R&R: Lisa's Substitute

[CalculatedChaos]

Since this seems to be the trend, here's my entry:

To approach this episode is like approaching the foundation of a famous fixture, like the white house. Sacred and untouchable. It represents when alot changed with the show, things began in the first season started coming to fruition, characters developing and taking shape. They got just the right balance of humor and drama. 

This episode has been airing for nearly 20 years now and as such, has been reviewed countless times by people from all walks of life and with every opinion under the sun. At the risk of repeating what has come before I will focus on a few stand out things this episode showed me over the years after repeated viewings.  

First, just because a show is animated, you can still take it seriously. This is the most important to me, even though it sounds so simple. Up until this episode, and realistically the Simpsons in general, you would have been laughed at if you tried to inject emotion into any kind of animated television show. I don't count cinema because Disney worked with animals and as such, it was all too easy to garner sympathy and the feature length meant people were stuck there for the duration, unlike a 30 minute television sitcom. This was best achieved by this episode, in my opinion, the weight given to it by Yeardley's performance as Lisa did so much to make the episode. Dan Castelleneta gave a standup performance too, with the scenes in the museum and later towards the end during the whole 'baboon' debacle. I think it really surprised people the first time this aired, when that scene in the train station was made as emotionally devestating and then immediately uplifting with that simple note Bergstrom gave to Lisa. You are Lisa Simpson. That note has had an impact on her characterization lasting up to this day. All of this and I haven't even mentioned Dustin Hoffman, whose portrayal of the substitute is what made the episode possible in the first place. It's a minor thing nowadays to have a bigname guest star on the Simpsons, they've had so many. But this was season two, so early he didn't even want his name tainting peoples opinions of the episode (possibly of himself as well) merely by his presence. By the end of the story it never once crosses your mind (well except for that one reference with Mrs. Krabapple) that this is a huge Hollywood actor and you have completely bought into his being the best substitute in the world. That's a guest STAR. That's how it's done. No silly cameo, no cheesy story or awkward insertion into the plot. It just works.

Now for the other side of things, this show also demonstrates the strength of the two story structure with Barts completely unrelated bid for class president. This is where all the laughs, the lighter moments to balance the drama of the other story came from and it was hilarious. This episode developed so many early characters like Ralph and Martin into what they eventually became later in the series. And the political satire was spot on, showing that at it's most simplistic form, politics is a popularity contest but if you only win votes based on empty promises and words it's still possible to lose because you've surrounded yourself with people who are equally uncaring about the state of things. That's heavy stuff for an animated show to cover, and is often overlooked due to the strength of the other half of the story but I think is rely one of the more brilliant moments on the show. 

So having covered the two seperate stories we now arrive at end of the episode with a scene that still gets me to this day. Here, Homer makes things right between himself and Lisa after botching his attempt at being a caring parent so thoroughly you have to wonder how he ever got Marge in the first place. After that, he manages to, with a few simple words, take all the sting of defeat away from Bart (let the baby have his bottle) and compared to how they usually show his and Barts relationship these days is one of the sweeter moments they share in the series. It wraps both plotlines up very neatly and let's you know things have safely been set right. Once Homer fixes things with both kids, and replaces Maggies pacifier, since all things being equal he's gotta make it perfect, the episode ends with the family at the happiest point they are during the whole episode, and if that isn't closure I dont know what is.           

I'll just add the rating I gave it in the poll: 5/5

[worstcomicbookguyever]

without a shadow of a doubt the best simpsons episode ever and it even has the greatest moment in simpsons history the you are lisa simpson note and homers greastest moment as a father

5/5 nuff said

[Squeaky Voiced Teen]

Easily one of the top episodes ever. I gave it a 5/5 on the poll

[The Wiggs]

Amazing classic episode. 5/5

[Comicshow MolemanBob]

Lisa’s Substitute: B+, 4/5, 8/10, Excellent

[Jakro]

Just rewatched it and still packs quite a bunch. An easy 5/5, it's very strong contender for best episode ever.

[Old painty-can Ned]

I happened to catch this episode on TV last night and I hardly ever do R/R but for this episode I'll make an exception. I really have a hard time finding anything wrong with this episode. It has perfect characterizations, a brilliantly used guest star, some powerful emotional moments and some great pieces of humour and satire.

This episode is perhaps the most emotional episode in the series history and no moment of it feels forced for a second. Every emotional moment is so heavily backed up by a brilliantly woven plot so nothing seems rushed or out of place. This is probably like my 20th time watching the episode and it still destroys me every single time. Obviously the train station is very emotionally poignant and is probably the best Lisa moment and in my top 5 Simpsons moments " You are Lisa Simpson". But I think the most emotionally powerful moment is contained within the scenes of Homer showcasing his parenting. The whole scene is a perfect characterization of Lisa and Homer's relationship her need for a strong father figure and his want to be a great parent but held back by his obvious oafishness etc. The most touching moment is contained within this line I think "At least I'm good at monkey work. Y'know? Monkey?". The fact that Homer is willing to put his pride and personal feelings below his daughter's just really shows what a good father he is and him imitating a baboon gets me every time. The scene then continues to Homer comforting Bart after his recent defeat to Martin the school election. He is able to appeal to Bart's lazier side to in turn make Bart happier and once again gets called "Monkey Man" but this time it is in a very endearing way and is very touching. He then places a pacifier in Maggie's mouth completing the parenting trifecta The episode then ends with Homer and Marge with Homer stating he is on a roll and on a roll he was. I really do enjoy that the emotion is spread out during the entire episode so I think it makes those last two or scene so emotionally devastating that you'd have to be made of stone not to at least tear up.

The character of Mr. Bergstrom is one that takes a few viewings to really understand. He's without a doubt the best guest star in the shows history and for good reason to. He's a great foil to Homer(see Lisa the Simpson/Homer's Enemy this is how you use a foil in subtle but brilliant way) as it showcase two different types of parenting. Of course Mr. Bergstrom never could've been Lisa father but just the fact that she is getting her gifts nurtured by a male figure is enough for her to imagine how much better it would be with Bergstrom and not Homer in her life. This is showcased within the conversations Lisa has with Bergstrom about homework. Another great aspect of the foil is shown in the museum scene with Homer not wanting to pay and Bergstrom paying. You can also see Lisa's admiration for Bergstrom with him teaching her at the museum. The conversation between Bergstrom and Homer is another great use of a foil. Making Homer seem like the less observant and less nurturing parent with Homer attempting to take credit for Lisa's A and Mr. Bergstrom pointing out the fact she earned her A. But not talking about Bergstrom as a foil he is still very well put together. We all knew except for Lisa that he wasn't going to be at the school forever and that is what is so great about him is that he is able to show Lisa what it would be to have an intelligent/ smart and emotional father but then is able to leave because he does live the life of a substitute teacher. But the fact that Lisa is able to say Bergstrom taught her life is worth living jusr shows you how emotionally important a strong father figure can be. I like boarder Gorky above me was tricked the first few times I viewed the episode into thinking Lisa had a love crush on Bergstrom and you can see why that is easy to think with the laundry scene and Lisa outside the classroom when Edna is hitting on Bergstrom a la The Graduate but he denies her advances because of his "love for the children" and Lisa being overjoyed at that aspect. But his character is really much more than a love interest to Lisa.

I actually can't really see where people are coming from when they say that this episode contains little humour. I think maybe they just don't grasp the humour within the episode. But Bart's B-plot is one of the funniest plots in the show and a really biting political satire. The debates between Martin and Bart are hysterical "More Asbestos!" and I love the slow degradation of Martin's character. My favourite is the first debate and after the asbestos thing his slight glance to Edna and his mouth drops. Just brilliant. But I just love it when the two plots come together to really bring about a really humourous moment. This happens in the fact that no one votes for Bart because no one cares(A great political satire in itself with the people getting hyped on voting then their general apathy takes over and they all forget. But it's also a great Bart moment in that everyone gets him to make a mockery of the debates etc but no one would take the two seconds to vote for him) Sorry rambled off but the other half of the great joke is when in Lisa's A plot they're going to the museum because it's closing because of no one caring about it. Just a great joke at the expense of Springfield and the fact that they have so many unintelligent things in the town and the only business making anyone smarter is getting closed because of apathy towards it. Of course there are many more humourous moments with The Graduate reference with Edna. Ms. Hoover's coming back and Martin winning the election despite nearly being run into the ground and the newspaper misprint a la Truman and Dewey. Lastly the the science fiction library section gets me every time with the stab at Bradbury etc.

