Misplaced Pages

Lisa's Date with Density: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 16:28, 18 March 2009 edit205.215.177.154 (talk) →Cultural references← Previous edit Revision as of 21:19, 20 October 2009 edit undoTJ Spyke (talk | contribs)93,344 editsm WikiCleaner 0.96 - Repairing link to disambiguation page - You can help!Next edit →
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Infobox Simpsons episode {{Infobox Simpsons episode
<!-- Please enter new data between the ListGenBot-SourceStart and ListGenBot-SourceEnd tags, so they can be used for automated list generation --> <!-- Please enter new data between the ListGenBot-SourceStart and ListGenBot-SourceEnd tags, so they can be used for automated list generation -->
| episode_name = Lisa's Date with Density |episode_name = Lisa's Date with Density
| image = ] |image=]
| image_caption = Lisa with Nelson. | image_caption = Lisa with Nelson.
| episode_no = 160 | episode_no = 160
| prod_code = 4F01 | prod_code = 4F01
| airdate = December 15, 1996 | airdate = December 15, 1996
| show runner = | show runner ={{ListGenBot-SourceStart|SimpsonsRunners|SimpsonsRunnersS08}}
{{ListGenBot-SourceStart|SimpsonsRunners|SimpsonsRunnersS08}}
] &<br>] ] &<br>]
{{ListGenBot-SourceEnd}} {{ListGenBot-SourceEnd}}
⚫ | writer={{ListGenBot-SourceStart|SimpsonsWriters|SimpsonsWritersS08}}
| writer =
⚫ {{ListGenBot-SourceStart|SimpsonsWriters|SimpsonsWritersS08}}
] ]
{{ListGenBot-SourceEnd}} {{ListGenBot-SourceEnd}}
| director = | director = {{ListGenBot-SourceStart|SimpsonsDirectors|SimpsonsDirectorsS08}}
{{ListGenBot-SourceStart|SimpsonsDirectors|SimpsonsDirectorsS08}}
] ]
{{ListGenBot-SourceEnd}} {{ListGenBot-SourceEnd}}
⚫ | couch_gag ={{ListGenBot-SourceStart|SimpsonsCouchGags|SimpsonsCouchGagsS08}}
| couch_gag =
⚫ {{ListGenBot-SourceStart|SimpsonsCouchGags|SimpsonsCouchGagsS08}}
The living room is shown upside down.<ref name="BBC">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season8/page7.shtml|title=Lisa's Date With Density|accessdate=2007-03-28|author=Martyn, Warren; Wood, Adrian |date=2000|publisher=BBC}}</ref> The living room is shown upside down.<ref name="BBC">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season8/page7.shtml|title=Lisa's Date With Density|accessdate=2007-03-28|author=Martyn, Warren; Wood, Adrian |date=2000|publisher=BBC}}</ref>
{{ListGenBot-SourceEnd}} {{ListGenBot-SourceEnd}}
| commentary = ]<BR>]<BR>]<BR>]<BR>]<BR>]<BR>] | commentary=]<br>Josh Weinstein<br>]<BR>]<br>]<br>Susie Dietter<br>]
| season = 8 | season =8
}} }}

"'''Lisa's Date with Density'''" is the seventh episode of the animated television series '']''<nowiki>'</nowiki> ], which originally aired December 15, 1996.<ref name="book">{{cite book|last=Richmond |first=Ray|coauthors=Antonia Coffman|title=] |year=1997 |publisher=Harper Collins Publishers|isbn=0-00-638898-1|page=218}}</ref> It was written by ], and directed by ].<ref name="book"/> It sees Lisa develop a crush on ], which leads the pair to eventually start dating. "'''Lisa's Date with Density'''" is the seventh episode of the animated television series '']''<nowiki>'</nowiki> ], which originally aired December 15, 1996.<ref name="book">{{cite book|last=Richmond |first=Ray|coauthors=Antonia Coffman|title=] |year=1997 |publisher=Harper Collins Publishers|isbn=0-00-638898-1|page=218}}</ref> It was written by ], and directed by ].<ref name="book"/> It sees Lisa develop a crush on ], which leads the pair to eventually start dating.


==Plot== ==Plot==
At ], ] visits ] to show off his newly purchased 1979 ]. However, he becomes distraught when he discovers the car's ] missing. Principal Skinner orders a search of every student's locker, and it is discovered that ] is the culprit. As punishment, Nelson is forced to return all stolen items to their owners and help ] with his jobs around the school. At ], ] visits ] to show off his newly purchased 1979 ]. However, he becomes distraught when he discovers the car's ] missing. Principal Skinner orders a search of every student's locker, and it is discovered that ] is the culprit. As punishment, Nelson is forced to return all stolen items to their owners and help ] with his jobs around the school.


Mr. Largo catches ] looking outside at Nelson during a music lesson, and as a result is given ]. After school, she continues to watch Nelson and develops a ] on the bully. Mr. Largo catches ] looking outside at Nelson during a music lesson, and as a result is given ]. After school, she continues to watch Nelson and develops a ] on the bully.


