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(#6) The Principal and the Pauper
- Sep 28 1997
"The Principal and the Pauper" reveals that Principal Skinner's real name is Armin Tamzarian. The "real" Seymour Skinner was a POW and Principal Skinner assumed his identity. This sudden realization destroys the principal's reputation until the real Seymour Skinner, who has taken over at Springfield Elementary, can't live up to his namesake, thereby proving the value of Tamzarian. Like most episodes, this one ends where it begins, with Tamzarian reassuming the role and identity of Principal Skinner.
Why it falls short: This episode is not a favorite among fans or critics as it is seen as the beginning of the end of the show's glory days. The plot is forced, Principal Skinner is boring, and the deus ex machina ending is largely despised among die-hard fans.
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(#5) What to Expect When Bart's Expecting
- Apr 27 2014
"What to Expect When Bart's Expecting" finds Bart with the power to help couples get pregnant thanks to a voodoo doll gone wrong. After helping several couples with fertility issues, Bart is kidnaped by Fat Tony who wants him to use his magic on a pair of horses to conceive a champion racehorse, but things don't go as planned.
Why it falls short: While it's a completely original plot, "What to Expect When Bart's Expecting" is definitely one of the weirder episodes, not to mention a little creepy, as a 10-year-old is tasked with aiding the town's fertility issues.
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(#15) Marge Gamer
- Apr 22 2007
"Marge Gamer" finds Marge getting hooked on Earthland Realms, an online multi-player role-playing game. Many of Springfield's finest are also found in the game and Bart torments them all as the Shadow Knight. Bart takes things too far when he destroys Marge in the game, causing tension in their real-life relationship. Elsewhere, Homer and Lisa feud over soccer.
Why it falls short: Soccer star Ronaldo's guest spot was awkward at best and gamers have criticized the inaccurate depiction of role-playing games, leading this Season 11 episode to end up on the short-list of least memorable moments.
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(#1) Lisa Goes Gaga
- May 20 2012
"Lisa Goes Gaga" finds Lady Gaga cheering up both Lisa and the entire town of Springfield. While Gaga helps Lisa and others to realize the importance of being yourself, Moe is determined to be beyond help. Gaga and Lisa perform a duet and Homer sings "Poker Face" during the closing credits.
Why it falls short: From fans to critics to casual views, just about everyone dislikes this episode. While Gaga's performance is largely praised, the forced plot and rehashed jokes are hard to watch. Many critics also note how the episode feels more like a commercial for Lady Gaga than an installment of The Simpsons, a recurring theme in some of the newer seasons.
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(#8) Homer vs. Dignity
- Nov 26 2000
"Homer vs. Dignity," follows Homer as he works as a prank monkey for Mr. Burns to earn some extra dough, or should we say, "d'oh." Homer proceeds to cruelly taunt his fellow Springfieldians at Mr. Burns' request until Lisa convinces her father to reclaim his dignity. Homer vows to give the money her earned away to a good cause while Mr. Burns continues in his evil ways.
Why it falls short: The scene with Homer and the Panda is in the running for one of the worst in the series' history while elsewhere the episode stole directly from previous seasons of The Simpsons. All around, it's a bad episode.
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(#4) A Midsummer's Nice Dream
"A Midsummer's Nice Dream" finds Homer replacing Chong after the latter walks off stage during a Cheech and Chong show. After Homer perfectly recites the duo's "Dave's not here, man" bit, Cheech invites him to join the tour. Chong find another partner as well in Principal Skinner. Elsewhere, Marge becomes a hoarder.
Why it falls short: Whether you are a fan of Cheech and Chong or not, it's hard to get behind this episode. If you are a fan, you are probably offended by the watered-down nature of the jokes. If you aren't a fan, the underlying stoner themes won't win you over. It's a lose, lose.
Original Airing: March 13, 2011
Season: The Simpsons - Season 22
Episode Number: 16
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About This Tool
When it comes to the best episodes of The Simpsons, there is no shortage of options to choose from, and almost all loyal fans can quickly tell. The show is still very interesting, but since its golden age, some of the storylines have made fans dissatisfied with who even think its golden age ended in the late 1990s.
Even if the show is no longer what it used to be, it can still provide interesting episodes from time to time. With this in mind, here the random tool lists 15 of the worst episodes of The Simpsons you may want to skip.
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