Episode 9F18
Written by John Swartzwelder
Directed by Jeff Lynch
Also starring: Doris Grau, Pamela Hayden
Special guest voice: Barry White (as himself)

Premise: It's time for Springfield's annual Whacking Day - the traditional day for the whacking of snakes. Socially conscious Lisa objects. Can soul legend Barry White help her save her slithery reptilian chums?

Features: Principal Skinner, Ms Krabappel, Jimbo Jones, Nelson, Milhouse, Groundskeeper Willie, Superintendent Chalmers, Kearney, Dolph, Ralph, Janey, Lunchlady Doris, Kent Brocknian, Grampa, Barney, Spotty Boy, Apu, Chief Wiggum, Lou and Eddie, Rev. Lovejoy, Mayor Quimby, Mr Largo.

Couch: The Simpsons rush in - but there's a child's chair where the sofa should be.

Trivia:

• Bart's cockney fixation makes an appearance - he would like to be a nineteenth-century cockney bootblack.

Itchy and Scratchy in: A short JFK-like picture - guest director Oliver Stone.

Mmmmm: ...beer.

Songs: Won't You Come Home, Franz Brauder? sung by Grampa in his alias as a German cabaret artist during WWII. 0 Whacking day, 0 Whacking Day sung by the Springfield Boys Choir.

Notes: Lisa gives cruel traditions a good drubbing, and there are some good scenes as Bart is expelled from school. Superintendent Chalmers and Skinner cement their edgy relationship (Skinner has strung a banner reading We Love Chalmie on the school wall).