Episode 7G06
Written by Al Jean and Mike Reiss
Directed by Wesley Archer
Also starring: Susan Blu, Miriam Flynn, Pamela Hayden, Ron Taylor

Premise: Overlooked middle child Lisa Simpson is racked by angst, with only her sax for solace. Is the world really such a dreadful, hopeless place? Can jazz legend Bleedin' Gums Murphy use his straight-blowin' sound to help? Meanwhile, Homer and Bart are playing the SUPER SLUGFEST video game. Homer makes a horrifying discovery - Bart's smarter than him.

Features: Mr Largo, Janey, Moe.

Couch: Maggie pops up but is caught safely by Marge.

And introducing: Bleedin' Gums Murphy, Mrs Bouvier.

Trivia:

• Lisa's brushing with Glum toothpaste.
• We hear about the Springfield Jazz Hole, the Symphony Hall, the Museum of Natural History, the Springfield Arts Center, and Barney's Bowlerama.
• This episode also contains the first appearance of Homer's all-time favourite greasy snack, Pork Rinds Lite.

Notes for Brits: Robert Goulet is an American crooner. See also ͠pringfield.

Look out for: The scene in which Bart and Lisa urge Maggie to 'run to the one who loves you best'.

Hello, can I speak to: Jock Strapp.

Notes: Certain scenes of this, the most syrupy of Simpsons episodes, have sent viewers raised on the later seasons scurrying to the bathroom.

Yes, the final moments may give you goosepimples, and are a world away from the anti-schmaltz normally associated with the series, but there is still much to recommend here. In fact, the Homer-Bart subplot is more successful than the main storyline; Homer's nightmare about their relationship is genuinely disturbing. This episode also contains the celebrated 'Maggie, run to the one you love best' scene.