
After a riot occurs at a Springfield contest that promises a luxurious trip to the most disgusting and dimwitted contest participant, Lisa, disgusted at the lack of intelligence, writes a letter that appears in the newspaper. Springfield's branch of Mensa International, consisting of Comic Book Guy, Dr. Hibbert, Principal Skinner, Professor Frink, and Lindsay Naegle, is impressed and invites Lisa to join the group. When the Mensa members lose their gazebo at the park, they go to complain to Mayor Quimby. However, the mayor thinks they are there to confront him about his political corruption so he flees from Springfield. As a result, Lisa and the others are granted power to the city since they are the smartest. The power eventually corrupts them and they are cornered by a mob, only to be saved when Stephen Hawking shows up. Meanwhile, Homer gets erotic photographs of himself taken for Marge, but while she enjoys them a lot, she gets distracted by the interior design Homer did in their basement for the photo shoot and they do not have sex that night. Guest star: Stephen Hawking
226	23	"Thirty Minutes over Tokyo"	Jim Reardon	Donick Cary & Dan Greaney	May 16, 1999 (1999-05-16)	AABF20	8
When Snake Jailbird steals money from the Simpson family's bank account through the Internet, the Simpsons go on a budget and save enough to buy a trip to Japan. The Simpsons thoroughly enjoy the country, and Homer defeats one of the mightiest Sumo wrestlers. Impressed, the Emperor of Japan congratulates Homer, but, thinking the emperor is a new challenger, Homer knocks him out. As a result, he is placed in prison. After Marge pays the bail, Homer loses their last money and the family is unable to buy plane tickets home. All seems lost until a Japanese game show allows the Simpsons to compete in order to return to Springfield. Their last task on the show is to retrieve the plane tickets on a suspension bridge over an active volcano, which, once the family falls in, is revealed to be filled with orangeade and not lava. Although the family gets the tickets, Homer scolds the Japanese for their lack of ethics. Guest stars: George Takei, Gedde Watanabe, Keone Young, Karen Maruyama, and Denice Kumagai

Season 11 (1999–2000)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 11)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. households (millions)
227	1	"Beyond Blunderdome"	Steven Dean Moore	Mike Scully	September 26, 1999 (1999-09-26)	AABF23	8.1
After destroying an "Elec-Taurus" electric car in a test run, the Simpsons are given free tickets to Mel Gibson's new film, a remake of Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. Mel Gibson, however, laments his current role without violence and wants someone to give him criticism. When Homer sees Mel talking with Marge, he gives Mel a brutal review, leading Mel to believe that Homer is the only man brave enough to give suggestions. As a result, he hires him to create a better ending. However, when the ending proves to be too controversial, Mel and Homer end up on the run from studio executives with the film. Guest star: Mel Gibson and Jack Burns
228	2	"Brother's Little Helper"	Mark Kirkland	George Meyer	October 3, 1999 (1999-10-03)	AABF22	N/A
After getting in trouble for flooding the school gym during Fire Prevention Day, Bart is revealed to be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and prescribed a Ritalin-esque drug called Focusyn. At first, the drug makes Bart well-behaved and intellectual, but soon, Bart becomes paranoid, claiming that there are satellites owned by Major League Baseball that are spying on the town. When ordered to stop, Bart refuses, devours a few hundred, and proves his theory right by destroying the satellite with a tank. All is restored when Bart goes back to his ordinary pills. Guest star:: Mark McGwire
229	3	"Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner"	Nancy Kruse	Al Jean	October 24, 1999 (1999-10-24)	AABF21	N/A
Homer becomes a food critic for a Springfield newspaper and ends up annoying the restaurant owners of Springfield after he makes negative reviews just to be mean, advice he took from fellow critics. Springfield's restaurant owners then attempt to kill Homer by feeding him a poisoned éclair. Guest star: Edward Asner
230	4	"Treehouse of Horror X"	Pete Michels	Donick Cary, Tim Long & Ron Hauge	October 31, 1999 (1999-10-31)	BABF01	8.7
Intro: The Simpsons (all dressed as characters from previous Treehouse of Horror episodes, save Lisa, who is an axe murder victim) watch Kang and Kodos's lame attempt at a Halloween variety show. I Know What You Diddily-Iddily-Did – In this parody of I Know What You Did Last Summer, the Simpsons accidentally run over and kill Ned Flanders, and end up getting away with murder -- until someone (or something) haunts them with claims that he witnessed the crime. Desperately Xeeking Xena (a.k.a. "Stretch Dude and Clobber Girl in: 'Enter the Collector'") – Bart and Lisa gain super powers (Bart gains the ability to stretch while Lisa becomes super-strong) after a freak accident during a candy inspection on Halloween Night in the Springfield Elementary School gym and must save Lucy Lawless (dressed as Xena) from the Collector (Comic Book Guy). Life's a Glitch, Then You Die – After Homer forgets to make all the computers at the nuclear plant Y2K-compliant, the Y2K bug spreads to every computer and electronic device in the world, causing a technological apocalypse. Guest star: Dick Clark, Tom Arnold and Lucy Lawless
231	5	"E-I-E-I-(Annoyed Grunt)"	Bob Anderson	Ian Maxtone-Graham	November 7, 1999 (1999-11-07)	AABF19	N/A
Inspired by a cheesy "Zorro" movie, Homer begins slapping people with a glove and challenging them to duels (with the victims giving Homer whatever he wants instead of accepting the challenge), but when a real Southern gentleman accepts Homer's request for a duel, the Simpsons run off to the old farm Homer lived in with his parents (as seen in the season six episode Grampa vs. Sexual Inadequacy) and breed a dangerously addictive but successful tobacco/tomato hybrid called "tomacco". Just when they are about to gain a hundred million dollars from the hybrid, dangerously addicted animals ruin their plan. Homer proceeds to duel, only to get shot in the arm. Guest star: The B-52's
232	6	"Hello Gutter, Hello Fadder"	Mike B. Anderson	Al Jean	November 14, 1999 (1999-11-14)	BABF02	N/A
Homer becomes a local celebrity after bowling a 300 game, but his fame quickly fades as "yesterday's news". After a botched suicide attempt foiled by Otto, Homer decides to spend time with Maggie after seeing Ron Howard spend time with his children. When Homer tries to teach Maggie swimming, he fails due to her mistrust of him, and has to pulled out the beach by Maggie. Eventually, Homer brings Maggie to a bowling game, where she bowls a perfect game. Guest star: Ron Howard, Pat O'Brien, Nancy O'Dell and Penn & Teller
233	7	"Eight Misbehavin'"	Steven Dean Moore	Matt Selman	November 21, 1999 (1999-11-21)	BABF03	N/A
After Manjula gives birth to octuplets that were the result of fertility drugs, she and Apu unintentionally allow a zookeeper to exploit their babies in exchange for help after corporate sponsors abandon them for a mom that has given birth to nontuplets in Shelbyville. After a failed rescue attempt by Homer and Apu, the zoo keeper agrees to return the babies only if Butch Patrick and Homer ride a tricycle dressed as Eddie Munster on stage while attacked by cobras. Guest star: Garry Marshall and Butch Patrick
234	8	"Take My Wife, Sleaze"	Neil Affleck	John Swartzwelder	November 28, 1999 (1999-11-28)	BABF05	N/A
Homer wins a Harley-Davidson motorcycle at a fifties dancing contest and starts his own biker gang, naming it "Hell's Satans". However, this attracts the real biker gang called "Hell's Satans" to crash at their house. However, after a while, they begin to appreciate Marge, who takes care of them, and kidnaps her. Homer tracks them down and scuffles with Meathook, the leader. At Marge's suggestion, the gang settles down and lives normal lives. Guest star: John Goodman, Henry Winkler, Jay North and NRBQ
235	9	"Grift of the Magi"	Matthew Nastuk	Tom Martin	December 19, 1999 (1999-12-19)	BABF07	7.76
Principal Skinner hires Fat Tony's construction company to build wheelchair ramps for the school. These ramps promptly break down, forcing Skinner to close down Springfield Elementary. However, a toy company led by Jim Hope takes over the school; in school, the children are only taught to provide marketing schemes and suggestions. Soon, a new toy called Funzo that mysteriously resembles the children's ideas is invented. After a brief showdown Gary Coleman and the Funzo, things return to normal as Burns decides to fund the school after a visit from the three Christmas spirits. Guest star: Gary Coleman, Tim Robbins and Clarence Clemons
236	10	"Little Big Mom"	Mark Kirkland	Carolyn Omine	January 9, 2000 (2000-01-09)	BABF04	N/A
While the Simpson family goes skiing, Marge remains at the ski lodge due to her fear of skiing, only to break her leg from a falling clock. As a result, while hospitalised, Marge leaves Lisa to deal with the slovenly Bart and Homer, who do nothing but take their toll on their house. However, in an attempt to motivate them, she pulls a prank suggested by the ghost of Lucille Ball on Bart and Homer by making it look like they have leprosy. At Ned Flanders' suggestion, Bart and Homer end up in Hawaii; with them gone, Lisa finishes cleaning the house as Marge arrives home, her cast off. The pair then go to retrieve Homer and Bart, who are enjoying themselves despite the shock therapy. Guest star: Elwood Edwards
237	11	"Faith Off"	Nancy Kruse	Frank Mula	January 16, 2000 (2000-01-16)	BABF06	N/A
Bart believes he has the power to heal others through faith after removing a bucket glued to Homer's head. However, when Bart knocks Milhouse's glasses off in order to cure his myopia, Milhouse is nearly run over by a truck that he thinks is a dog as he cannot see without his glasses. Consequently, Bart, feeling guilty, ends his career as a faith healer. Meanwhile, Homer creates a homecoming game float for Springfield University. However, he soon forgets about it, and accidentally injures the star player, Anton Lubchenko. After getting in trouble with Fat Tony, Homer is saved when Lubchenko sacrifices his leg to win the game; the leg is surgically reattached by Doctor Hibbert, who is relieved at the end of Bart's healing career. Guest star: Don Cheadle
238	12	"The Mansion Family"	Michael Polcino	John Swartzwelder	January 23, 2000 (2000-01-23)	BABF08	11.3
Mr. Burns goes to the Mayo Clinic for a checkup after being declared the oldest man in Springfield, leaving the Simpsons to house-sit for him and Homer to take advantage of living as a rich man. However, when Homer wants to throw a party, he goes to Moe's, where he must buy the alcohol in international waters as it is Sunday before 2 PM. There, they are captured by Chinese pirates. Later, Burns discovers that as a result of having all the existing diseases, he is perfectly healthy as all the germs simply cancel each other out. Consequently, he returns and kicks out the Simpsons, who have not even enjoyed being rich, causing Homer to be extremely bitter and resentful. Guest star: Britney Spears
239	13	"Saddlesore Galactica"	Lance Kramer	Tim Long	February 6, 2000 (2000-02-06)	BABF09	9.6
The Simpsons rescue a diving horse named Duncan from abuse and keep him as a pet (despite Comic Book Guy's protest that the Simpsons have done this before), but when the cost of upkeeping the horse rises, Homer and Bart train Duncan to be a racing horse. Meanwhile, Lisa is upset over her school losing the band competition to Ogdenville unfairly at the state fair and writes a letter to Bill Clinton in protest. Guest star: Bachman–Turner Overdrive and Jim Cummings
240	14	"Alone Again, Natura-diddily"	Jim Reardon	Ian Maxtone-Graham	February 13, 2000 (2000-02-13)	BABF11	10.8
Maude Flanders is killed in a freak accident during a stock car race, devastating Ned and prompting Homer to find a new woman for his grieving neighbor. However, Ned begins losing his faith in God before being prompted back by a Christian rock band. Guest star: Shawn Colvin
241	15	"Missionary: Impossible"	Steven Dean Moore	Ron Hauge	February 20, 2000 (2000-02-20)	BABF10	N/A
Homer gets in trouble with PBS after confessing he does not have $10,000 to give them for their pledge drive--and ends up a missionary on a South Pacific island. Guest star: Betty White
242	16	"Pygmoelian"	Mark Kirkland	Larry Doyle	February 27, 2000 (2000-02-27)	BABF12	N/A
After getting his face censored out on the Duff Calendar for not being photogenic, Moe gets plastic surgery and becomes the star of a popular soap opera. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa go after Maggie's pink elephant balloon after it floats away.
243	17	"Bart to the Future"	Michael Marcantel	Dan Greaney	March 19, 2000 (2000-03-19)	BABF13	8.77
After their vacation in the woods is cut short due to a mosquito infestation, The Simpsons stop by at an Indian casino, where Bart tries to sneak in and ends up in the office of an Indian mystic who shows Bart's future in the year 2030 as a washed-up rock star living with Ralph Wiggum while Lisa is the President of the United States trying to get the country out of financial trouble.
244	18	"Days of Wine and D'oh'ses"	Neil Affleck	Deb Lacusta & Dan Castellaneta	April 9, 2000 (2000-04-09)	BABF14	N/A
Barney realizes how much of a pathetic drunk he is after watching his birthday party video and decides to give up alcohol forever, which does not sit well with Homer. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa work together to take a memorable photo for a new phone book cover contest.
245	19	"Kill the Alligator and Run"	Jen Kamerman	John Swartzwelder	April 30, 2000 (2000-04-30)	BABF16	7.46
Homer has a nervous breakdown when it is revealed on a quiz that he only has three years left to live. To calm him down, the family goes to Florida for vacation--and end up in the middle of a raucous spring break, where Homer joins in on the party and ends up getting himself and his family in trouble for killing the county's beloved mascot: an alligator named Captain Jack. Guest star: Kid Rock, Joe C., Robert Evans, Charlie Rose and Diedrich Bader
246	20	"Last Tap Dance in Springfield"	Nancy Kruse	Julie Thacker	May 7, 2000 (2000-05-07)	BABF15	N/A
Inspired by a movie about a girl who enters a tango contest and wins, Lisa decides to sign up for dance lessons -- and ends up taking tap lessons from a former child star. Meanwhile, Bart and Milhouse hide out at the mall to escape going to summer camp. Guest star: Frank Welker
247	21	"It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Marge"	Steven Dean Moore	Larry Doyle	May 14, 2000 (2000-05-14)	BABF18	N/A
Otto dumps his fiancee, Becky, at the altar, leaving her to become the Simpsons' latest houseguest, prompting Marge to go insane when Patty and Selma scare Marge with thoughts of Becky replacing Marge as a wife and mother. Meanwhile, Springfield Elementary gives Bart's fourth grade class videocameras (after slashing geography out of the budget) and Bart sets out to create a movie. Guest star: Parker Posey
248	22	"Behind the Laughter"	Mark Kirkland	Tim Long, George Meyer, Mike Scully & Matt Selman	May 21, 2000 (2000-05-21)	BABF19	N/A
In a parody of VH1's Behind the Music, viewers take an inside look at The Simpsons' rise to fame--and the many scandals, feuds and break-ups that threatened to end the show and split up the family. Guest star: Jim Forbes and Willie Nelson

Season 12 (2000–01)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 12)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
249	1	"Treehouse of Horror XI"	Matthew Nastuk	Rob LaZebnik, John Frink, Don Payne & Carolyn Omine	November 1, 2000 (2000-11-01)	BABF21	13.2
This year's Halloween story sees The Simpsons as "The Munsters" (with everyone except Lisa getting killed), Homer as a wandering spirit on the hunt for a good deed in "G-G-Ghost D-D-Dad," Bart and Lisa as peasants in a fairy tale forest in "Scary Tales Can Come True," and Lisa inadvertently dooming mankind by rescuing a dolphin in "Night of the Dolphin."
250	2	"A Tale of Two Springfields"	Shaun Cashman	John Swartzwelder	November 5, 2000 (2000-11-05)	BABF20	16.2
While calling Animal Control over a badger taking residence in Santa's Little Helper's doghouse, Homer discovers that Springfield has two different area codes–and ends up leading a revolt that splits the town in two. Guest star: The Who
251	3	"Insane Clown Poppy"	Bob Anderson	John Frink & Don Payne	November 12, 2000 (2000-11-12)	BABF17	16.4
Krusty takes parenting lessons from Homer when, during an outdoor book fair, a girl tells Krusty that she is his long-lost daughter from a one-night stand with a female soldier who fought during the first Gulf War. Guest star: Drew Barrymore, Amy Tan, Stephen King, John Updike, Joe Mantegna and Jay Mohr (credited as the voice of Christopher Walken)
252	4	"Lisa the Tree Hugger"	Steven Dean Moore	Matt Selman	November 19, 2000 (2000-11-19)	CABF01	14.9
Lisa falls for the teenaged leader of a militant environmentalist group and tries to impress him by living in Springfield's oldest tree in order to keep it from being cut down. Guest star: Joshua Jackson
253	5	"Homer vs. Dignity"	Neil Affleck	Rob LaZebnik	November 26, 2000 (2000-11-26)	CABF04	15
When the Simpsons once again have financial problems, Mr. Burns pays Homer to play pranks on others and humiliate himself in public. Meanwhile, Smithers creates a Malibu Stacy-themed musical. Guest star: Leeza Gibbons
254	6	"The Computer Wore Menace Shoes"	Mark Kirkland	John Swartzwelder	December 3, 2000 (2000-12-03)	CABF02	15.6
Homer decides to buy a computer after turning up to the Plant to find it closed by e-mail. He then creates his own website and it eventually gains attention when he posts gossip. Homer dubs himself as "Mr. X" to conceal his identity. When he reveals that he is Mr. X, he becomes drugged into a mysterious island where people who know too much are imprisoned after Homer starts writing conspiracy theories such as flu shots. Guest star: Patrick McGoohan
255	7	"The Great Money Caper"	Michael Polcino	Carolyn Omine	December 10, 2000 (2000-12-10)	CABF03	16.8
Homer and Bart become father–son con artists (after Bart is given money out of pity when Homer decided to not take him home), but soon find that they are the ones being had. Guest star: Edward Norton
256	8	"Skinner's Sense of Snow"	Lance Kramer	Tim Long	December 17, 2000 (2000-12-17)	CABF06	15.9
A snowstorm traps the students of Springfield Elementary inside, with them overthrowing Principal Skinner when he uses his Army skills to control them. Meanwhile, Homer tries to rescue the children–using Flanders' car.
257	9	"HOMR"	Mike B. Anderson	Al Jean	January 7, 2001 (2001-01-07)	BABF22	18.5
While working as a human guinea pig (to pay off the family's lost savings after making a bad investment), Homer discovers the root cause of his subnormal intelligence: a crayon that was lodged in his brain ever since he was a boy. He decides to have it removed to increase his IQ, but discovers that being smart does not necessarily equal being happy.
258	10	"Pokey Mom"	Bob Anderson	Tom Martin	January 14, 2001 (2001-01-14)	CABF05	15
Marge tries to rehabilitate a convict with remarkable artistic talent. Meanwhile, Homer uses a trash can to fix people's spines. Guest star: Michael Keaton, Charles Napier, Robert Schimmel and Bruce Vilanch
259	11	"Worst Episode Ever"	Matthew Nastuk	Larry Doyle	February 4, 2001 (2001-02-04)	CABF08	18.5
Bart and Milhouse are banned from The Android Dungeon after stopping Comic Book Guy from buying a box of priceless Star Wars memorabilia for $5, but are hired as his replacements when Comic Book Guy has a heart attack and is advised to leave his job in order to make friends. Guest star: Tom Savini
260	12	"Tennis the Menace"	Jen Kamerman	Ian Maxtone-Graham	February 11, 2001 (2001-02-11)	CABF07	14
While making funeral arrangements for Grampa's future, the funeral planner pitches the idea of a mausoleum that uses the same amount of cement as a full-sized tennis court. This prompts Homer to instead build a tennis court in his backyard, initially mistaking the sport for "Foxy Boxing". The tennis court makes Marge and Homer popular in town, but it turns out that this is only because Homer's inferior tennis ability makes them an easy target. Bart on the other hand, shines as a natural. Guest star: Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras, Venus Williams and Serena Williams
261	13	"Day of the Jackanapes"	Michael Marcantel	Al Jean	February 18, 2001 (2001-02-18)	CABF10	15.4
Krusty announces his retirement due to interference from network executives and the growing popularity of the big-money game show "Me Wantee", but when Krusty reveals to Sideshow Bob that all of the episodes featuring him have been erased, Sideshow Bob uses Krusty's biggest fan (Bart) to murder him during Krusty's farewell show. Guest star: Kelsey Grammer and Gary Coleman
262	14	"New Kids on the Blecch"	Steven Dean Moore	Tim Long	February 25, 2001 (2001-02-25)	CABF12	18.1
A music producer selects Bart, Nelson, Milhouse and Ralph to be members of the next hit boy band, who record subliminal songs about joining the Navy. Guest star: 'N Sync
263	15	"Hungry, Hungry Homer"	Nancy Kruse	John Swartzwelder	March 4, 2001 (2001-03-04)	CABF09	17.6
Homer becomes a Good Samaritan after discovering the simple joys of helping people in need–which is put to the test when he goes on a hunger strike after the owner of the Springfield Isotopes attempts to discredit him when Homer stumbles on his plot to discreetly move the team to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Guest star: Stacy Keach
264	16	"Bye, Bye, Nerdie"	Lauren MacMullan	John Frink & Don Payne	March 11, 2001 (2001-03-11)	CABF11	16.1
When Lisa becomes the target of a female bully, Lisa discovers a scientific reason as to why bullies pick on nerds. Meanwhile, Homer goes into the baby-proofing business, which is threatening the businesses of pediatricians and greeting card salesmen. Guest star: Kathy Griffin
265	17	"Simpson Safari"	Mark Kirkland	John Swartzwelder	April 1, 2001 (2001-04-01)	CABF13	13.3
When the Simpsons run out of food thanks to a bag boy strike (caused by Homer), the family finds an old box of animal crackers with a sweepstakes that sends The Simpsons to Africa.
266	18	"Trilogy of Error"	Mike B. Anderson	Matt Selman	April 29, 2001 (2001-04-29)	CABF14	14.4
Homer's rush to the hospital to reattach his thumb, Lisa's rush to school to win the science fair, and Bart's run-in with an illegal fireworks scheme are interconnected in a parody of Go and Run Lola Run. Guest star: Frankie Muniz
267	19	"I'm Goin' to Praiseland"	Chuck Sheetz	Julie Thacker	May 6, 2001 (2001-05-06)	CABF15	13.1
After finding a sketchbook belonging to his late wife Maude, Ned Flanders opens a Bible-themed amusement park to honor her memory. Guest star: Shawn Colvin
268	20	"Children of a Lesser Clod"	Mike Polcino	Al Jean	May 13, 2001 (2001-05-13)	CABF16	13.8
After spraining his knee during a basketball game, Homer begins taking care of the neighborhood kids to cure his boredom, prompting jealousy from Bart and Lisa, who feel that Homer is giving the kids the attention they never had.
269	21	"Simpsons Tall Tales"	Bob Anderson	John Frink, Don Payne, Bob Bendetson & Matt Selman	May 20, 2001 (2001-05-20)	CABF17	13.4
When Homer refuses to pay a five dollar airport tax to fly to Delaware, the family is forced to ride in a livestock car of a train instead. There they meet a singing hobo who tells three tall tales: Homer as Paul Bunyan. Lisa as Connie Appleseed, a parody of Johnny Appleseed. Bart as Tom Sawyer with Nelson as Huckleberry Finn.

Season 13 (2001–02)

Note: This is the last season to entirely use cel animation.

