This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Halo2roks (talk | contribs) at 02:18, 22 April 2006 (→Memorable quotes). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.
Revision as of 02:18, 22 April 2006 by Halo2roks (talk | contribs) (→Memorable quotes)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff) Episode of the 1st season of The Simpsons| "Moaning Lisa" | |
|---|---|
| The Simpsons episode | |
| File:Moaning Lisa.jpg | |
| Episode no. | Season 1 |
| Directed by | Wesley Archer |
| Written by | Al Jean and Mike Reiss |
| Original air dates | February 11, 1990 |
| Episode features | |
| Chalkboard gag | "I will not instigate revolution" |
| Couch gag | The Simpsons all pile on to the couch, Maggie pops up in the air and Marge catches her |
| Episode chronology | |
| The Simpsons season 1 | |
| List of episodes | |
"Moaning Lisa" was the sixth non short Simpsons episode released on television. “Moaning Lisa” has aired 3 times in the US.
- February 11, 1990
- April 22, 1990
- August 5, 1990
The episode deals with Lisa's depression and her attempts to sublimate it by playing saxophone.
Synopsis
Lisa awakens one morning with a potent case of the blues. Her teacher notices her sadness and sends a note home to her parents. Homer and Bart, meanwhile, are playing a video boxing game. Undefeated with forty-eight wins, bart takes only one round to knock off the head of Homer's boxer. While Homer is down for the count, Marge gives him the note from Lisa's teacher. Nothing her parents say can bring Lisa out of her depression.
Hearing distant music, Lisa sneaks out of her room to follow it. She finds a soulful saxophone player, Bleeding Gums Murphy, playing some hard blues. Murphy teaches Lise how to express her sadness on the sax.
Afterwards, Marge drops off Lisa at school and tells her to smile no matter what she feels inside. She Lisa hiding her true feelings and classmates taking advantage of her and tells Lisa that it is best to be herself. When Lisa hears this, she feels happy again.
Meanwhile, Homer takes lessons form a local video game wizard for a rematch with his son. Just as he starts to win, Marge unplugs the TV to announce Lisa's recovery. Seizing the oppurtunity to maintain his undefeated status as boxing champ, Bart gleefully announces retirement from the ring. Afterwards, the Simpsons visit a jazz club to hear Bleeding Gums Murphy sing a blues number written by Lisa.
Parodies/Inspiration
- The episode title is a play on Leonardo da Vinci's painting the Mona Lisa.
- The video game Bart & Homer play is based on Mike Tyson's Punch Out!!.
- The background noise of the arcade is the music from the Tetris arcade machine.
Memorable quotes
- Marge, on grabbing Lisa from the bridge where she had been playing saxophone with Bleeding Gums: "Nothing personal, I just fear the unfamiliar."
- Mr. Largo (Lisa's band instructor): "I hope we won't have another outburst of yesterday's unbridled creativity."
- The Lyrics to Lisa's Blues Number:
I got a bratty brother/he bugs me every day/and this morning my own mother/she gave my last cupcake away/my dad acts like he belongs/he belongs in the zoo/I'm the saddest kid in grade number two.
- Bart: Is Jacques there?
Moe: Who?
Bart: Jacques, last name Strap.
Moe: Hold on. (Calling out) Jacques Strap! Hey, guys, I'm looking for a Jacques Strap!
- Murphy: My friends call me Bleeding Gums.
Lisa: Ew! How'd you get a name like that?
Murphy: Well, let me put it this way. You ever been to the dentist?
Lisa: Yeah.
Murphy: Not me. I suppose I should go to one, but I got enough pain in my life as it is.