So overall a insanely brilliant mix of humour/emotion/satire and a perfectly paced plot. The character of Bergstrom is one that would never be reached in Simpson's history or in Lisa's memory. He is just used so perfectly and every moment of this episode is just brilliant. Sorry this was so rambly and long.

Overall Grade : A++ a perfect episode.

[LarryTheBarfly]

4/5

if only they had that exclamation mark on the "You are Lisa Simpson"

[Blobulle]

4.5/5 but 5/5 in the poll.
The best episode of the season 2.

[Old painty-can Ned]

Here's my review from the competition, which I lost.

Lisa's Substitute is an interesting Simpsons episode. It's not like most episodes. It's more focused on strong emotion than humor. I know the subplot was supposed to kind of act as comic relief, but I simply did not find it very funny. I also found Lisa annoying in this episode, but that's probably because I don't really like these types of episodes and Lisa's characterization in a lot of her episodes. The train scene was very emotional and it didn't feel forced. No part of this episode felt forced. However, like I said, this simply isn't the type of episode I like. I mean, I like emotion in episodes as long as it doesn't overtake the humor and the episode basically becomes a drama. I also felt that Lisa liked Mr. bergstrom a little too much. I mean, wanting to invite him over for dinner and following him to the train station I thought was going a little too far. To end this review on a positive note, I did like the ending where Homer does something good for all of his kids and is on a roll. Overall: C-

It's ok to not like the episode but a C- grade. Get real. This episode features perfect characterizations and the humour may be subtle but it is definitely prevalent in the episode. It's not gag happy and it really shouldn't be. Is it that you just don't like emotional episodes? If so why? Also with Lisa and Bergstrom it is perfectly reasonable that she would follow him to the train station and want to invite him over for dinner. He is the strong responsible/ smart male figure that every child wants/needs in their life. You're just looking at it from the simple aspect that he is older so their relationship=gross and weird. It wasn't meant to be seen as a romantic relationship/

[Dr. Fishopolis]

4/5

if only they had that exclamation mark on the "You are Lisa Simpson"

Nah, I think it shows less heart with an exclamation point for some reason.

[D'ohmer]

It's ok to not like the episode but a C- grade. Get real. This episode features perfect characterizations and the humour may be subtle but it is definitely prevalent in the episode. It's not gag happy and it really shouldn't be. Is it that you just don't like emotional episodes? If so why? Also with Lisa and Bergstrom it is perfectly reasonable that she would follow him to the train station and want to invite him over for dinner. He is the strong responsible/ smart male figure that every child wants/needs in their life. You're just looking at it from the simple aspect that he is older so their relationship=gross and weird. It wasn't meant to be seen as a romantic relationship/

I do enjoy emotional episodes, but an episode that is almost purely emotional and doesn't have much humor, which is the main reason why I watch the show, doesn't appeal to me as much as an episode with a perfect balance of humor and emotion. Also, while their relationship may not have intended to be romantic, Lisa definately had a crush on Mr. Bergstrom. Making a gleeful sigh when he said that it's the children that he loves and rehursing what to say to him before "asking him out" with a bow in her head are just a couple of indications.

[Old painty-can Ned]

I do enjoy emotional episodes, but an episode that is almost purely emotional and doesn't have much humor, which is the main reason why I watch the show, doesn't appeal to me as much as an episode with a perfect balance of humor and emotion. Also, while their relationship may not have intended to be romantic, Lisa definately had a crush on Mr. Bergstrom. Making a gleeful sigh when he said that it's the children that he loves and rehursing what to say to him before "asking him out" with a bow in her head are just a couple of indications.

One plot is emotional and one was chalk full of humour. I'm not sure exactly where you think the imbalance is. Even in Lisa's plot there are plenty of comedic moments(The Graduate reference etc). Just because the emotional moments in the episode are so powerful it shouldn't override the fact that there is plenty of comedy in the episode. If you can't see it then whatever your loss. It's also sort of weird just to base episodes on purely their comedic output. The Simpsons may be considered a comedy but it's emotional side/ deep characters are what made it so special and much different than every other comedy.

