"Stark Raving Dad," the season three opener of The Simpsons, is a hilarious and heartwarming half-hour. It reminds me of the show's best days when it delivered that perfect blend of bizarre humor, social commentary and unexpected sweetness. I'll be one of the millions tuning in this Sunday when Fox re-airs the ep as a tribute to uncredited guest star Michael Jackson.Like Joel reminded us last week, the King of Pop provided the voice for Leon Kompowsky, a large and loveable brick layer who says he is Michael Jackson. In the episode, Homer is charmed by Leon and brings him home from a mental institution, where the rest of the family eventually falls in love with him. The sweetest moment comes at the end when Leon and Bart perform a birthday song for Lisa.
Whether or not Jackson actually sang the song, "Happy Birthday, Lisa," for the ep might be up for debate, but it still reminds me of a time before The Moonwalker earned the derogatory moniker "Wacko Jacko."
The episode airs Sunday at 8 pm. Check out a clip below:
The TV Squad Podcast: Linda Purl talks about The Office, we talk spoilers, and more
Ask TV Squad: Ghost Whisperer and more!
The TV Squad Podcast: Bill Scheft of The Late Show, Cake Boss, Mad Men and more
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
7-03-2009 @ 11:05AM
Jimmy_MO said...
God forbid Fox pass up an opportunity to make some cash. That being said, this is actually a really good episode.
Reply