Episode 1F02
Written by Conan O'Brie
Directed by Jim Reardon
Also starring: Maggie Roswell

Premise: The Nuclear Plant is investigated and Homer is found to be deficient in his understanding of nuclear physics. He's packed off to college - where he tries to turn three nerds into jocks.

Features: Mr Burns, Smithers, Krusty the Klown, Dr Hibbert, Lenny, 'Diamond' Joe Quimby, Snake, Grampa.

Couch: The Simpsons are squashed beneath a Monty Python animated foot.

Trivia:

• Springfield University was established in 1952. We get to see Lisa's idol Corey Masterson in his college caper School of Hard Knockers.

Homage: Just about every corny American high-school film ever made. Also, The Maltese Falcon (John Huston, 1941) - Mr Burns' line about the search for the jade monkey. Lisa lists some famous nerds, including popcorn magnate Orville Redenbacher, Talking Heads singer David Byrne and Supreme Court Justice David Souter. The song played over the end credits is Louie Louie, a hit for the Kingsmen in 1964.

Itchy and Scratchy in: Burning Down the Mouse.

Look out for: Mr Burns' attempt to send the Inspectors through a trapdoor. Homer turning into a monster until he remembers to eat. Homer chasing the squirrels. The Nerds' Monty Python routine.

Notes: Homer at his most excruciatingly stupid in another superb episode - his attitude to the college's 'stuffy old dean' (who was, in fact, bassist for the Pretenders) is a joy.