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"New Kid on the Block" is the 8th episode of The Simpsons' fourth season. It was also featured in an episode of the show Movie Magic which was shown on the Discovery Channel around this time. The creation of sound effects used in the episode was shown, with foley artist Travis Powers. It is also the first episode written by Conan O'Brien.

Synopsis

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When the Simpsons' other neighbors the Winfields decide to move away because Homer's constant embarrassing behaviour, Bart & Lisa explore the abandoned house and go into the basement. Bart scares Lisa away, but a beautiful girl scares him, and he knocks himself unconscious. When he wakes up, the girl says her name is Laura Powers. Homer watches an advertisement on television about the "Frying Dutchman," an all-you-can-eat seafood restaurant run by Captain McAllister and wants to go.

Bart develops a crush on Laura. Meanwhile, Homer and Marge visit Ruth Powers at the house that she and Laura moved in. Ruth tells them she is divorced. Meanwhile, Laura taunts Dolph and Kearney, two of the bullies. Laura looks at Bart's palm and says he is going to be rich. She spits in his hand and says, "This is going to be the pool." Bart says he is never going to wash that hand again.

Homer can't find a babysitter, so Bart suggests that Laura should babysit them. Homer agrees. Bart's hand gets stuck to Santa's Little Helper and he decides to wash it. Bart takes a bath and dresses up to impress Laura. When she arrives, they share dinner and Bart even accepts a dance with her.

Meanwhile, Homer goes to the restaurant with Marge, but Marge is allergic to fish. Homer orders the all-you-can-eat and eats everything. Captain McAllister kicks him out. He goes to trial with his lawyer, Lionel Hutz. Homer and the captain make agreements. Marge is humiliated that he became the entertainment there as an eating machine. Laura dumps Bart for Jimbo Jones.

While Laura and Jimbo kiss, Bart makes a prank call to Moe's. He accuses Jimbo. Moe comes over with a rusty kitchen knife, causing Jimbo to burst into tears. Laura then dumps him and kisses Bart. Bart and Laura make another prank phone call.

Trivia

• This episode's title is named after the boy band from the late 80s and early 90s, New Kids on the Block.
• According to the DVD commentary for this episode, the all-you-can-eat restaurant B-story was added to the show after a planned B-story involving a guest shot by Don Rickles fell through due to miscommunication with the Simpsons staff (someone had told them that Don Rickles wanted to do the show, and he didn't.) There was also another planned B-story, before the restaurant B-story, that involved Homer becoming a talented barber, but it was rejected.
• This episode features the first appearance of Captain Horatio McCallister, and the only mention of his real name. This episode also reveals that he isn't a real captain.
• Lionel Hutz calling Homer "the greatest hero in American history" is referenced in the trailer to The Simpsons Movie.

Cultural References

• The music where the moose was eating the Simpsons' garbage is based on the opening theme song for the hit TV series, Northern Exposure.
• The scene in which numerous sacks of letters to Santa Claus are delivered to court is a direct parody of Miracle on 34th Street ("You want the People of Springfield vs. Kris Kringle, that's next door").
• The aformentioned pornographic film spoofs Wolfgang Peterson's classic movie, Das Boot, although there really is a pornographic film call Das Butt directed by Casey and Peter O'Brian.
• Obviously enough, the episode is titled after the well-known late-80's boy band.

Quotes

• Mrs. Winfield: My husband and I have decided to move.
  Homer: You're going to run out the clock in Florida, eh?
  Mrs. Winfield: Well, yes. There's a few things you could do to help us sell our house. First, whenever you walk in front of your windows, could you please wear pants?
  Homer: Mmm... no.
  Mrs. Winfield: Second, could you please take away your old jack-o-lanterns from past Halloweens?
  Homer: Mmm... no.
  Mrs. Winfield: And can you please cover your garbage? It's attracting wildlife!
  (Homer sees a moose eating the Simpsons' garbage; a Northern Exposure-like music plays)
  Homer: Hey, what? Hey, moose, shoo! Yeah, I'm talking to you! Get off my lawn! Stop!
  (The moose charges at Homer, who immediately slammed the door shut)

• Homer: You see, son, a woman is a lot like...err...a refrigerator! They're about six feet tall, 300 pounds......they...make ice......uhhh...oh! Actually, a woman is more like a beer. They smell good, they look good, you'd step over your own mother just to get one! (Drains his beer) But you can't stop at one, you wanna drink another woman! (Runs to the fridge)

• Homer(drunk): So I sez, "Yeah? If you want that money, come and find it, 'cuz I don' know where it is, ya baloney!" You make me wanna retch! (falls asleep)

• Homer: Sorry Marge, this is my quest! I'm like that guy. That Spanish guy. You know, he fought the windmills.
  Marge: Don Quixote?
  Homer: No, whats-his-name. The Man of La Mancha.
  Marge: Don Quixote.
  Homer: No!
  Marge: I really think that was the character's name, Don Quixote.
  Homer: Fine, I'll look it up (Gets a book of the shelf)
  Marge: Well, who was it?
  Homer: Nevermind.

• Moe (running across a clearing at night): (hits something) God! Stupid wishing well!

1st prank call:

• Bart: I'm looking for Amanda, last name Huggenkiss?
  Moe: Yeah, just a sec; I'll check. Amanda Hugginkiss? Hey, I'm lookin' for Amanda Hugginkiss. Why can't I find Amanda Hugginkiss?
  
  Barney: Maybe your standards are too high!
  Moe: You little S.O.B. Why, when I find out who you are, I'm going to shove a sausage down your throat and stick starving dogs in your butt!
  Bart: My name is Jimbo Jones and I live on 1094 Evergreen Terrace.
  Moe: Ha! Big mistake, pal!

Attack on Jimbo Jones:

(Jimbo crying)

• Moe: Ah c'mon! I wasn't gonna kill ya. I was just gonna cut ya.

2nd prank call:

• Laura: Hello. I'm looking for Ms. Tinkle, first name, Ivana?
  Moe: Wait a sec. Ivana Tinkle! Everyone put down your glasses! Ivana Tinkle!
  (laughter)
  (Bart & Laura laugh, episode ends)

External links

• "New Kid on the Block episode capsule". The Simpsons Archive.

• The Simpsons episodes, season 4