Episode 3G03
Written by Al Jean and Mike Reiss
Directed by Chuck Sheetz
Also starring: Pamela Hayden, Maggie Roswell

Premise: Marge is starting to have a nervous breakdown. Just as it looks like she'll blow, help arrives in the shape of magical nanny Shary Bobbins ('Gawd bless 'er').

Features: Krusty, Grampa, Milhouse, Jasper, Mr and Mrs van Houten, the Flanderses, Principal Skinner, Mrs Skinner, Chalmers, Chief Wiggum, Ralph, Carl, Dr John Frink, Captain McCallister, Moe, Dr Hibbert, Barney, Apu, Kearney, Hans Moleman, Snake, Nelson, Groundskeeper Willie, Jimbo Jones, Mr Burns, Smithers, Rainier Wolfcastle.

Couch: The sofa is empty and the Simpsons aren't rushing in - they've locked themselves out.

Trivia:

• Krusty is trying out the Krusty Komedy Klassics - and then realises that KKK is not a very sensible abbreviation.
• Charles Bronson and Rainier Wolfcastle both feature on the Before They Were Famous show.

Homage: Mary Poppins (Robert Stevenson, 1964) provides the basis for the entire episode - and Mrs Doubtfire (Chris Columbus, 1993) turns up on the doorstep as well.

Itchy and Scratchy in: Reservoir Cats.

Song: There's a hilarious parody of A Spoonful of Sugar sung by Shary and the Simpsons.

Notes: This reworking of Mary Poppins is treated with so much love it stands out as one of the series all-time best episodes - although for those not familiar with the source material, a lot of the jokes may pass them by. A tremendously clever idea, wonderful song pastiches and Maggie Roswell's Shary Bobbins is a terrific creation.