The Last Temptation of Krust

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The Simpsons episode
"The Last Temptation of Krust"

Episode no.	193
Prod. code	5F10
Orig. Airdate	February 22, 1998
Show Runner(s)	Mike Scully
Written by	Donick Cary
Directed by	Mike B. Anderson
Chalkboard	Pain is not the cleanser
Couch gag	Everybody has their posteriors on fire as they run to a water-filled couch. They hop on board as steam emerges from them
Guest star	Jay Leno, Bruce Baum, Janeane Garofalo, Bobcat Goldthwait, Hank Williams, Jr. and Steven Wright as themselves
DVD commentary by	Matt Groening Mike Scully Ron Hauge Donick Cary Yeardley Smith Mike B. Anderson Jay Leno
SNPP capsule
Season 9 September 21, 1997 – May 17, 1998
The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson The Principal and the Pauper Lisa's Sax Treehouse of Horror VIII The Cartridge Family Bart Star The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons Lisa the Skeptic Realty Bites Miracle on Evergreen Terrace All Singing, All Dancing Bart Carny The Joy of Sect Das Bus The Last Temptation of Krust Dumbbell Indemnity Lisa the Simpson This Little Wiggy Simpson Tide The Trouble with Trillions Girly Edition Trash of the Titans King of the Hill Lost Our Lisa Natural Born Kissers
List of all Simpsons episodes...

"The Last Temptation of Krust" is the fifteenth episode of The Simpsons' ninth season. The episode first aired on February 22, 1998. The title is a reference to the controversial novel and film The Last Temptation of Christ.

1 Synopsis
2 Trivia
3 Deleted scenes
4 External links

[edit] Synopsis

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

Persuaded by Bart to appear at a comedy festival organised by Jay Leno, Krusty the Clown's old-fashioned and dated material fails to impress the crowd when compared with other, more trendy comics also appearing. After going on 'the bender to end all benders', he holds a press conference to announce his retirement, and in short order launches into a bitter tirade against modern-day comics, which the crowd finds hysterical. He is inspired to return to doing low-key events, where he structures a new act for himself as a comic who tells the truth and refuses to sell out to corporate America. Although less marketable and financially successful, he is now credible and trendy. Two marketing executives try to persuade him to advertise the Canyonero, but he initially resists, before succumbing to the lure of money again. It's not comedy that's in his blood; it's selling out.

[edit] Trivia

Many consider Krusty's return to the underground comedy scene an homage to George Carlin and Bill Hicks, known for their harsh, cynical comedy material in which they frequently criticised corporate America. Numerous parallels between the two can be drawn (such as Krusty adopting an all-black wardrobe, similar to Hicks and Carlin, and his more cynical, truth-driven material). The episode was originally broadcast four days before the fourth anniversary of Hicks' death. He had a ponytail like George Carlin, and smoked a cigarette on stage like Bill Hicks.
When Jay Leno says that Krusty died in a grease fire, it may be a reference to the episode Bart the Fink. In this episode, Krusty did fake his death, but he did it in a plane crash, not a grease fire.

[edit] Deleted scenes

These scenes were not included in the episode:

Jay Leno asking somebody to "turn down the raunch," and then saying: "We got Bob Newhart!"
The Internet comic first appears. This makes his later appearance meaningless.
An original version of the scene where Krusty burns a dollar - but the topic is the government instead of TV.
When Krusty tries to think of new ideas, he says: "The Yellow Pages - What's the deal with that?"