Lisa tries to let Nelson know how she feels about him by getting ] to pass a love note to him in class. However, the plan backfires, with Nelson seriously injuring Milhouse, thinking the note came from him. Lisa admits that she wrote the letter and although Nelson seems indifferent about the matter he begins by visiting her house. Lisa is resolved to turn Nelson from a trouble maker into a sweet, sensitive young man. She changes his appearance by giving him new clothes and ]. Later, the pair share a kiss during their date at the Springfield Observatory. Lisa tries to let Nelson know how she feels about him by getting ] to pass a love note to him in class. However, the plan backfires, with Nelson seriously injuring Milhouse, thinking the note came from him. Lisa admits that she wrote the letter and although Nelson seems indifferent about the matter he begins by visiting her house. Lisa is resolved to turn Nelson from a trouble maker into a sweet, sensitive young man. She changes his appearance by giving him new clothes and ]. Later, the pair share a kiss during their date at the Springfield Observatory.


However, the influence of Nelson's friends ], ] and ] proves to win out when they convince him to come along with them and throw rancid ] at Principal Skinner's house. Skinner immediately phones the police, and the four flee. Nelson takes refuge with Lisa, proclaiming his innocence. Lisa believes him, until Nelson unwittingly lets the truth slip. Lisa realizes that Nelson is always going to be who he is and ends their relationship, much to the relief of an overjoyed Milhouse. However, the influence of Nelson's friends ], ] and ] proves to win out when they convince him to come along with them and throw rancid ] at Principal Skinner's house. Skinner immediately phones the police, and the four flee. Nelson takes refuge with Lisa, proclaiming his innocence. Lisa believes him, until Nelson unwittingly lets the truth slip. Lisa realizes that Nelson is always going to be who he is and ends their relationship, much to the relief of an overjoyed Milhouse.


Meanwhile, ] arrests a ] for ] fraud. Homer witnesses the arrest and sees the discarded ] in a nearby ]. Homer takes the autodialer home to use for tele-]. Meanwhile, ] arrests a ] for ] fraud. Homer witnesses the arrest and sees the discarded ] in a nearby ]. Homer takes the autodialer home to use for tele-].


] ends up annoying all of Springfield with his "Happy Dude" ], and soon enough ] catches him. Instead of confiscating the autodialer and taking Homer into custody, he shoots it then gives Homer a citation and asks him to bring the autodialer with him (although full of lead) to his court hearing, otherwise there would be no case and Homer would be let off the hook. In the closing credits, however, Homer has recorded a new message telling everyone he scammed he is sorry and that if they can forgive him to send more money.<ref name="BBC"/><ref name="book"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesimpsons.com/episode_guide/0807.htm|title="Lisa's Date With Density"|accessdate=2007-03-30|publisher=The Simpsons.com}}</ref> ] ends up annoying all of Springfield with his "Happy Dude" ], and soon enough Chief Wiggum catches him. Instead of confiscating the autodialer and taking Homer into custody, he shoots it then gives Homer a citation and asks him to bring the autodialer with him (although full of lead) to his court hearing, otherwise there would be no case and Homer would be let off the hook. In the closing credits, however, Homer has recorded a new message telling everyone he scammed he is sorry and that if they can forgive him to send more money.<ref name="BBC"/><ref name="book"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thesimpsons.com/episode_guide/0807.htm|title="Lisa's Date With Density"|accessdate=2007-03-30|publisher=The Simpsons.com}}</ref>


==Production== ==Production==
Line 46: Line 43:


==Cultural references== ==Cultural references==
* A majority of the story is a reference to the film '']''.<ref name="BBC"/> Lisa remarks Nelson is "like a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a vest," a reference to "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma"; this was ]'s opinion of Russia at the outbreak of the ].<ref name="BBC"/> *A majority of the story is a reference to the film '']''.<ref name="BBC"/> Lisa remarks Nelson is "like a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a vest," a reference to "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma"; this was ]'s opinion of Russia at the outbreak of the ].<ref name="BBC"/>
⚫ *The title could be a reference to ], when George McFly mixes up the word "density" with "destiny".{{or}}

⚫ * The title could be a reference to ], when George McFly mixes up the word "density" with "destiny".


==Reception== ==Reception==

Revision as of 21:19, 20 October 2009

Episode of the 8th season of The Simpsons
"Lisa's Date with Density"
The Simpsons episode
File:Lisasdatewithdensity.png
Episode no.Season 8
Directed bySusie Dietter
Written byMike Scully
Original air dateDecember 15, 1996
Episode features
Couch gagThe living room is shown upside down.
CommentaryMatt Groening
Josh Weinstein
Mike Scully
Nancy Cartwright
Yeardley Smith
Susie Dietter
Alex Rocco
Episode chronology
The Simpsons season 8
List of episodes

"Lisa's Date with Density" is the seventh episode of the animated television series The Simpsons' eighth season, which originally aired December 15, 1996. It was written by Mike Scully, and directed by Susie Dietter. It sees Lisa develop a crush on Nelson Muntz, which leads the pair to eventually start dating.

