Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington
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| The Simpsons episode | |
| "Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington" | |
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| Episode no. | 37 |
| Prod. code | 8F01 |
| Orig. Airdate | September 26, 1991 |
| Writer(s) | George Meyer |
| Director | Wes Archer |
| Chalkboard | "Spitwads are not free speech" |
| Couch gag | The family sits, then Homer pulls Santa's Little Helper from under him. |
| Guest star(s) | Lona Williams as Minnesota essayist |
| SNPP capsule | |
| Season 3 September 19, 1991 – August 27, 1992 |
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| List of all Simpsons episodes... | |
Contents |
[edit] Episode Summary
Lisa Simpson enters a contest in which an essay is written about why the United States is great for Reading Digest magazine (a take on Reader's Digest). Lisa's article is approved for entry in the national finals in Washington, DC.
While Bart and Homer abuse the all expense-paid perks of their trip, Lisa visits famous monuments for inspiration. At one particular monument, she overhears a bribe taking place about demolishing Springfield Forest. Distraught at the dishonesty of government officials, Lisa tears up her essay and writes a new one to present at the finals.
The new essay, titled "Cesspool on the Potomac", disdains the government system, and mentions the names of those involved in the bribery. Lisa's essay causes a ruckus and elicits a hostile reaction from the judges and audience. Messages are quickly sent around the capital regarding Lisa's speech and the corrupt statesman is arrested. Lisa's essay does not win because of its content, but with the congressman arrested, her faith in government is restored.
[edit] Trivia
- This is the first episode to be presented in Dolby Surround.
- This is the first episode with a sax solo in the opening credits that is different from the one used throughout the first two seasons.
- This episode also shows a shot of a state map, showing four states divided by two intersecting lines at right-hand angles, with Springfield in the top left hand state. The only state that this could be is Utah, although, as the shot fades out, the initials of the state can be seen as NT.
- Many sources list this episode as being broadcast after the following one, When Flanders Failed.
[edit] Cultural References
- The plot (and title) of this episode is a play on Frank Capra's Mr. Smith Goes to Washington.
- Among the Washington DC landmarks visited are Dulles Airport, the Watergate Hotel (where the family stays), the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the IRS Building, the National Air and Space Museum, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial.
- Trong had already won both the Westinghouse Talent Search and the NFL Punt, Pass and Kick competition.
- The piano-playing satirist at the end of the episode is a reference to Mark Russell.
[edit] Quotes
- Homer: [receives a sweepstakes junk mail with a "You may have already won" check] One million dollars! I'm rich! [rushes to the bank]
Teller: Mr. Simpson, I can assure you, this check of yours is non-negotiable.
Homer: Oh yeah? Well, what makes you so damn sure?
Teller: See where it says, "VOID VOID VOID" and "This is not a check", "Cash value one twentieth of a cent", "Mr. Banker, do not honor"...
Homer: Shut up. - Homer: I had a feeling it was too good to be true. Every time you get a million dollars, something queers the deal.
Lisa: I don't think real checks have exclamation points. - Piano Player: (Singing) The trading gap shuffle, we're in a heap o' trouble, doin' the trading gap shuffle, yessir!
Bart: (Covering his ears) He already sang this one!
Marge: No, that was about the budget gap. This is the trading gap.
[edit] External links
- Episode Capsule on "Simpsons Archive"
- [1] The Museum of Broadcast Communications page on The Simpsons includes further reading, including a reference to Lauren Berlant's "The Theory of Infantile Citizenship," an extended reading of this episode (also included in The Queen of America Goes to Washington City).