Main article: The Simpsons (season 13)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code
270	1	"Treehouse of Horror XII"	Jim Reardon	Joel H. Cohen, John Frink, Don Payne & Carolyn Omine	November 6, 2001 (2001-11-06)	CABF19
In the twelfth Treehouse of Horror episode: Hex and the City – While on a day trip through Ethnictown, Homer's bumbling catches the ire of a gypsy, who curses Homer's family and friends into receiving nothing but bad luck. House of Whacks – in this mixed parody of Demon Seed and 2001: A Space Odyssey, Marge buys an automated house and customizes it with the Pierce Brosnan personality, who falls for Marge and attempts to murder Homer. Wiz Kids – In this Harry Potter parody, Bart and Lisa go to a school for wizards, and Lord Montemort (Mr. Burns) uses Bart to capture Lisa's magic. Guest star: Pierce Brosnan and Matthew Perry.
271	2	"The Parent Rap"	Mark Kirkland	George Meyer & Mike Scully	November 11, 2001 (2001-11-11)	CABF22
Bart gets in trouble for joyriding in a police car, but feels confident he will be let off by Judge Snyder. However, Snyder goes on vacation before ruling his verdict and is replaced with a coldhearted judge named Constance Harm. She accuses Homer of being a negligent father and sentences him to be tethered to Bart. Guest star: Jane Kaczmarek.
272	3	"Homer the Moe"	Jen Kamerman	Dana Gould	November 18, 2001 (2001-11-18)	CABF20
Moe becomes depressed and decides to return to bartending school so he can re-evaluate himself. He meets an old teacher, who suggests that Moe try improving his bar, which might make him happier. Moe takes the advice, and turns his bar into a trendy nightclub, which does not sit well with his regular customers Homer, Lenny, Carl, and Barney. Guest star: R.E.M. (Peter Buck, Mike Mills and Michael Stipe).
273	4	"A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love"	Lance Kramer	John Swartzwelder	December 2, 2001 (2001-12-02)	CABF18
Homer becomes a fortune cookie writer for a Chinatown restaurant. Mr. Burns reads one of Homer's fortunes, which says that the reader will find love before Flag Day is over. Burns goes searching for love and meets Gloria, a meter maid, and asks her out. Gloria reluctantly agrees, and Burns recruits Homer to help him look young and hip to his new girlfriend. Guest star: Julia Louis-Dreyfus and George Takei.
274	5	"The Blunder Years"	Steven Dean Moore	Ian Maxtone-Graham	December 9, 2001 (2001-12-09)	CABF21
After tricking Marge into thinking an advertising spokesman is coming to visit her, Homer takes Marge and the rest of the family to a restaurant. A hypnotist uses his powers on Homer, and makes him remember a horrific childhood incident where Homer found a dead body in a ravine. The Simpson family decides to investigate this and find out where the body came from. Guest star: Paul Newman, Judith Owen and Joe Mantegna.
275	6	"She of Little Faith"	Steven Dean Moore	Bill Freiberger	December 16, 2001 (2001-12-16)	DABF02
After Homer and Bart's model rocket damages the church, Mr. Burns makes a deal to commercialize the church in return for paying for the damages. Lisa becomes disgusted at what the church has become, so she decides to find a new religion suitable for her. She eventually converts to Buddhism, causing Marge to fear for Lisa's soul. Guest star: Richard Gere.
276	7	"Brawl in the Family"	Matthew Nastuk	Joel H. Cohen	January 6, 2002 (2002-01-06)	DABF01
A social worker is assigned to make the Simpson family functional after they get arrested for fighting over a board game. He helps them learn how to work together and function as a family. Meanwhile, Ginger and Amber, the barmaids who married Homer and Flanders while they were drunk in "Viva Ned Flanders", arrive at the Simpsons' home, which outrages Marge. Guest star: Delroy Lindo and Jane Kaczmarek.
277	8	"Sweets and Sour Marge"	Mark Kirkland	Carolyn Omine	January 20, 2002 (2002-01-20)	DABF03
Springfield is officially declared the World's Fattest Town after an attempt to break a world record lands everyone on top of a truck scale. Out of embarrassment and disgust, Marge goes on a crusade against the local sugar corporation. However, when sugar is banned, Homer, Bart, Mr. Burns and Apu start bootlegging sugar. Guest star: Ben Stiller.
278	9	"Jaws Wired Shut"	Nancy Kruse	Matt Selman	January 27, 2002 (2002-01-27)	DABF05
A jaw injury from colliding with a new town statue turns Homer into a better listener while recuperating with his jaws wired shut, but once the wires come off, Homer does not go back to being loud and obnoxious and Marge becomes starved for thrills. Guest star: John Kassir.
279	10	"Half-Decent Proposal"	Lauren MacMullan	Tim Long	February 10, 2002 (2002-02-10)	DABF04
Homer develops a snoring problem, so Marge decides to spend a night with her sisters Patty and Selma. After a night of drinking, Marge sees a news report about her ex-prom date Artie Ziff, who is now very wealthy, and decides to send him an e-mail. Artie is still obsessed with Marge, so he offers the Simpsons $1 million in exchange for Marge spending a weekend with him. Guest star: Jon Lovitz.
280	11	"The Bart Wants What It Wants"	Michael Polcino	John Frink & Don Payne	February 17, 2002 (2002-02-17)	DABF06
Bart befriends Rainer Wolfcastle's daughter Greta. She has a crush on Bart, but he does not seem to realize it and eventually stops seeing her. Seeking revenge, Greta begins dating Bart's best friend Milhouse, which causes Bart to start missing her. She leaves for Toronto with her father, and Bart convinces his family to follow them there. Guest star: Reese Witherspoon and Wolfgang Puck.
281	12	"The Lastest Gun in the West"	Bob Anderson	John Swartzwelder	February 24, 2002 (2002-02-24)	DABF07
While running away from a vicious dog, Bart meets Buck McCoy, a former Western film star. Bart begins hanging out with him and starts to idolize him. Bart wants to help McCoy stage a comeback, so he convinces all of the kids in town to become interested in the Wild West. McCoy appears on the Krusty the Clown Show, but the comeback flops when Buck begins drinking again and injures Krusty the Clown. Guest star: Dennis Weaver and Frank Welker.
282	13	"The Old Man and the Key"	Lance Kramer	Jon Vitti	March 10, 2002 (2002-03-10)	DABF09
Grampa falls in love with Zelda, a woman who has an interest in men who can drive. He decides to get his driver's license back, but is ignorant to Homer and Marge's concerns that she is only using him for his car. Guest star: Olympia Dukakis and Bill Saluga.
283	14	"Tales from the Public Domain"	Mike B. Anderson	Andrew Kreisberg, Josh Lieb & Matt Warburton	March 17, 2002 (2002-03-17)	DABF08
When Homer gets a notice from the library that he has a book of classic tales that is years overdue, he finds it on the shelf and reads three stories: The Odyssey (where Homer and his bar buddies try to get home after fighting the Trojans), Joan of Arc (where Lisa leads the French against the English with the help of God), and Hamlet (where Bart tries to kill Moe after Moe kills Homer in order to marry Marge).
284	15	"Blame It on Lisa"	Steven Dean Moore	Bob Bendetson	March 31, 2002 (2002-03-31)	DABF10
When Homer gets the family's telephone service cut off for refusing to pay for calls made to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Lisa confesses that she was the one who called Rio after sponsoring an orphan who goes missing. She convinces the family to travel to Brazil to look for him. However, once there, they have no luck finding him, and Homer is kidnapped.
285	16	"Weekend at Burnsie's"	Michael Marcantel	Jon Vitti	April 7, 2002 (2002-04-07)	DABF11
Homer is prescribed medicinal marijuana after getting pecked in the eyes by a murder of crows. While his family and friends worry about the drug altering his personality, Homer becomes Mr. Burns's vice president after cracking up at Burns's antiquated jokes. Guest star: Phish (Trey Anastasio, Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon and Page McConnell).
286	17	"Gump Roast"	Mark Kirkland	Deb Lacusta & Dan Castellaneta	April 21, 2002 (2002-04-21)	DABF12
In this clip show episode, Homer is honored at a Friars' Club Roast. A number of characters show up to roast him, but the celebrating is interrupted by Kang and Kodos, who say that humanity will be judged based on Homer's experiences.
287	18	"I Am Furious (Yellow)"	Chuck Sheetz	John Swartzwelder	April 28, 2002 (2002-04-28)	DABF13
Inspired by a cartoonist who speaks at the school as part of a career day assembly, Bart creates a comic book series based on Homer and his anger problems, which turns into a popular Internet cartoon series called Angry Dad. Homer finds out about this and is at first outraged, but after talking to his family, he decides to try to become a less angry person. Guest star: Stan Lee.
288	19	"The Sweetest Apu"	Matthew Nastuk	John Swartzwelder	May 5, 2002 (2002-05-05)	DABF14
Homer and Marge discover that Apu is having an affair with the Squishee delivery lady at the Kwik-E-Mart. They decide to keep Apu's wife Manjula from finding out about it. However, she eventually learns of Apu's affair by watching store security tapes. She throws Apu out of the house and decides to file for divorce, but soon realizes that she misses him. Guest star: James Lipton.
289	20	"Little Girl in the Big Ten"	Lauren MacMullan	Jon Vitti	May 12, 2002 (2002-05-12)	DABF15
Lisa tries to fit in with two college students by lying about her age. She finds that the college atmosphere is perfect for her, but her lie is soon discovered and she is shunned by her fellow elementary school students. Meanwhile, Bart is diagnosed with a weakened immune system after getting bitten by a Chinese mosquito and must live in a plastic, germ-free bubble. Guest star: Robert Pinsky.
290	21	"The Frying Game"	Michael Polcino	John Swartzwelder	May 19, 2002 (2002-05-19)	DABF16
While faced with community service for abusing an endangered insect, Homer begins assisting an elderly woman named Mrs. Bellamy. One night, Mrs. Bellamy is murdered, and Homer and Marge are accused of committing the crime. Guest star: Carmen Electra and Frances Sternhagen.
291	22	"Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge"	Pete Michels	Dana Gould	May 22, 2002 (2002-05-22)	DABF17
Homer starts a security company with Lenny and Carl after the police are ineffective during a blackout, and eventually Mayor Quimby decides to have them replace the police. Homer finds that he excels at the job, but then he runs afoul of mob boss Fat Tony, who threatens Homer with death unless he leaves town. Guest star: Joe Mantegna.

Season 14 (2002–03)

Note: From "The Great Louse Detective" onward, digital ink and paint are used for episodes.

Main article: The Simpsons (season 14)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
292	1	"Treehouse of Horror XIII"	David Silverman	Marc Wilmore, Brian Kelley, Kevin Curran	November 3, 2002 (2002-11-03)	DABF19	16.7
The 13th Treehouse of Horror episode, consisting of three self-contained segments. Send in the Clones – Homer buys a hammock that can produce clones of himself. He creates numerous clones to help him around the house, but they soon overrun Springfield. The Fright to Creep and Scare Harms – Lisa petitions the town to get rid of their firearms after discovering the gravestone of a young man named William Bonney who died from gun violence. However, Lisa soon discovers that William Bonney is the real name of Western outlaw Billy the Kid, whose ghost, along with the ghosts of other infamous criminals, takes over the defenseless town. The Island of Dr. Hibbert – Dr. Hibbert invites the citizens of Springfield to his island resort, where he turns them into animals.
293	2	"How I Spent My Strummer Vacation"	Mike B. Anderson	Mike Scully	November 10, 2002 (2002-11-10)	DABF22	12.5
A drunken Homer appears on the show Taxicab Conversations and rants about how awful his life as a husband and father is. Although his family is at first outraged, they realise that they do somewhat burden him and decide to make up for it by sending him to a Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp where he mingles with rock stars, including Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The rock stars ask Homer to help out at a concert and, expecting that he will be allowed to perform, he accepts. Actually, they want him to test the microphones; however, a humiliated Homer grabs a guitar and starts playing. Guest star: Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Costello, Brian Setzer and Tom Petty.
294	3	"Bart vs. Lisa vs. the Third Grade"	Steven Dean Moore	Tim Long	November 17, 2002 (2002-11-17)	DABF20	13.3
The Simpsons buy a satellite television, which Bart spends so much time watching that he does not study for an important achievement test. He scores so low that Principal Skinner demotes him to third grade, while Lisa does so well that she is moved up to third grade. The two are placed in the same class and become rivals. During a trip to Capital City, they get separated from their class and are forced to help each other in order to find their classmates.
295	4	"Large Marge"	Jim Reardon	Ian Maxtone-Graham	November 24, 2002 (2002-11-24)	DABF18	17.4
Thinking Homer does not find her attractive anymore, Marge decides to get liposuction, but instead receives breast implants. She becomes adored by many of the men in Springfield, and becomes a spokesmodel for trade shows. Meanwhile, Bart and Milhouse try to imitate a stunt they saw on an episode of Batman that guest stars Krusty the Clown. When the stunt ends badly, media watchdog groups blame Krusty, forcing the clown to make his show more safety-conscious and less fun. Guest star: The Baha Men (Patrick Carey, Omerit Hield and Marvin Prosper), Jan Hooks, Adam West and Burt Ward.
296	5	"Helter Shelter"	Mark Kirkland	Brian Pollack & Mert Rich	December 1, 2002 (2002-12-01)	DABF21	15.1
The Simpson family has to find temporary residence while their house is fumigated for termites. When they run out of options, they decide to become contestants on a reality show where families live in the manner that people did in 1895. The family is initially miserable, but slowly adapt to their new life, which causes the show to lose ratings. The producers decide to try to boost viewers by dumping the house in a river and forcing the family to survive in the wilderness. However, the Simpsons find a bunch of rejects from other reality shows and they attack the producers. Guest star: Larry Holmes and David Lander.
297	6	"The Great Louse Detective"	Steven Dean Moore	John Frink & Don Payne	December 15, 2002 (2002-12-15)	EABF01	15.5
The Simpson family win a free spa weekend, and Homer is nearly killed when a mysterious figure locks him in a sauna. Chief Wiggum decides to hire someone who can think like a murderer in order to find one. Bart's mortal enemy Sideshow Bob is sent to live with the Simpsons so he can help find Homer's attempted killer. Bob and Homer track down the attempted murderer and discover that it is Frank Grimes, Jr., the son of a man that Homer drove to insanity (in the season eight episode "Homer’s Enemy"). After Grimes is arrested, Bob tries to kill Bart, but he finds that he has "grown accustomed to his face" and cannot harm him. Guest star: Kelsey Grammer.
298	7	"Special Edna"	Bob Anderson	Dennis Snee	January 5, 2003 (2003-01-05)	EABF02	15.0
Ms. Edna Krabappel begins to lose faith in her relationship with Principal Skinner and becomes depressed. Bart wants to cheer her up and decides to nominate her for the Teacher of the Year Award. Ms. Krabappel and the Simpsons are given a free trip to Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida. Skinner decides that he needs to do something to win Edna back, so he follows them there. He tries to sabotage Edna's chances of winning the award, in hopes that she will become so depressed that she will come back to him. However, he has a change of heart and proposes to her. />Guest star: Little Richard.
299	8	"The Dad Who Knew Too Little"	Mark Kirkland	Matt Selman	January 12, 2003 (2003-01-12)	EABF03	12.8
Homer disappoints Lisa on her birthday when he gives her a thoughtless present. He realizes that he knows little about her and decides to hire private detective Dexter Colt to spy on her. Colt compiles a report, the information from which helps Homer bond with his daughter. However, Colt soon demands to be paid $1000, which Homer refuses. In retaliation, Colt vandalises an animal research lab and steals all the animals, leaving behind several clues that implicate Lisa. Homer and Lisa go on the run as fugitives and end up at a circus, where they meet Colt. He tries to kill Homer, but Lisa saves him. Later, Colt is arrested and Lisa exonerated. She finally receives the present she wanted from Homer. Guest star: Elliott Gould.
300	9	"The Strong Arms of the Ma"	Pete Michels	Carolyn Omine	February 2, 2003 (2003-02-02)	EABF04	15.4
Marge gets mugged and becomes so traumatized that she develops Agoraphobia. She hides in the basement. Having little else to do, she decides to exercise with a weight set Homer bought from Rainier Wolfcastle's garage sale. She becomes so strong and confident that she is able to leave the basement. She continues working out and decides to start taking steroids so she can enter a bodybuilding competition. One night at Moe's Tavern she loses her temper and starts destroying the bar and fighting all of the patrons. Homer confronts Marge and says he misses the sweet woman that he married. Marge, horrified at what she has done, apologizes and decides to stop working out. Guest star: Pamela Reed.
301	10	"Pray Anything"	Michael Polcino	Sam O'Neal & Neal Boushell	February 9, 2003 (2003-02-09)	EABF06	13.4
Homer becomes depressed when he sees that Ned Flanders seems to be better off than him. To remedy this, he begins to pray constantly. Meanwhile, the Simpsons discover that tree roots have clogged up their plumbing. The house becomes too run down to live in, and Homer prays for a solution. Homer is injured while attending church; he sues Reverend Lovejoy and is awarded the deed to the church. He throws a huge house-warming party, in which all of the partiers drink and engage in sinful activities. It suddenly starts raining and the town begins to flood. The townspeople flee to the roof of the church. Homer tries praying again but the flood keeps rising. Reverend Lovejoy returns in a helicopter and leads everyone in prayer, asking God to forgive them, and the rain stops. Guest star: Lisa Leslie.
302	11	"Barting Over"	Matthew Nastuk	Andrew Kreisberg	February 16, 2003 (2003-02-16)	EABF05	21.3
Bart learns that he was once a child actor in commercials and that all the money earned was spent by Homer. In retaliation, Bart petitions the court to have himself legally emancipated from his parents and moves out of the Simpson house. Bart is initially miserable in his new apartment, but discovers that skateboarder Tony Hawk lives on one of the floors above. He and Hawk become friends, and Bart is content with his new life. Homer apologizes to Bart and requests that he return home. Bart accepts the apology, but tells his family that he is going on tour with Hawk. At an event, Homer speaks to Bart and finally promises Bart that he will never treat him badly again. Guest star: Tony Hawk, Blink-182 (Travis Barker, Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus) and Jane Kaczmarek.
303	12	"I'm Spelling As Fast As I Can"	Nancy Kruse	Kevin Curran	February 16, 2003 (2003-02-16)	EABF07	22.1
Lisa competes at a spelling bee and earns the right to compete in the Spell-lympics, becoming the pride of the town. The host of the show George Plimpton, asks her to intentionally lose so that a more popular boy can win. Lisa refuses and continues to compete, but accidentally misspells a word and loses. Meanwhile, Homer tours with a group obsessed with eating Krusty Burger's latest sandwich. Guest star: George Plimpton.
304	13	"A Star Is Born-Again"	Michael Marcantel	Brian Kelley	March 2, 2003 (2003-03-02)	EABF08	14.4
During the annual Jellyfish Festival, Ned Flanders realizes that he is lonely and becomes depressed. One night, he meets a beautiful woman, who asks him out on a date. He soon learns that the woman is Sara Sloan, a famous actress. Sloan is charmed by Flanders' wholesomeness, and they continue to date to the point at which she asks that he move to Hollywood. Flanders, worried that Hollywood would conflict with his conservative Christian values, refuses, so Sloan instead decides to stay in Springfield. However, their relationship does not work out, due to his insistence on marriage. Guest star: James L. Brooks, Helen Fielding and Marisa Tomei.
305	14	"Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington"	Lance Kramer	John Swartzwelder	March 9, 2003 (2003-03-09)	EABF09	14.4
An air traffic route is redirected so that airplanes start flying directly over the Simpsons' house. The noise starts to disrupt their lives and, desperate for a solution, the family turns to their Congressman. However, he dies of a heart attack, so they ask Krusty the Clown to run for Congress so that he can help them. Krusty is successful in his campaign, but finds that his air traffic bill is ignored by the veteran Congressmen. He soon becomes disillusioned with the system, so the Simpsons, with guidance from Walter Mondale, help him out by blackmailing one of his opponents and attaching the bill to a more popular one. The bill passes, and the air traffic is re-routed. Guest star: Joe Mantegna.
306	15	"C.E.D'oh"	Mike B. Anderson	Dana Gould	March 16, 2003 (2003-03-16)	EABF10	13.0
Homer decides to try for a promotion at Springfield Nuclear Power Plant and suggests several ideas to Mr. Burns, all of which are rejected. One night, Homer overhears Burns admit that the plant's real owner is a canary to protect Burns from responsibility for any wrongdoing by the power plant. Homer releases the bird and tells Burns that nuclear inspectors have arrived for a surprise inspection. Burns, desperate to find a scapegoat, names Homer the new owner. As his first act, Homer fires Burns and takes control of the Plant. However, he finds that his work life as a CEO is conflicting with his family life. Homer decides to return to his old job and gives ownership back to Burns.
307	16	"'Scuse Me While I Miss the Sky"	Steven Dean Moore	Dan Greaney & Allen Glazier	March 30, 2003 (2003-03-30)	EABF11	12.6
A snobby British filmmaker named Declan Desmond begins making a documentary about student life at Springfield Elementary School. When introduced to Lisa, he tells her that she has too many goals and suggests that she pick one career. Lisa focuses on astronomy, but cannot watch the stars because of light pollution. She convinces Mayor Quimby to decrease the light's intensity during the night, which only results in an increase in the crime rate. Quimby bows to public pressure and switches the lights back on permanently. Lisa overloads the generators at the Power Plant, causing a power outage, and is able to watch a meteor shower undisturbed by light. Guest star: Eric Idle and Joe Mantegna.
308	17	"Three Gays of the Condo"	Mark Kirkland	Matt Warburton	April 13, 2003 (2003-04-13)	EABF12	12.02
While searching in his closet, Homer discovers an old letter from Marge that states that she no longer loves him. He begins to think that she only married him because impregnated her and moves out. He finds a new apartment in Springfield's gay district and moves in with a male homosexual couple. Marge and Homer attempt a reconciliation dinner, but Homer becomes intoxicated and arrives late. Homer goes to Moe's Tavern, where he continues drinking and gets alcohol poisoning. At the hospital, Dr. Hibbert shows Homer a videotape that documents Homer's first alcohol poisoning. It shows Marge's compassion for the unconscious Homer, as she tells him she loves him. Back in the present, Marge comes into the hospital room and says that she still loves Homer and they kiss. Guest star: "Weird Al" Yankovic, Ben Schatz and Scott Thompson.
309	18	"Dude, Where's My Ranch?"	Chris Clements	Ian Maxtone-Graham	April 27, 2003 (2003-04-27)	EABF13	11.71
When challenged to think up a new Christmas carol, Homer instead writes a song about how much he hates Ned Flanders. The song becomes such a hit that the Simpsons become sick of hearing it and take a trip to a dude ranch. Lisa develops affections for a local boy named Luke but becomes jealous when he hears him talking to a girl named Clara on the telephone. One night, she meets Clara and gives her the wrong directions, leading her to become lost. After Lisa discovers that Clara is actually Luke's sister, she rushes to find her. She saves Clara, and decides to tell Luke what happened, but he is offended and dumps her. Meanwhile, Bart and Homer decide to help a tribe of Native Americans who want a beaver dam removed so they can reclaim their land. Guest star: David Byrne, Andy Serkis and Jonathan Taylor Thomas.
310	19	"Old Yeller-Belly"	Bob Anderson	John Frink & Don Payne	May 4, 2003 (2003-05-04)	EABF14	11.59
The Simpson family's dog Santa's Little Helper fails to save Homer from a treehouse when it is on fire. Consequently, Homer declares him a coward and disowns him. One day, a photographer finds Santa's Little Helper playing with a Duff Beer can and takes a picture. The picture becomes popular and SLH becomes the new mascot for Duff Beer while the old mascot, Duffman, is fired. Homer earns a lot of money but SLH's original owner shows up, claiming that the dog is rightfully his. Bart fears that he will never see Santa's Little Helper again. The Simpsons conceive a plan to get Duffman rehired as Duff's mascot by showing what a coward Santa's Little Helper is. At a Duff-sponsored beach event, Homer pretends to be drowning (while floating on a keg of beer) but is attacked by a shark. The shark bites the beer keg and becomes drunk, and wins over the crowd on the beach. The shark is named the new mascot of Duff Beer and Santa's Little Helper returns to the Simpson family. Guest star: Stacy Keach and John Kassir.
311	20	"Brake My Wife, Please"	Pete Michels	Tim Long	May 11, 2003 (2003-05-11)	EABF15	10.56
Homer becomes obsessed with using new gadgets in his car. One day, he becomes distracted and drives off a pier, losing his driver's license. Unable to use a car, Homer starts to learn the joys of walking. Meanwhile, Marge shoulders the burden of Homer's driving duties and becomes stressed out. One day, as Homer sings about the virtues of walking, Marge accidentally runs him over with her car. Later, as Homer recuperates from the accident, he begins to suspect that Marge is trying to hurt him. They fight and go to see a marriage counselor. The counselor advises Homer to perform one completely unselfish gesture to win Marge back. Homer holds a party with all of her friends and a surprised Marge tells Homer that she loves him. Guest star: Jackson Browne and Steve Buscemi and Jane Kaczmarek.
312	21	"The Bart of War"	Michael Polcino	Marc Wilmore	May 18, 2003 (2003-05-18)	EABF16	12.10
After destroying Flanders' shrine to The Beatles, Bart and Milhouse are punished by being put in community groups. Bart joins the Pre-Teen Braves along with Ralph Wiggum, Nelson Muntz and Database. Led by Marge, they start engaging in community activities. However, they soon become rivals with The Cavalry Kids, led by Milhouse. The two groups try to outdo each other and become involved in a contest to sell the most candy. The Cavalry Kids win the prize of singing the national anthem at a baseball game. However, the Pre-Teen Braves pretend to be The Cavalry Kids and sing their own version of the national anthem. As the crowd becomes enraged, the real Cavalry Kids arrive and a massive stadium-wide brawl erupts. Marge becomes upset, and the fighting ends when an image of her crying is shown on the JumboTron.
313	22	"Moe Baby Blues"	Lauren MacMullan	J. Stewart Burns	May 18, 2003 (2003-05-18)	EABF17	13.44
Moe Szyslak becomes lonely and decides to commit suicide by jumping off a bridge. However, he inadvertently saves Maggie Simpson when she is sent flying from the Simpsons' car window and into his arms. He starts playing with Maggie and becomes attached to her, telling her the story of The Godfather. Homer and Marge become upset about how much time Moe is spending with Maggie and forbid him from seeing her again. One night, Maggie wakes up and hears Fat Tony and the Springfield Mafia outside the house and decides to follow them. When Homer and Marge find her missing, they automatically assume that Moe kidnapped her. When Moe is told that Maggie is missing, his request to help find her is granted by Homer. Maggie follows the mobsters to Luigi's restaurant, where Fat Tony's gang gets into a gun battle with a rival family. Homer, Marge and Moe track Maggie down and Moe decides to go inside and save Maggie. After Moe saves Maggie's life, Homer allows the two to spend more time together. Guest star: Joe Mantegna.

Season 15 (2003–04)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 15)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
314	1	"Treehouse of Horror XIV"	Steven Dean Moore	John Swartzwelder	November 2, 2003 (2003-11-02)	EABF21	16.22
Reaper Madness – Homer enjoys his new life as The Grim Reaper after killing the old one and plaguing the world with immortality, but becomes conflicted when Marge is next on his death list. Frinkenstein – Prof. Frink wins the Nobel Prize in science, but is sad that his dead father is not with him to share in his success, so Frink rebuilds him out of his father's real body with mechanical parts, but the latter is not happy with this and he will steal the body parts of other corpses. Stop the World, I Want to Goof Off – Bart and Milhouse order a stopwatch from the back of a comic book that possesses the power to manipulate time. Guest star: Jerry Lewis, Dudley Herschbach, Jennifer Garner and Oscar De La Hoya
315	2	"My Mother the Carjacker"	Nancy Kruse	Michael Price	November 9, 2003 (2003-11-09)	EABF18	N/A
Homer's mother returns, and after being cleared of all charges, is re-imprisoned on a technicality. Guest star: Glenn Close
316	3	"The President Wore Pearls"	Mike B. Anderson	Dana Gould	November 16, 2003 (2003-11-16)	EABF20	N/A
In this loose parody of the musical/movie Evita, Lisa is elected Student Body president, but is unaware that the school staff is using her for their own devices and as a scapegoat if something goes wrong. Guest star: Michael Moore, Jerry Stiller
317	4	"The Regina Monologues"	Mark Kirkland	John Swartzwelder	November 23, 2003 (2003-11-23)	EABF22	N/A
After making over $3000 from his own museum featuring a $1000 bill, Bart takes the family to London (on the suggestion of Grampa), where Homer is arrested for treason after crashing into the Queen. Guest star: Tony Blair, J.K. Rowling, Ian McKellen, Jane Leeves and Evan Marriott
318	5	"The Fat and the Furriest"	Matthew Nastuk	Joel H. Cohen	November 30, 2003 (2003-11-30)	EABF19	N/A
Homer is humiliated when he appears on the news running from a bear that nearly attacks him at the city dump. After Grampa scolds him, he swears to fight the bear himself. Guest star: Charles Napier
319	6	"Today I Am a Clown"	Nancy Kruse	Joel H. Cohen	December 7, 2003 (2003-12-07)	FABF01	N/A
Krusty discovers that he never had a bar mitzvah as a child. He quits his show to have it as an adult, with the help of his father, Rabbi Krustofski. Meanwhile, Homer hosts a late-night talk show a la "Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher" as a replacement for Krusty's show. Guest star: Jackie Mason and Mr. T
320	7	"'Tis the Fifteenth Season"	Steven Dean Moore	Michael Price	December 14, 2003 (2003-12-14)	FABF02	N/A
Homer realizes how selfish he is after he spends all the family's Christmas money on a present for himself. He becomes the nicest guy in town, making Ned Flanders jealous (again).
321	8	"Marge vs. Singles, Seniors, Childless Couples and Teens and Gays"	Bob Anderson	Jon Vitti	January 4, 2004 (2004-01-04)	FABF03	N/A
When a group of singles, seniors, childless couples, teens and gays band together to protest having to accommodate families (including paying property taxes used to teach children they do not have) after a riot at a children's concert, Marge takes up the cause for the families, with some help from Bart and Lisa.
322	9	"I, (Annoyed Grunt)-bot"	Lauren MacMullan	Dan Greaney & Allen Glazier	January 11, 2004 (2004-01-11)	FABF04	N/A
Homer builds a battle robot to win Bart's respect, and places it in a tournament against other robots. What Bart does not know, though, is that the robot is actually Homer in costume. Meanwhile, Snowball II dies and Lisa tries to find a replacement cat.
323	10	"Diatribe of a Mad Housewife"	Mark Kirkland	Robin J. Stein	January 25, 2004 (2004-01-25)	FABF05	N/A
Marge writes a romance novel with characters based on Homer and Ned Flanders that becomes a hit. Meanwhile, Homer gets fired from the power plant again and becomes an ambulance driver. Guest star: Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Thomas Pynchon and Tom Clancy
324	11	"Margical History Tour"	Mike B. Anderson	Brian Kelley	February 8, 2004 (2004-02-08)	FABF06	N/A
When the local library proves to be useless for the kids' class project, Marge tells Milhouse, Bart, and Lisa three Simpsons-style historical accounts: Henry VIII's (Homer's) attempts at siring a son, Lewis and Clark (Lenny and Carl) exploring the USA's wilderness with Sacagawea (Lisa), and Salieri (Lisa again) out to ruin piano-playing virtuoso Mozart (Bart).
325	12	"Milhouse Doesn't Live Here Anymore"	Matthew Nastuk	Julie Chambers & David Chambers	February 15, 2004 (2004-02-15)	FABF07	N/A
Bart finds a friend in his own sister Lisa after Milhouse moves away to Capitol City to live with his divorced mom. Meanwhile Homer goes into panhandling to buy an anniversary gift for Marge. Guest star: Isabel Sanford, Nick Bakay, William Daniels, Dick Tufeld and Casey Kasem
326	13	"Smart & Smarter"	Steven Dean Moore	Carolyn Omine	February 22, 2004 (2004-02-22)	FABF09	N/A
When Maggie does better than Lisa on an IQ test, Lisa becomes so despondent over no longer being the smart one that she tries to change her identity. Guest star: Simon Cowell
327	14	"The Ziff Who Came to Dinner"	Nancy Kruse	Deb Lacusta & Dan Castellaneta	March 14, 2004 (2004-03-14)	FABF08	N/A
The Simpsons go on a late-night attic search after Bart and Lisa (who are freaked out over a horror movie Homer let them watch) begin hearing voices -- and find Marge's ex-prom date Artie Ziff, who's on the run for cheating the shareholders of his company. Guest star: Jon Lovitz
328	15	"Co-Dependents' Day"	Bob Anderson	Matt Warburton	March 21, 2004 (2004-03-21)	FABF10	N/A
Homer and Marge's bond becomes stronger when they both get drunk on wine, but soon the bond unravels when Homer blames Marge for crashing the car and Marge gets sent to rehab. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa complain to Randall Curtis (a George Lucas-esque science fiction movie director) about his latest film. Guest star: Brave Combo
329	16	"The Wandering Juvie"	Lauren MacMullan	John Frink & Don Payne	March 28, 2004 (2004-03-28)	FABF11	N/A
Bart gets sent to juvenile hall after fooling everyone that there was a marriage concerning him. He encounters a dangerous girl there... He flees with Gina, but then the two are caught by Wiggum. Guest star: Sarah Michelle Gellar and Charles Napier
330	17	"My Big Fat Geek Wedding"	Mark Kirkland	Kevin Curran	April 18, 2004 (2004-04-18)	FABF12	N/A
After hearing that Skinner is getting cold feet about their wedding, Edna leaves Skinner at the altar and, after sending back one marriage gift, hooks up with Comic Book Guy. Meanwhile, Homer and Marge have an argument about if their marriage is still solid or not. Guest star: Matt Groening
331	18	"Catch 'Em If You Can"	Matthew Nastuk	Ian Maxtone-Graham	April 25, 2004 (2004-04-25)	FABF14	N/A
After a ruined movie night, thanks to Bart and Lisa, Homer and Marge take a vacation away from them, but decide to go to Miami instead of going to see an uncle. When Bart and Lisa catch wind of their parents' secret plan, Bart steals Rod's credit card (just like Homer stole Ned's) and go after them.
332	19	"Simple Simpson"	Jim Reardon	Jon Vitti	May 2, 2004 (2004-05-02)	FABF15	N/A
Homer becomes "Pie Man", a masked vigilante who delivers a pie in the face of justice to evildoers. However, after attacking Mr Burns, Burns hires him as a personal hitman, until Homer is ordered to attack the Dalai Lama. Guest star: Nichelle Nichols
333	20	"The Way We Weren't"	Mike B. Anderson	J. Stewart Burns	May 9, 2004 (2004-05-09)	FABF13	N/A
Homer and Marge recall the story of their first kiss at summer camp when they were children, which was not all that happy. Homer betrayed (unwillingly) Marge by standing her up on their second date.
334	21	"Bart-Mangled Banner"	Steven Dean Moore	John Frink	May 16, 2004 (2004-05-16)	FABF17	N/A
After receiving an injection from Dr. Hibbert, Bart becomes temporarily deaf, which makes him impervious to being bullied, until he accidentally moons the American flag during a donkey basketball game, prompting everyone in town to accuse the Simpsons of being unpatriotic under the new "Government Knows Best" Act.
335	22	"Fraudcast News"	Bob Anderson	Don Payne	May 23, 2004 (2004-05-23)	FABF18	N/A
Mr. Burns buys out Springfield's media outlets after a newspaper mistakenly reports his death, and Lisa's homemade newspaper is next on his list.

Season 16 (2004–05)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 16)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
336	1	"Treehouse of Horror XV"	David Silverman	Bill Odenkirk	November 7, 2004 (2004-11-07)	FABF23	11.29
The Ned Zone – Ned Flanders suffers a head injury that gives him the power to foresee doom a la Christopher Walken from The Dead Zone. Four Beheadings with a Funeral – Lisa and Bart investigate the murders of Victorian-era England's most prolific prostitutes. In the Belly of the Boss – The Simpsons go on a fantastic voyage through Mr. Burns's body to rescue Maggie after she gets shrunk down into a pill and ingested.
337	2	"All's Fair in Oven War"	Mark Kirkland	Matt Selman	November 14, 2004 (2004-11-14)	FABF20	11.64
Marge resorts to sabotage as payback on the contestants who sabotaged her food entry for a cook-off. Meanwhile, Homer finds his old issues of Playdude in the ceiling, which Bart finds (after Marge cuts out all of the centerfolds and other nude photos) and uses as a guide on how to live the bachelor life. Guest stars: James Caan, Thomas Pynchon and Amy Stiller
338	3	"Sleeping with the Enemy"	Lauren MacMullan	Jon Vitti	November 21, 2004 (2004-11-21)	FABF19	9.95
Feeling unappreciated by her own children, Marge takes in Nelson as her surrogate child. Meanwhile, Lisa becomes self-conscious of her weight after the girls in school make fun of her butt and purposely starves herself in order to be skinny.
339	4	"She Used to Be My Girl"	Matthew Nastuk	Tim Long	December 5, 2004 (2004-12-05)	FABF22	10.81
Marge bumps into an old high-school acquaintance who is now a successful news reporter. While Marge becomes jealous of her friend's success and wonders what may have been had she not stayed with Homer, Lisa becomes inspired by this new, strong woman. Guest star: Kim Cattrall
340	5	"Fat Man and Little Boy"	Mike B. Anderson	Joel H. Cohen	December 12, 2004 (2004-12-12)	FABF21	10.31
Bart becomes depressed about growing older after losing his last baby tooth, and, following advice from Lisa, deals with his problems by writing ironic slogans on T-shirts. Meanwhile, Homer tries to help Lisa make a science project after Bart cuts Homer out of helping him sell T-shirts. Guest star: Eric Idle
341	6	"Midnight Rx"	Nancy Kruse	Marc Wilmore	January 16, 2005 (2005-01-16)	FABF16	8.11
Mr. Burns cancels the nuclear plant's prescription pill plan, prompting Homer and Grampa to smuggle prescription pills in from Canada to medicate the town. Mr. Burns soon regrets his actions when his faithful assistant Smithers suffers from a goiter and joins Homer and Grampa on one last heist.
342	7	"Mommie Beerest"	Mark Kirkland	Michael Price	January 30, 2005 (2005-01-30)	GABF01	9.97
When Moe's Tavern is shut down by the health department, Homer takes out a second mortgage without consulting Marge to finance the bar’s return, but Marge finds out and decides to protect her investment by becoming Moe's business partner and renovating the tavern into a pub.
343	8	"Homer and Ned's Hail Mary Pass"	Steven Dean Moore	Tim Long	February 6, 2005 (2005-02-06)	GABF02	23.07
After Homer inadvertently performs a wild crowd-pleasing dance at a local carnival, he is hired by several sports figures to teach them how to showboat. Meanwhile, Flanders creates ultra-violent, ultra-gory Bible movies à la Passion of the Christ. Guest stars: Tom Brady, Warren Sapp, LeBron James, Yao Ming and Michelle Kwan
344	9	"Pranksta Rap"	Mike B. Anderson	Matt Selman	February 13, 2005 (2005-02-13)	GABF03	8.01
Bart fakes his own kidnapping to get out of being punished for going to a rap concert, but the ruse goes too far when Milhouse's father is implicated as the kidnapper and Chief Wiggum sees this as an opportunity to make a name for himself as a competent police officer. Guest star: 50 Cent
345	10	"There's Something About Marrying"	Nancy Kruse	J. Stewart Burns	February 20, 2005 (2005-02-20)	GABF04	10.39
Homer becomes a minister after Springfield legalizes gay marriage (to boost their damaged reputation for tourists) and Patty comes out of the closet, much to the shock of her sister, Marge, who was naive to her sister's sexuality.
346	11	"On a Clear Day I Can't See My Sister"	Bob Anderson	Jeff Westbrook	March 6, 2005 (2005-03-06)	GABF05	10.39
After years of tolerating his antics, Lisa files a restraining order against Bart, forcing him to live in the backyard. Meanwhile, Homer becomes a greeter for a WalMart-esque department store called "Sprawl-Mart". Guest star: Gary Busey
347	12	"Goo Goo Gai Pan"	Lance Kramer	Lawrence Talbot	March 13, 2005 (2005-03-13)	GABF06	10.28
The Simpsons are going to China, after Selma (who was recently diagnosed with menopause) lists Homer as her husband in order to adopt a Chinese baby (while Marge poses as Selma and Homer's live-in nanny). Guest stars: Lucy Liu and Robert Wagner
348	13	"Mobile Homer"	Raymond S. Persi	Tim Long	March 20, 2005 (2005-03-20)	GABF07	8.49
After Homer buys an RV (again) with the family's insurance money, Marge kicks him out of the house (again) and Bart and Lisa, who worry their parents may get divorced, drive the RV back to the dealers to make sure it does not break up their family.
349	14	"The Seven-Beer Snitch"	Matthew Nastuk	Bill Odenkirk	April 3, 2005 (2005-04-03)	GABF08	7.48
After Shelbyville accuses Springfield of being hicks, Marge convinces the townspeople to fund a Frank Gehry-designed concert hall, which is then converted to a prison when the concert hall goes bankrupt on opening night. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa investigate Snowball II's recent weight gain. Guest stars: Frank Gehry and Charles Napier
350	15	"Future-Drama"	Mike B. Anderson	Matt Selman	April 17, 2005 (2005-04-17)	GABF12	8.31
Through Professor Frink's future machine, Bart and Lisa see their lives in the year 2013, where Bart steals Lisa's chances at going to an Ivy League school in order to impress a skater girl named Jenda while Homer (now separated from Marge and living in an underwater apartment) fights Krusty the Clown after Marge begins dating him. Guest stars: Amy Poehler and John DiMaggio
351	16	"Don't Fear the Roofer"	Mark Kirkland	Kevin Curran	May 1, 2005 (2005-05-01)	GABF10	11.92
Sick of being unwanted, Homer befriends a man who works as a roofer. However, no one else can see him and Homer's insistence that the roofer does exist prompts everyone to think he has gone crazy. Guest stars: Ray Romano and Stephen Hawking
352	17	"The Heartbroke Kid"	Steven Dean Moore	Ian Maxtone-Graham	May 1, 2005 (2005-05-01)	GABF11	10.79
Springfield Elementary signs a deal with a snack company to install vending machines in the schools--with Bart taking advantage of the situation to the point that he becomes obese and suffers a heart attack. Guest star: Albert Brooks
353	18	"A Star Is Torn"	Nancy Kruse	Carolyn Omine	May 8, 2005 (2005-05-08)	GABF13	8.72
Lisa participates in a singing competition with Homer as her manager, but helps Lisa's rival after being fired. Guest star: Fantasia Barrino
354	19	"Thank God It's Doomsday"	Michael Marcantel	Don Payne	May 8, 2005 (2005-05-08)	GABF14	10.05
Homer sees a movie about the end of the world and fears the same thing will happen in real life after seeing a chain of random occurrences (celebrities ["stars"] falling from the sky, raining blood, a man in a realistic devil costume) and doing a complicated math equation that predicts the end will come on May 18th, but when the end does not come, Homer discovers a flaw in the equation and ends up in Heaven where he meets God and learns that God is planning The Rapture.
355	20	"Home Away from Homer"	Bob Anderson	Joel H. Cohen	May 15, 2005 (2005-05-15)	GABF15	8.17
Flanders rents a room to two college girls who, without his knowledge, use the spare room to broadcast live softcore pornographic web videos of themselves. Upset that no one in town told him this (and that Homer was the one who told everyone), Ned moves to the seemingly perfect town of Humbleton, Pennsylvania, while a brash coach moves into Flanders' house and begins harassing Homer the same way Homer harassed Ned. Guest star: Jason Bateman
356	21	"The Father, the Son and the Holy Guest Star"	Michael Polcino	Matt Warburton	May 15, 2005 (2005-05-15)	GABF09	9.69
Bart gets expelled from school and transfers to a Catholic school, where a hip priest named Father Sean tries to convert Bart and Homer to Catholicism, which worries Marge when she believes that Catholics do not go to the same heaven as Protestants and discovers that Catholic women do not use birth control. Guest star: Liam Neeson

Season 17 (2005–06)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 17)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
357	1	"The Bonfire of the Manatees"	Mark Kirkland	Dan Greaney	September 11, 2005 (2005-09-11)	GABF18	11.10
After Homer gets into trouble over his football gambling debts, he allows the Springfield Mafia to shoot a porno film (euphemistically called a "snuggle film") in the house without Marge's permission. When she and the kids return home from a trip to "Santa's Village" and find production still going on, a furious Marge leaves for the beach--and encounters a marine biologist named Caleb Thorn who has dedicated his life to saving manatees. Guest star: Alec Baldwin as Caleb Thorn
358	2	"The Girl Who Slept Too Little"	Raymond S. Persi	John Frink	September 18, 2005 (2005-09-18)	GABF16	9.79
After the family successfully protests against a stamp museum being built next to their house, a cemetery is built near the Simpson house instead, making the normally unflappable Lisa realize that someone as smart as her can be afraid of something.
359	3	"Milhouse of Sand and Fog"	Steven Dean Moore	Patric M. Verrone	September 25, 2005 (2005-09-25)	GABF19	10.19
Homer tries to capitalize on a "pox party" after Maggie is infected with chicken pox, but ends up catching it himself. Meanwhile, Milhouse's parents reunite after years of being divorced, but Milhouse and Bart try to break them up again after Milhouse's parents do not pay enough attention to him.
360	4	"Treehouse of Horror XVI"	David Silverman	Marc Wilmore	November 6, 2005 (2005-11-06)	GABF17	11.63
B.I. Bartificial Intelligence – Bart falls into a coma after trying to jump into the swimming pool at Patty and Selma's apartment complex. With Bart incapacitated, the Simpsons buy a robot son, who proves to be a better son than Bart ever was, leaving the real Bart to befriend a group of traveling robots. Survival of the Fattest – Mr. Burns hunts down Homer and a small collection of male ancillary characters as part of a new reality show called "The World Series of Manslaughter." I've Grown a Costume on Your Face – After she loses a Halloween costume contest, a witch turns the townspeople into their Halloween costumes, and Lisa (who is now Albert Einstein) finds out that Maggie (who is dressed as a witch) is the key to revert the spell. Guest stars: Terry Bradshaw and Dennis Rodman
361	5	"Marge's Son Poisoning"	Mike B. Anderson	Daniel Chun	November 13, 2005 (2005-11-13)	GABF20	11.4
Marge buys a tandem bicycle and after she fails to ride it on her own, Bart offers to ride with her. He soon finds himself increasingly spending time with his mother, until school bullies accuse him of being a "mama's boy". Meanwhile, Moe pushes Homer into the world of professional arm wrestling after seeing Homer doing 50,000 reps on his right arm.
362	6	"See Homer Run"	Nancy Kruse	Stephanie Gillis	November 20, 2005 (2005-11-20)	GABF21	10.3
In order to win back Lisa's love after shunning her Father's Day gift (and fearing that the action will cause Lisa to despise all men), Homer takes a job as a costumed mascot known as "The Safety Salamander", who wins public acclaim for saving drivers from a car accident. Meanwhile, Springfield holds a recall election to get Mayor Quimby out of office.
363	7	"The Last of the Red Hat Mamas"	Matthew Nastuk	Joel H. Cohen	November 27, 2005 (2005-11-27)	GABF22	11.46
Marge joins a woman's group after Homer humiliates her at the Mayor's Easter egg hunt, but Marge discovers that her new friends are thieves planning a heist. Meanwhile, Lisa searches for a tutor to help her speak Italian--and finds one in Milhouse. Guest Star: Lily Tomlin
364	8	"The Italian Bob"	Mark Kirkland	John Frink	December 11, 2005 (2005-12-11)	HABF02	10.39
After Mr. Burns is teased about his car, he sends Homer and the family off to Italy to pick up his new fancy sports car. While on their Italian adventure, the Simpsons end up stranded in a small Italian village where a rehabilitated Sideshow Bob reigns as mayor with a wife and son. Guest Stars: Maria Grazia Cucinotta and Kelsey Grammer
365	9	"Simpsons Christmas Stories"	Steven Dean Moore	Don Payne	December 18, 2005 (2005-12-18)	HABF01	9.8
In this trilogy Christmas episode, Homer tells his rendition of Jesus's birth during Christmas mass in "The First (Annoyed Grunt)-El", Grampa tells a Yuletide war story in "I Saw Grampa Cussing Santa Claus", and Springfield musically prepares for Christmas in "The Nutcracker...Sweet".
366	10	"Homer's Paternity Coot"	Mike B. Anderson	Joel H. Cohen	January 8, 2006 (2006-01-08)	HABF03	10.1
Marge's protest against a toll booth causes an accident at the Springfield Tire Yard (which has been perpetually on fire since the 1980s), melting a frozen section of a mountain and revealing the corpse of a mailman who has a letter from Homer's mom, who had an affair with a handsome lifeguard who may be Homer's biological father. Guest Stars: Michael York, William H. Macy and Joe Frazier
367	11	"We're on the Road to D'ohwhere"	Nancy Kruse	Kevin Curran	January 29, 2006 (2006-01-29)	HABF04	9.04
After Bart steals a key from Principal Skinner's office and gets himself into hot water (literally, by fooling around with the school's steam system), Principal Skinner sentences Bart to a "behavior modification camp"--and Homer must give up his Vegas vacation with his bar buddies in order to take Bart there since he has been put on the airport's "No Fly" List. Meanwhile, Marge and Lisa have a yard sale--and discover that their biggest-selling product are the many expired medications they have accumulated over the years.
368	12	"My Fair Laddy"	Bob Anderson	Michael Price	February 26, 2006 (2006-02-26)	HABF05	9.51
Lisa attempts to transform Groundskeeper Willie into a proper gentleman after Groundskeeper Willie's shack collapses and, like many other secondary and one-time characters over the years, is forced to live with The Simpsons. Meanwhile, Homer becomes a human billboard to save the company that makes his pants.
369	13	"The Seemingly Never-Ending Story"	Raymond S. Persi	Ian Maxtone-Graham	March 12, 2006 (2006-03-12)	HABF06	9.72
While cave exploring with his family, Homer causes the cave to crumble and finds himself stuck upside down in the ceiling. Marge and Bart search for help while Lisa passes the time by telling Homer a story, which turns into a chain of narrated tales that, bit by bit, explain why The Simpsons are spending the day at Carl's Dad Caverns. Emmy Award winning episode.
370	14	"Bart Has Two Mommies"	Mike Marcantel	Dana Gould	March 19, 2006 (2006-03-19)	HABF07	8.75
Ned Flanders wins a new computer and offers it to Marge, as he has no use for it. In return, Marge babysits the Flanders children. With Marge spending so much time at The Flanders', Homer must look after Bart and Lisa. Homer takes the kids to an animal retirement home, but the trip goes awry when Toot-Toot the monkey pulls Bart into her cage and holds him hostage. Guest Stars: Susan Sarandon, Antonio Fargas, Dave Thomas and Randy Johnson
371	15	"Homer Simpson, This Is Your Wife"	Matthew Nastuk	Ricky Gervais	March 26, 2006 (2006-03-26)	HABF08	10.09
Homer's obsession with Lenny's new plasma TV prompts Marge to enter the family in a sweepstakes, and they win a trip to the Fox Studio Lot. Against Marge's wishes, Homer signs them up for a Trading Spouses/Wife Swap-style reality show and is forced to take in a controlling wife, while Marge moves in with a beaten-down husband, Charlie, and his perfect son. Guest Star: Ricky Gervais
372	16	"Million-Dollar Abie"	Steven Dean Moore	Tim Long	April 2, 2006 (2006-04-02)	HABF09	7.83
After costing Springfield their chance at getting a major football team, Grampa contemplates suicide and goes to a doctor specializing in euthanasia. However, when the police arrests the doctor and Grampa realizes he's not dead, he starts a new life as a bullfighter for the newly converted stadium.
373	17	"Kiss Kiss, Bang Bangalore"	Mark Kirkland	Deb Lacusta & Dan Castellaneta	April 9, 2006 (2006-04-09)	HABF10	8.20
Patty and Selma abduct Richard Dean Anderson (the actor best known for playing MacGyver) during the Springfield Stargate SG-1 convention after Anderson rudely tells the terrible twins that he only did MacGyver to make money. Meanwhile, Mr. Burns outsources his nuclear plant to India and chooses Homer to be the new boss. Guest Star: Richard Dean Anderson
374	18	"The Wettest Stories Ever Told"	Mike B. Anderson	Jeff Westbrook	April 23, 2006 (2006-04-23)	HABF11	7.04
When the Simpsons' plans for a nice family outing at the Frying Dutchman turn into a dining disaster, the family (and show writers) try to salvage the night by telling three tales of disasters at sea: in "Mayflower Madman," Pilgrims Moe and Homer fight for the hand of Goody Marge while sailing to Plymouth Rock, in "The Whine-Bar Sea," Bart leads a mutiny against Captain Principal Skinner, and in "Watership D'ohn," The Simpsons (and a collection of ancillary characters) re-enact The Poseidon Adventure.
375	19	"Girls Just Want to Have Sums"	Nancy Kruse	Matt Selman	April 30, 2006 (2006-04-30)	HABF12	8.7
Principal Skinner is replaced by a women's education expert after making a sexist statement about women’s math skills during a musical (which was written by a former female Springfield Elementary school student who was a math whiz), who segregates the school by gender. At first, Lisa loves the arrangement, but when she discovers that the girls' classes are more about self-esteem boosting than actual learning, Lisa disguises herself as a boy and attends the boys' classes. Guest Star: Frances McDormand
376	20	"Regarding Margie"	Michael Polcino	Marc Wilmore	May 7, 2006 (2006-05-07)	HABF13	8.50
Marge goes nuts trying to clean the kitchen in time for a best house contest, but when she inhales the fumes of one too many cleaning solvents, she passes out and bangs her head on a stool. When Marge comes to at the hospital, she is stricken with amnesia, which does not last when she immediately remembers everyone in the family through their quirks--except for Homer. With Marge's memory of Homer erased, Patty and Selma help their sister find a new man. Guest Stars: Sal Bando and Gene Tenace
377	21	"The Monkey Suit"	Raymond S. Persi	J. Stewart Burns	May 14, 2006 (2006-05-14)	HABF14	8.3
Reverend Lovejoy is appointed to spread the word of creationism in Springfield after Flanders complains about a new museum display about evolution, leading creationism to be taught in schools -- and Lisa to fight back with secret classes about Charles Darwin and his theories of evolution. Guest Stars: Melanie Griffith and Larry Hagman
378	22	"Marge and Homer Turn a Couple Play"	Bob Anderson	Joel H. Cohen	May 21, 2006 (2006-05-21)	HABF16	8.23
A first baseman for the Springfield Isotopes calls upon Homer and Marge to help him with his marriage to a stripper/pop singer named Tabitha Vixx, who upstages him with a racy musical number during one of his games. Guest Stars: Mandy Moore and Stacy Keach