Plot

At Springfield Elementary School, Superintendent Chalmers visits Principal Skinner to show off his newly purchased 1979 Honda Accord. However, he becomes distraught when he discovers the car's hood ornament missing. Principal Skinner orders a search of every student's locker, and it is discovered that Nelson Muntz is the culprit. As punishment, Nelson is forced to return all stolen items to their owners and help Groundskeeper Willie with his jobs around the school.

Mr. Largo catches Lisa looking outside at Nelson during a music lesson, and as a result is given detention. After school, she continues to watch Nelson and develops a crush on the bully.

Lisa tries to let Nelson know how she feels about him by getting Milhouse to pass a love note to him in class. However, the plan backfires, with Nelson seriously injuring Milhouse, thinking the note came from him. Lisa admits that she wrote the letter and although Nelson seems indifferent about the matter he begins by visiting her house. Lisa is resolved to turn Nelson from a trouble maker into a sweet, sensitive young man. She changes his appearance by giving him new clothes and hairstyle. Later, the pair share a kiss during their date at the Springfield Observatory.

However, the influence of Nelson's friends Jimbo, Dolph and Kearney proves to win out when they convince him to come along with them and throw rancid coleslaw at Principal Skinner's house. Skinner immediately phones the police, and the four flee. Nelson takes refuge with Lisa, proclaiming his innocence. Lisa believes him, until Nelson unwittingly lets the truth slip. Lisa realizes that Nelson is always going to be who he is and ends their relationship, much to the relief of an overjoyed Milhouse.

Meanwhile, Chief Wiggum arrests a scam artist for telemarketing fraud. Homer witnesses the arrest and sees the discarded autodialer in a nearby trash bin. Homer takes the autodialer home to use for tele-panhandling.

Homer ends up annoying all of Springfield with his "Happy Dude" scam, and soon enough Chief Wiggum catches him. Instead of confiscating the autodialer and taking Homer into custody, he shoots it then gives Homer a citation and asks him to bring the autodialer with him (although full of lead) to his court hearing, otherwise there would be no case and Homer would be let off the hook. In the closing credits, however, Homer has recorded a new message telling everyone he scammed he is sorry and that if they can forgive him to send more money.

Production

File:Milhousedensity.png
The injured Milhouse

The idea of Lisa dating Nelson had been around for a while, with several different versions being pitched. The writers wanted a "silly" Homer story to balance the episode out, and the idea of using the telemarketing scam for this had also been around for a while. By this time, the show had begun to have episodes revolving around secondary characters. This was the first episode to revolve around Nelson, and was done to partly explain why Nelson acts the way he does. The words to Nelson's song were contributed by Mike Scully's daughters. The scene in which Milhouse passes Lisa's note to Nelson was written by Bill Oakley, with the line "He can't hear you, we had to pack his ears with gauze" being George Meyer's line. There was a debate as to how injured Milhouse could look without it looking disturbing, and the drop of blood coming from his nose was decided to be enough. Milhouse liking Vaseline on toast was based on a child from Josh Weinstein's school days who everyday would get on to the bus with a piece of toast, which had Vaseline on it.

Cultural references

  • A majority of the story is a reference to the film Rebel Without a Cause. Lisa remarks Nelson is "like a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a vest," a reference to "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma"; this was Winston Churchill's opinion of Russia at the outbreak of the World War II.
  • The title could be a reference to Back to the Future, when George McFly mixes up the word "density" with "destiny".

Reception

Josh Weinstein called it one of the most "real" episodes, commenting that every character in the episode, from Superintendent Chalmers to Lisa, acts like a real person throughout. The medic's line "He can't hear you, we had to pack his ears with gauze" is one of Matt Groening's favorites. Marge's line "When I first met your father, he was loud, crude and piggish. But I worked hard on him, and now he's a whole new person," is one of Susie Dietter's favorites, as it explains why Marge is still married to Homer despite his actions. The authors of the book I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide, Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood, called it "impressive" how "even after Nelson has beaten him up for apparently making a pass, will still do anything for uncaring Lisa."

This is also one of several episodes that has been performed live by the cast in front of an audience.

References

  1. ^ Martyn, Warren; Wood, Adrian (2000). "Lisa's Date With Density". BBC. Retrieved 2007-03-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Richmond, Ray (1997). The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family. Harper Collins Publishers. p. 218. ISBN 0-00-638898-1. {{cite book}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  3. ""Lisa's Date With Density"". The Simpsons.com. Retrieved 2007-03-30.
  4. ^ Scully, Mike (2006). The Simpsons The Complete Eighth Season DVD commentary for the episode "Lisa's Date with Density" (DVD). 20th Century Fox. {{cite AV media}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  5. ^ Weinstein, Josh (2006). The Simpsons The Complete Eighth Season DVD commentary for the episode "Lisa's Date with Density" (DVD). 20th Century Fox. {{cite AV media}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  6. ^ Groening, Matt (2006). The Simpsons The Complete Eighth Season DVD commentary for the episode "Lisa's Date with Density" (DVD). 20th Century Fox. {{cite AV media}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  7. Dietter, Susie (2006). The Simpsons The Complete Eighth Season DVD commentary for the episode "Lisa's Date with Density" (DVD). 20th Century Fox. {{cite AV media}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)

External links

Categories: