Episode 9F08
Written by Jeff Martin
Directed by Mark Kirkland
Also starring: Pamela Hayden
Special guest voice: Elizabeth Taylor (as Maggie)

Premise: The Simpsons are trying to get Maggie to talk. Homer and Marge are thrown into a fit of reminiscence, and recall the growing pains of Bart and Lisa.

Features: Patty and Selma, Captain McCallister, Dr Hibbert, the Flanders, Krusty, Grampa, and, in a very brief cameo, Sideshow Bob.

Couch: The Simpsons rush in - to form part of a high-kicking showbiz circus extravaganza.

Homage: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper was a US No 1 hit in 1983.

Notes for Brits: Democrat presidential candidate Walter Mondale taunted a rival with the phrase 'Where's the beef?' at an election rally in early 1984. The phrase originates for a slogan for the Wendy's hamburger chain. Dr Hibbert refers to Mary-Lou Retton, an American Olympic medallist.

Mmmmm: ...hog fat.

Song: We Welcome You sung to the Simpsons upon their arrival in Evergreen Terrace by the Flanderses.

Notes: A convincing portrait of young marriage and hardship in the days of Reaganomics - and the biggest name to guest voice gets the littlest, but the most significant, to say.