Season 18 (2006–07)

Main article: The Simpsons (season 18)

No. in series	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Production code	U.S. viewers (millions)
379	1	"The Mook, the Chef, the Wife and Her Homer"	Michael Marcantel	Bill Odenkirk	September 10, 2006 (2006-09-10)	HABF15	11.50
Lisa becomes friends with Fat Tony's son Michael, who would rather cook than run a crime ring, but when the Simpsons are invited over for dinner and Fat Tony is shot, Homer ends up being the town's newest kingpin. Guest Stars: Joe Pantoliano, Michael Imperioli, and Metallica.
380	2	"Jazzy and the Pussycats"	Steven Dean Moore	Daniel Chun	September 17, 2006 (2006-09-17)	HABF18	8.94
Bart gets a drum kit to work out his aggressions after being a nuisance at the funeral of Homer's Vegas wife and becomes top pick for a local jazz band -- a position that the saxophone-playing Lisa has been going after for years. Guest Stars: The White Stripes.
381	3	"Please Homer, Don't Hammer 'Em"	Mike B. Anderson & Ralph Sosa	Matt Warburton	September 24, 2006 (2006-09-24)	HABF20	9.72
Marge takes an interest in carpentry after reading some books on the subject meant for Homer, but when everyone in town declines Marge's services (because they believe that women cannot be carpenters), Marge uses Homer as a front. Meanwhile, Springfield Elementary bans all peanut products, and Bart discovers the reason: Principal Skinner is allergic to them.
382	4	"Treehouse of Horror XVII"	David Silverman & Matthew Faughnan	Peter Gaffney	November 5, 2006 (2006-11-05)	HABF17	10.43
Season 18's annual trio of Halloween stories. "Married to the Blob" - Homer eats a mysterious green substance from a meteorite landing that turns him into a giant blob with an insatiable, cannibalistic appetite. "You Gotta Know When to Golem" - Bart discovers a golem backstage at Krusty's show and uses it to do his bidding. "The Day the Earth Looked Stupid" - After being fooled by H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds, the citizens of Springfield in 1938 ignore a real alien invasion set up by Kang and Kodos. Guest Stars: Phil McGraw, Richard Lewis, Fran Drescher, Sir Mix-a-lot and Maurice LaMarche.
383	5	"G.I. (Annoyed Grunt)"	Nancy Kruse	Daniel Chun	November 12, 2006 (2006-11-12)	HABF21	11.43
Homer finds himself in an army training camp after trying to get his children out of an agreement to join by age 18. Guest Star: Kiefer Sutherland.
384	6	"Moe'N'a Lisa"	Mark Kirkland	Matt Warburton	November 19, 2006 (2006-11-19)	HABF19	9.31
Lisa discovers that Moe's written rantings are perfect fodder for poetry, but when Moe is invited to a writer's convention that throws out anyone who uses someone else to create their works, Moe ends up taking the credit. Guest Stars: Tom Wolfe, Gore Vidal, Michael Chabon, Jonathan Franzen and J.K. Simmons.
385	7	"Ice Cream of Margie (with the Light Blue Hair)"	Matthew Nastuk	Carolyn Omine	November 26, 2006 (2006-11-26)	HABF22	10.90
After Homer gets fired once again from the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, he takes over Springfield's ice cream truck business after his favorite driver dies. Meanwhile, Marge, depressed over seeing women more successful than her and looking for a way to be remembered, creates sculptures from the discarded Popsicle sticks in Homer's ice cream truck.
386	8	"The Haw-Hawed Couple"	Chris Clements	Matt Selman	December 10, 2006 (2006-12-10)	JABF02	8.29
Bart becomes Nelson's best friend, and discovers how possessive Nelson can be. Meanwhile, Homer gets hooked on Lisa's Angelica Button fantasy novels, but worries when he finds out that the book he's reading has a sad ending.
387	9	"Kill Gil, Volumes I & II"	Bob Anderson	Jeff Westbrook	December 17, 2006 (2006-12-17)	JABF01	8.96
After Gil Gunderson gives Lisa a Malibu Stacy doll reserved for Mr. Costington's daughter, he gets fired as a mall Santa and moves in with the Simpsons. Meanwhile, Homer picks a fight with Ice Capades character The Grumple. Guest Star: Elvis Stojko.
388	10	"The Wife Aquatic"	Lance Kramer	Kevin Curran	January 7, 2007 (2007-01-07)	JABF03	13.90
When Patty and Selma save "Outdoor Movie Night" from going bust by playing an old home movie of their time at Barnacle Bay, Homer decides to surprise Marge by taking her and the kids there -- only to find her childhood vacation spot an abandoned wreck. Guest Stars: Maurice LaMarche and Sab Shimono.
389	11	"Revenge Is a Dish Best Served Three Times"	Michael Polcino	Joel H. Cohen	January 28, 2007 (2007-01-28)	JABF05	8.09
Homer's misguided revenge on the Rich Texan combined with an untimely car break down leaves Marge, Lisa, and Bart to tell three tales about revenge gone wrong. "The Count of Monte Fatso": In 19th century France, Moe(Fernand) breaks up the marriage of Homer(Edmond Dantés) and Marge(Mercedes), for this, Homer swears revenge, now in a French prison. "Revenge of the Geeks": Milhouse uses The Getbackinator, a ultra technologic weapon made by Martin, for fight back against the school bullies and the consequences when he goes too far. "Bartman Begins": After Homer(Thomas) and Marge(Martha Wayne) are killed by Snake Jailbird(Joe Chill) in a dark alley, Bart(Bruce Wayne) swears revenge with a superhero alter ego, Bartman.
390	12	"Little Big Girl"	Raymond S. Persi	Don Payne	February 11, 2007 (2007-02-11)	JABF04	8.27
When Cletus ineptly tosses his pipe, Springfield is in danger when the town is about to be hit by a ferocious fire. Bart unwittingly saves the day and is rewarded with a driver's license. However, when he drives to North Haverbrook, he is then engaged with a girl named Darcy who ropes Bart into marriage after declaring that she's pregnant. Meanwhile, Lisa lies about her family heritage in an essay and gets chosen to give a keynote speech at a convention. Guest Star: Natalie Portman.
391	13	"Springfield Up"	Chuck Sheetz	Matt Warburton	February 18, 2007 (2007-02-18)	JABF07	8.80
Declan Desmond returns as he shows a documentary about Springfield's current adult population as children, discussing their future aspirations and meets up with Homer to see if he followed his dreams. Guest Star: Eric Idle.
392	14	"Yokel Chords"	Susie Dietter	Michael Price	March 4, 2007 (2007-03-04)	JABF09	9.09
Lisa becomes a teacher for Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel's children after Principal Skinner bars them from enrolling in Springfield Elementary. Meanwhile, Bart ends up in therapy after scaring his peers with stories of a school chef notorious for cooking children. Guest Stars: Peter Bogdanovich, Andy Dick, James Patterson, Meg Ryan, and Stephen Sondheim.
393	15	"Rome-Old and Juli-Eh"	Nancy Kruse	Daniel Chun	March 11, 2007 (2007-03-11)	JABF08	8.98
When Grampa gets kicked out of the retirement castle thanks to Homer declaring bankruptcy (and discovering that bankruptcy laws have changed), Grampa falls in love with Marge's sister Selma, prompting sworn enemies, Homer and Patty team up to break them up. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa con a delivery man into giving them cardboard boxes for a fort, but the delivery men fight back. Guest Star: Jane Kaczmarek.
394	16	"Homerazzi"	Matthew Nastuk	J. Stewart Burns	March 25, 2007 (2007-03-25)	JABF06	6.91
After the family photo album is destroyed in a fire involving a Krusty doll and a bottle of cologne, Marge restages all of the family's photographs, and when a celebrity dating scandal is captured in the background of one of their photos, the Simpsons strike tabloid gold. Tasting success and seeing money to be made, Homer takes to the streets as one of the paparazzi, capturing Springfield's celebrities at their worst. Guest Stars: J.K. Simmons, Betty White and Jon Lovitz.
395	17	"Marge Gamer"	Bob Anderson	J. Stewart Burns	April 22, 2007 (2007-04-22)	JABF10	6.40
Marge discovers the wonders of the Internet and becomes hooked on an online roleplaying game, where Bart is the game master. Meanwhile, Lisa resorts to cheating to score points with Homer (who is now a referee) during soccer matches. Guest Star: Ronaldo
396	18	"The Boys of Bummer"	Rob Oliver	Michael Price	April 29, 2007 (2007-04-29)	JABF11	7.57
Bart becomes a town pariah (once again) after losing the championship for Springfield's Little League team, and is driven insane to the point of suicide from constant harassment. Meanwhile, Homer gets a job at Costington's Department store as a mattress tester, and finds a mattress that he wants to keep for himself after it reignites his stagnant love life with Marge.
397	19	"Crook and Ladder"	Lance Kramer	Bill Odenkirk	May 6, 2007 (2007-05-06)	JABF13	7.72
When reading a parenting magazine, Marge follows the advice too literally and throw away Maggie's pacifier. However, when the pacifier is thrown in the trash, Maggie goes on a path of destruction in the Simpsons home. Meanwhile, Homer, Moe, Apu, and Principal Skinner become volunteer firefighters and begin stealing items from the homes whose fires they extinguish.
398	20	"Stop or My Dog Will Shoot!"	Matthew Faughnan	John Frink	May 13, 2007 (2007-05-13)	JABF12	6.48
When Homer gets lost in a cornfield maze, Santa's Little Helper rescues him and becomes a local hero, which prompts the Simpson family to enroll him in Police Dog Academy, where he dons a new and more stern personality. Meanwhile, Bart, missing Santa's Little Helper, gets a strangling snake as a new pet. Guest Stars: Stephen Hawking, Maurice LaMarche, and Rudolph Giuliani (in a deleted scene that would later be reinstated in syndicated airings).
399	21	"24 Minutes"	Raymond S. Persi	Billy Kimball & Ian Maxtone-Graham	May 20, 2007 (2007-05-20)	JABF14	9.80
When finding out Jimbo, Dolph, and Kearney plan on sabotaging Springfield Elementary School's annual bake sale by releasing the "ultimate stinkbomb" (a rotten yogurt cup from Springfield's Nuclear Power Plant), Bart and Lisa enlist the help of Jack Bauer and Chloe O'Brian. Meanwhile, Marge attempts to make the perfect cake for the school bake sale. Guest Stars: Kiefer Sutherland and Mary Lynn Rajskub.
400	22	"You Kent Always Say What You Want"	Matthew Nastuk	Tim Long	May 20, 2007 (2007-05-20)	JABF15	9.80
Thanks to Ned Flanders' meddling, Kent Brockman gets in trouble for blurting a horrible curse word during a soft-news interview about Homer winning Phineas Q. Butterfat's 1,000,000th ice cream cone, and gets fired for allegedly being a cocaine addict. While living with The Simpsons, Brockman teams up with Lisa to create a YouTube video revealing why a politically conservative media empire like Fox would create raunchy television shows. Guest Stars: Ludacris and Maurice LaMarche.

The Simpsons Movie (2007)

Main article: The Simpsons Movie

Title	Directed by	Screenplay by	Release date (U.S.)
The Simpsons Movie	David Silverman	James L. Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, Ian Maxtone-Graham, George Meyer, David Mirkin, Mike Reiss, Mike Scully, Matt Selman, John Swartzwelder and Jon Vitti	July 27, 2007 (2007-07-27)

Season 19 (2007–08)

Note: This is the last season to air entirely in standard definition.

