"'Lisa's Substitute" is the ninteenth Episode of The Simpsons second season and the 32nd episode overall. In the Episode, Lisa's teacher Miss Hoover takes medical leave due to what she thinks is Lyme Disease, so Mr. Bergstrom takes over the class. Lisa finds Mr. Bergstrom a pain in the neck and she becomes embarresed and humiliated when she find out that Mr. Bergstrom is Gay. When Miss Hoover returns to class, Mr. Bergstrom and Homer becomes enemies and challenge themselves to a Skiing Contest at Mt. Gropply, in which they all lost together while Lisa starts having Gymnophobia after being embarresed by Martin's revealing Snow Suit. Meanwhile, Bart runs for Class President against Martin.
It was written by Jon Vitti and directed by Rich Moore. Dustin Hoffman (using the pseunydom Sam Etic) guest stars as Mr. Bergstrom with Rowan Atkinson as the Instructor, Mel Brooks as the Obnoxious Announcer and Fred Newman as a Drunk Teacher. It won an Emmy Award for Outstanding in a Writing Program.
Plot[]
Lisa's teacher, Elizabeth Hoover, thinks that she has Lyme Disease, and is replaced by substitute teacher, Mr. Bergstrom.
Mr Bergstrom is dressed as a cowboy setting the scene as Texas, 1830. He adds there are three things wrong with his costume and whoever guesses them will win his hat. Lisa states that his belt said "State of Texas" but Texas was not a state until 1845, the revolver was not invented until 1835 and that Mr Bergstrom appears to be of Jewish descent and there were no Jewish cowboys. Mr. Bergstrom is impressed by Lisa's knowledge and rewards her with his cowboy hat, also adding that he was wearing a digital watch. Due to his unorthodox teaching methods and friendly nature, Lisa starts falling in love with him. Lisa runs into Mr. Bergstrom at a museum and is embarrassed when Homer displays his ignorance. Sensing a void in their relationship, Mr. Bergstrom takes Homer aside to suggest he be a more positive role model.
At Marge's suggestion, Lisa goes to invite Mr. Bergstrom to dinner at their home, but is devastated to find Miss Hoover back and Mr. Bergstrom gone. She rushes to his apartment and learns that he has accepted a new job in Capital City. She rushes to the train station and confesses that she will be lost without him. Mr. Bergstrom replies that the life of a substitute teacher is transient, and he has to help the more needy. He writes her a note and tells her that any time she feels alone, its contents are all she needs to know. He boards the train and departs. Lisa opens the note: it reads "You are Lisa Simpson."
Meanwhile, Bart's class prepares to elect a class president. Edna Krabappel nominates Martin, while Sherri and Terri nominate Bart. During a debate with Martin, Bart tells jokes and wins the class over. Certain of Bart's victory, none of the children in his class—including Bart—votes, giving Martin the victory with just two votes.
Devastated by Mr. Bergstrom's departure, Lisa takes her grief out on the insensitive Homer, calling him a baboon. Marge tells Homer to console Lisa, explaining how their daughter is hurt and needs her father. Homer confesses to Lisa that he cannot imagine her experience, as he has never lost anyone special, and cheers her up by mimicking a monkey. Lisa apologizes for calling him a baboon. Finding Bart seething over the election result, Homer comforts him by pointing out that being class president would have involved extra work with little reward. Finally, passing Maggie's room, he places her pacifier in her mouth. Homer goes to bed with Marge happily that night, saying he is "on the biggest roll" of his life.
Script[]
Lisa Simpson: Hmm, the Widow-maker? Nah this one's for the Stooges. Spinebuster? Boring. Ooooh, Ghostbusters, Dad would like that Comedy. Wonder if Harold Ramis or Dan Aykroyd would do another sequel besides Ghostbusters 2. D'oh! Don't hurt me. I'm innocent.
Martin Prince: Ha, ha, ha, ha. How do you do, Lisa?
Lisa Simpson: Martin? That Suit's a little revealing isn't it?
Martin Prince: Well it allows more maximum mobilities just like a Baboon in a Jackpot. It makes me feel like i'm wearing nothing at all.
Lisa Simpson: Nyaah! Quit it! Must wash Eyes! Uh oh. Okay don't panic remember what the Instructor said.
Instructor: If you ever get into trouble, all that you need to do is....
Martin Prince: It makes me feel like i'm wearing nothing at all, nothing at all, nothing at all.
Lisa Simpson: Dyaah! Stupid sexy Martin. Ow! My Legs! This is the worst Pain ever!
Thomas Stories Featured in Mr. Conductor Meets The Simpsons[]
- Duck Takes Charge
- Henry's Forest
Theodore Tugboat Story Featured in The Harbor Master Meets The Simpsons[]
- George and the Underwater Mystery