Homer and Lisa Exchange Cross Words

"Homer And Lisa Exchange Cross Words" is the sixth episode of season 20. It originally aired on November 16, 2008. The episode was written by Tim Long and directed by Nancy Kruse. Merl Reagle and Will Shortz guest starred.

Plot
Lisa becomes obsessed with crossword puzzles after she helps a man finish one at the bank. She later enters a crossword competition and begins winning rapidly fast. Meanwhile, Homer finds a pub where the competition is being held and bets all of his money on his daughter. In the last match, he bets against her and wins because Gil Gunderson tricks her into picking up his glasses, stalling her so he can win. Later, Lisa finds out that Homer is betting on her, and she becomes angry with him, and changes her last name to Marge's maiden name, Bouvier. Homer, feeling bad, and trying to have Lisa forgive him, gathers New York Times Crossword editors Will Shortz and Merl Reagle to help him get Lisa back.

Production
The episode was written by Tim Long (who was inspired by the 2006 documentary, Wordplay), and directed by Nancy Kruse. Merl Reagle and Will Shortz guest star and Scott Thompson reappears as Grady, the character from "Three Gays of the Condo".

The episode was promoted in the New York Times weekly crossword - Tim Long hid a secret Simpsons message in the puzzle, which actually later appeared in the episode itself.

Reception
The episode has received very positive reviews from critics and fans, many calling it "entertaining" and "a lot of fun!"