Main article: The Simpsons (season 19)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Prod. code	U.S. viewers (millions)
401	1	"He Loves to Fly and He D'ohs"	Mark Kirkland	Joel H. Cohen	September 23, 2007 (2007-09-23)	JABF20	9.7
After Homer saves Mr. Burns from drowning, Mr. Burns rewards him with a dinner and a flight on his corporate jet, making Homer disappointed that he will never be rich or successful enough to enjoy the high life. Guest Stars: Stephen Colbert and Lionel Richie.
402	2	"The Homer of Seville"	Michael Polcino	Carolyn Omine	September 30, 2007 (2007-09-30)	JABF18	8.4
A freak accident turns Homer into an opera singer (which can only be achieved if he lies down) and he becomes the toast of Springfield's cultural elite—and the target of a crazed, motorcycle-riding female fan who blackmails him into becoming his manager. Guest Stars: Maya Rudolph and Plácido Domingo.
403	3	"Midnight Towboy"	Matthew Nastuk	Stephanie Gillis	October 7, 2007 (2007-10-07)	JABF21	7.7
Homer befriends a tow-truck driver named Louie, who shows Homer what it is like to tow vehicles for a living. Meanwhile, Marge puts Maggie in a special school to help babies become independent, but when the lessons work too well, Marge finds herself tearfully bonding with a sack of potatoes. Guest Star: Matt Dillon.
404	4	"I Don't Wanna Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"	Bob Anderson	Dana Gould	October 14, 2007 (2007-10-14)	JABF19	8.8
Marge breaks her promise to visit a disturbed bank robber in prison, and ends up getting kidnapped by him. Guest Stars: Steve Buscemi, Ted Nugent and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
405	5	"Treehouse of Horror XVIII"	Chuck Sheetz	Marc Wilmore	November 4, 2007 (2007-11-04)	JABF16	11.7
The nineteenth season's annual trio of Halloween stories, all of which are movie parodies: "E.T., Go Home" – In this send-up of E.T. the Extra Terrestrial, Bart finds Kodos (who is hiding from the government) and helps her obtain devices to contact her home planet, but Kodos' intentions are proven to be murderous. "Mr. & Mrs. Simpson" – In this send-up of Mr. & Mrs. Smith, Homer lives a double life as a government assassin, but discovers that Marge is one too and must eliminate her after she botched his attempt at assassinating Kent Brockman. "Heck House" – In this send-up of Seven Footprints to Satan, Ned Flanders turns the church into a Heck House and asks God for devilish powers so he can teach the children the consequences of committing the seven deadly sins. Guest Star: Maurice LaMarche.
406	6	"Little Orphan Millie"	Lance Kramer	Mick Kelly	November 11, 2007 (2007-11-11)	JABF22	10.57
Milhouse's parents remarry and go on a honeymoon cruise, but they are presumed dead. Milhouse adopts an aloof attitude after hearing the news, making him popular and Bart unpopular. Meanwhile, Marge hides her eyes from Homer after Homer admits that he does not know what Marge's eye color is.
407	7	"Husbands and Knives"	Nancy Kruse	Matt Selman	November 18, 2007 (2007-11-18)	JABF17	10.5
The Comic Book Guy's Android Dungeon faces competition with "Coolsville Comics 'n Toys," a new comic book store owned by a nicer, more personable store owner named Milo. Meanwhile, Marge creates a gym for the average woman, and a self-conscious Homer resorts to plastic surgery after being told that Marge's success will lead to her divorcing Homer and getting a younger, handsomer trophy husband. Guest Stars: Alan Moore, Art Spiegelman, Dan Clowes, Jack Black and Maurice LaMarche.
408	8	"Funeral for a Fiend"	Rob Oliver	Michael Price	November 25, 2007 (2007-11-25)	KABF01	9.0
A night at a rib restaurant turns into yet another plot for Sideshow Bob to kill the Simpson family, but the whole scheme turns into a family affair when Bart kills his mortal enemy by throwing away his nitroglycerine (which Sideshow Bob needs for his heart). Unbeknownst to Bart, Sideshow Bob actually faked his death and is plotting with the rest of the Terwiligers to kill Bart. Guest Stars: Kelsey Grammer, David Hyde Pierce, John Mahoney and Keith Olbermann.
409	9	"Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind"	Chuck Sheetz	J. Stewart Burns	December 16, 2007 (2007-12-16)	KABF02	10.15
Homer wakes up in the snow with no memory of what he did the night before — and finds Marge and the kids missing. He then goes on a journey inside his memories to remember what had happened.
410	10	"E Pluribus Wiggum"	Michael Polcino	Michael Price	January 6, 2008 (2008-01-06)	KABF03	8.2
Thanks to Homer's latest blunder (blowing up every fast-food restaurant in the city), Springfield moves up election day and becomes the first city in the nation to hold primary elections. However, all the media attention and similar-sounding politicians wear on the townspeople's nerves, so they elect Ralph Wiggum to be the 2008 Presidential candidate as a joke—until Ralph reveals that he wants to be President, so he can bring peace in these divided times. Guest Stars: Jon Stewart and Dan Rather.
411	11	"That '90s Show"	Mark Kirkland	Matt Selman	January 27, 2008 (2008-01-27)	KABF04	7.6
After Marge's diploma fell from a box, a family secret is unraveled: Ten years have passed by between Bart's birth and the meeting of their parents. Indeed after high school, Marge wanted to go to college and so Homer helped make her dream come true and paid for it by working for his father. But.. in class, Marge started to fall for her professor, which ultimately led Homer on the path of musician's fame and depression. Guest Stars: Kurt Loder and "Weird Al" Yankovic.
412	12	"Love, Springfieldian Style"	Raymond S. Persi	Don Payne	February 17, 2008 (2008-02-17)	KABF05	7.81
On Valentine's Day, Homer and Marge get stuck in a Tunnel of Love ride after Bart turns the water into Jell-O. To pass the time, the family tells stories of famous couples: Bonnie and Clyde (Homer and Marge cut a path of crime through 1930s Springfield by robbing banks), Lady and the Tramp (Homer and Marge again; this time, as the eponymous dogs from the Disney movie), and Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen (Nelson and Lisa are punk rockers in love and addicted to chocolate).
413	13	"The Debarted"	Matthew Nastuk	Joel H. Cohen	March 2, 2008 (2008-03-02)	KABF06	8.18
Bart begins to suspect a rat when all of his pranks backfire—and might have something to do with his new friend, Donny. Meanwhile, Homer grows attached to his rental car, which he gets to drive for a week while his old car gets repaired. Guest Stars: Topher Grace and Terry Gross.
414	14	"Dial 'N' for Nerder"	Bob Anderson	Carolyn Omine & William Wright	March 9, 2008 (2008-03-09)	KABF07	7.3
Bart and Lisa's prank on Martin Prince goes too far and they worry that they may be implicated in his death by the police (and Nelson, who becomes an amateur sleuth). Meanwhile, Marge calls upon the producer of a reality show that specializes in tracking down cheating couples when she begins to suspect that Homer may be cheating...on his diet.
415	15	"Smoke on the Daughter"	Lance Kramer	Billy Kimball	March 30, 2008 (2008-03-30)	KABF08	7.10
Lisa is accepted into a ballet school run by jazz dancer Chazz Busby, and discovers that her dancing improves whenever she is around cigarette smoke. Meanwhile, Homer shows Bart his secret beef jerky project, which has been taken over by raccoons.
416	16	"Papa Don't Leech"	Chris Clements	Reid Harrison	April 13, 2008 (2008-04-13)	KABF09	6.9
When Mayor Quimby launches a campaign to shake down anyone who has not paid taxes in years, Lurleen Lumpkin (the country singer who tried to seduce Homer from the season three episode "Colonel Homer") hides out at the Simpson house, which does not sit well with Marge (who still cannot forgive her for almost stealing her husband). Guest Stars: Beverly D'Angelo and The Dixie Chicks.
417	17	"Apocalypse Cow"	Nancy Kruse	Jeff Westbrook	April 27, 2008 (2008-04-27)	KABF10	7.69
Bart joins the 4-H Club and befriends a cow named Lou, but when Lou is set to be sent to slaughter, Bart gives Lou to a country girl named Mary—whom he now must marry after finding out that giving a cow to a country girl is considered a marriage proposal in hillbilly tradition. Guest Star: Zooey Deschanel.
418	18	"Any Given Sundance"	Chuck Sheetz	Daniel Chun	May 4, 2008 (2008-05-04)	KABF11	6.18
The Simpsons are going to Utah for the Sundance Film Festival after Lisa's short film on her dysfunctional family life becomes a rave with everyone—except for the Simpson family. Guest Star: Jim Jarmusch and John C. Reilly.
419	19	"Mona Leaves-a"	Mike B. Anderson & Ralph Sosa	Joel H. Cohen	May 11, 2008 (2008-05-11)	KABF12	6.02
Mona Simpson, Homer's '60s radical mother, returns, vowing that her days of protesting are over, but Homer will not accept. Things get worse when Mona dies and her last wishes are to have her ashes spread over the mountains, which turns out to be a plot in stopping a nuclear disaster. Guest Stars: Glenn Close, Lance Armstrong.
420	20	"All About Lisa"	Steven Dean Moore	John Frink	May 18, 2008 (2008-05-18)	KABF13	6.11
Sideshow Mel narrates the story of how Lisa rose to stardom as Krusty the Clown's latest replacement. Meanwhile, Bart and Homer start coin-collecting and go after a rare 1917 coin known as "The Kissing Lincolns" penny. Guest Star: Drew Carey.

Season 20 (2008–09)

Note: Beginning with "Take My Life, Please", the series is presented in high definition.

Main article: The Simpsons (season 20)

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original air date	Prod. code	U.S. viewers (millions)
421	1	"Sex, Pies and Idiot Scrapes"	Lance Kramer	Kevin Curran	September 28, 2008 (2008-09-28)	KABF17	9.3
422	2	"Lost Verizon"	Raymond S. Persi	John Frink	October 5, 2008 (2008-10-05)	KABF15	7.43
423	3	"Double, Double, Boy in Trouble"	Nancy Kruse	Bill Odenkirk	October 19, 2008 (2008-10-19)	KABF14	8.09
424	4	"Treehouse of Horror XIX"	Bob Anderson	Matt Warburton	November 2, 2008 (2008-11-02)	KABF16	12.48
425	5	"Dangerous Curves"	Matthew Faughnan	Billy Kimball & Ian Maxtone-Graham	November 9, 2008 (2008-11-09)	KABF18	8.16
426	6	"Homer and Lisa Exchange Cross Words"	Michael Polcino	Tim Long	November 16, 2008 (2008-11-16)	KABF19	8.52
427	7	"MyPods and Boomsticks"	Steven Dean Moore	Marc Wilmore	November 30, 2008 (2008-11-30)	KABF20	7.70
428	8	"The Burns and the Bees"	Mark Kirkland	Stephanie Gillis	December 7, 2008 (2008-12-07)	KABF21	6.19
429	9	"Lisa the Drama Queen"	Matthew Nastuk	Brian Kelley	January 25, 2009 (2009-01-25)	KABF22	5.75
430	10	"Take My Life, Please"	Steven Dean Moore	Don Payne	February 15, 2009 (2009-02-15)	LABF01	6.82
431	11	"How the Test Was Won"	Lance Kramer	Michael Price	March 1, 2009 (2009-03-01)	LABF02	6.52
432	12	"No Loan Again, Naturally"	Mark Kirkland	Jeff Westbrook	March 8, 2009 (2009-03-08)	LABF03	5.99
433	13	"Gone Maggie Gone"	Chris Clements	Billy Kimball & Ian Maxtone-Graham	March 15, 2009 (2009-03-15)	LABF04	5.99
434	14	"In the Name of the Grandfather"	Ralph Sosa	Matt Marshall	March 17, 2009 (2009-03-17) (Sky1) March 22, 2009 (Fox)	LABF11	6.15
435	15	"Wedding for Disaster"	Chuck Sheetz	Joel H. Cohen	March 29, 2009 (2009-03-29)	LABF05	6.58
436	16	"Eeny Teeny Maya Moe"	Nancy Kruse	John Frink	April 5, 2009 (2009-04-05)	LABF06	N/A
437	17	"The Good, the Sad and the Drugly"	Rob Oliver	Marc Wilmore	April 19, 2009 (2009-04-19)	LABF07	6.50
438	18	"Father Knows Worst"	Matthew Nastuk	Rob LaZebnik	April 26, 2009 (2009-04-26)	LABF08	5.94
439	19	"Waverly Hills, 9-0-2-1-D'oh"	Michael Polcino	J. Stewart Burns	May 3, 2009 (2009-05-03)	LABF10	6.75
440	20	"Four Great Women and a Manicure"	Raymond S. Persi	Valentina L. Garza	May 10, 2009 (2009-05-10)	LABF09	5.16
441	21	"Coming to Homerica"	Steven Dean Moore	Brendan Hay	May 17, 2009 (2009-05-17)	LABF12	5.86

See also

• The Simpsons shorts
• "The Simpsons Guy", episode of Family Guy