Well of course it starts out like that he is quite a charming man and a much stronger teacher than any teacher Lisa has had. But the sigh of glee when Bergstrom denies Edna's advances is more a sign that he likes teaching kids more/is more concentrated on teaching than he is with one night stands. It shows that he has a "love of children" so that's why she's sighing like that. But once again you're just looking at it from the aspect that she has to have a crush on him because she wants to impress him. Just because she's trying to impress him doesn't mean she has a crush on him. But all these things basically are just little aspects to add up to the big picture that Bergstrom is the father figure Lisa craves

[LittleMissLisaSimpson]

One of my favourites from Season 2. I loved every single part of it. One of my many favourite Lisa episodes 5/5

[Mc_Lovin667]

5/5, My personal all-time favorite. Perfect Simpsons.

[JimBob]

I love this episode but for some reason I don't watch it as often as other episodes on season 2 but I still love it, I also like the story and the writing of Lisa's Substitute and this episode has the right combination of everything, not like some other episodes on season 2 like ''The Way We Were''. That episode had for the most part B- writing because it had too much romance and a sort of sappy love plot, I did like that episode two but not as much as Lisa's Substitute. Overall I'm giving L.S. an A+.

[Neptune]

Easily one of my favorite episodes. The story, the emotions, and how even though Homer fails to understand what his daughter is going through, he still manages to come through for her in the end. I loved the ending as well. "You are Lisa Simpson"
5/5.

[The_Doctor]

Definitely one of the best early episodes. It might not be an all out laugh-fest, but it's a story with real heart, something which is sadly lacking from the show these days. 5/5

[Ben Chan]

Here's my review from the competition, which I lost.

Lisa's Substitute is an interesting Simpsons episode. It's not like most episodes. It's more focused on strong emotion than humor. I know the subplot was supposed to kind of act as comic relief, but I simply did not find it very funny. I also found Lisa annoying in this episode, but that's probably because I don't really like these types of episodes and Lisa's characterization in a lot of her episodes. The train scene was very emotional and it didn't feel forced. No part of this episode felt forced. However, like I said, this simply isn't the type of episode I like. I mean, I like emotion in episodes as long as it doesn't overtake the humor and the episode basically becomes a drama. I also felt that Lisa liked Mr. bergstrom a little too much. I mean, wanting to invite him over for dinner and following him to the train station I thought was going a little too far. To end this review on a positive note, I did like the ending where Homer does something good for all of his kids and is on a roll. Overall: C-

gee i wonder why you lost the competition

---

i won't review the episode as such, because it's all been said before, but i'll make a few general points...

first, i'm sick of this 'no humour' theory being put forth. what a load of crap, and a terrible excuse to justify a mediocre grade for an episode which clearly has humour. if you don't find it funny i'll argue with you about that and try to show that you're a filthy hypocrite, but the idea that there's little or no humour in lisa's substitute is a plain nonsense. if you don't see anything funny in this episode it's because you're a bitter, trivial and humourless beast.

i also find the idea that you can fault the episode because there is, apparently, no humour, to be incredibly problematic. oh dear the humour is overtaken by drama? heaven forbid! heaven forbid a show focuses on (faultlessly) telling a good story at the expense of some laughs.

...which isn't true because it's funny, and combines these two elements very well.

last, credit needs to be given for such a deep, confident story being told in only the 32nd episode of the series. it's amazing that a cartoon which established its own format managed to pull off perhaps it's crowning acheivement so early in its run. that's not a criticism on later episode so much as it's a credit to this episode alone.

i, ben chan, hereby lay down the challenge for haters of this episode to argue with me - and other defenders of this most glorious episode - so that we freedom fighters may lay to rest your intellectually deficient arguments once and for all!

1+1=2
and
lisa's substitute = great.

[HMS pinafore]

I think I need to rewatch this whole season because I haven't watched this on in about 10 years. I was not the biggest fan of this at the time but That was when I was young and I like these episodes more as time passes

[SUPERFOX5]

5/5

It showed some nice emotional interactions between characters.
This is one of those episodes I almost cry at, because it is so sweet to see a father setting things right for his children.

[cloneasaurus]

A masterful episode; whilst I may not enjoy the episode as much as other I certainly love it for its characters, satire and humour. I think what's most impressive about the episode is that it fights so well on so many fronts; characters (everyone was human and natural. I love the season 2 characterisations of the family) humour (Bart's B plot - not hilarious but it didn't need to be, and it was certainly clever), satire (Bart's B plot again) and pacing/storyline (pacing was perfect, Lisa's crush on Mr Bergstrom justified).

Basically, I love how dignified this episode is. It may not be hilarious and it may only scrape my top 20, but that doesn't stop it from being a classic.

9.5/10

A

EDIT: my #7 episode

[Handsome B. Wonderful]

Having a season 2 marathon. So FUCKING TOUCHING. That B story's alright too.

5/5.

[Bleedin' Gums Murphy]

Sublime episode, utterly sublime and the 4 people that voted 1/5 probably still laugh everytime they go on a YouTube vid and see 'That's a paddlin' as the top comment...

Incredible and simply sensational episode of The Simpsons. Dustin Hoffman voices a terrific character, it explores the relationship between Lisa and Homer and hilarity with Bart and his election. Faultless. 5/5, 10/10 & 20/20

[Diversity Pumpkin]

Poor Homer.

5/5

[The Governor]

HOMERZ NOT SCREEMING ENUFF!!1! DAT BITCH LEESA IS ALWAYZ ROONING HOMERZ FUN AN LEESA IZ NO FUN!!!6!!!

HOMER FARRT IS FUNY THIS EPSODE NOT FUNY ENUFF!

F--

[Lionel Hutz]

One of the Simpsons finest episodes. The way all the stories are wrapped up in the end is perfect. Dustin Hoffman did a wonderful job as Mr. Bergstrom, and the Bart b-story is full of laughs. There are very few episodes that are perfect, but this is one of them.

Best Quotes:
Wendell: What about Ray Bradbury
Martin: I'm aware of his work,

Bart: we demand more asbestos, More Asbestos, MORE ASBESTOS.

Marge: Lisa needs to go to the museum tomorrow and I think you shoul take her.
Homer: The museum. Tomorrow. Uh, oh oh, why Marge, I'd love to, but I was planning on..
Homer's brain: sleeping, eating a big sandwich, watching TV, spending time WITH THE BOY
Homer: Spending time with the boy! The boy needs attention, Marge.
Marge: Homer, I've been talking to Lisa and I'm concerned about your relationship with her.
Bart: Me too, Mom. I think they're drifting apart.
Homer: Shut up, Boy.
Marge: Homer, please.
Homer: Oh, Marge, you don't understand. I can't do it cause...
Homer's brain: You're trapped, if you were smarter you might think of something, but you're not, so you just might as well-
Homer: Alright alright, I'll take her! Lousy brain.

Homer: Good luck lady, you're gonna need it.

Lisa: You can't go. You're the best teacher I'll ever have.
Mr. Bergstrom: Ah, that's not true. Other teachers'll come along.
Lisa: Oh, please!
Mr. Bergstrom: No I can't lie to you I am the best.

Homer: Hey! Just 'cause I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand.
Lisa: I'm glad I'm not crying because I would hate for you to think that what I'm about to say is based on emotion. But YOU SIR ARE A BABOON!
Homer: Huhh, me?
Lisa: YES YOU, BABOON BABOON BABOON BABOON!
Homer: I don't think you realize what you're saying.
Lisa: BABOOOOOOON!
Bart: Wow, somebody was bound to say it, I just can't believe it was her!

Highlights include Bart showing the cat birth video, the Truman/Dewey reference, Charlottes Web scene, Bart and Homer's "SEX, now that I got your attention" poster, the Graduate reference, and Homer's night of tour de force parenting.

[Unckie Herb]

WONDERFUL 5/5

[Prune Tracy]

Need to give this one a rewatch. I remember really liking the ending.

[Ruffles]

One of the best episodes ever, IMO. This episode is definitely among my favourites.

10/10