Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington

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"Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington"

Episode Information Showrunner: [[{{{showrunner}}}]]

Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington is the second episode of The Simpsons' third season, which aired on September 26, 1991.

Synopsis

After a free copy of Reading Digest magazine is sent to the Simpson residence, Homer gets very interested in the magazine. When he sees the kids are loafing in front of the TV, he shuts it off and orders them to read a book instead. He also encourages Lisa to enter a contest in which an essay must be written about what makes America great. Lisa takes a trip to Springfield National Forest and is inspired to write her essay when she sees the forest's natural beauty and when a bald eagle lands right by the branch she is sitting under. Lisa's article is approved for entry in the national finals in Washington, DC after the contest judge observes Homer's poor vocabulary and realizes that he could not have written Lisa's essay for her.

While Bart and Homer abuse the all expense-paid perks of their trip, Lisa visits famous monuments for inspiration. At one particular monument, she overhears a bribe taking place about demolishing Springfield National Forest. Heartbroken and disillusioned by the dishonesty of government officials, Lisa tears up her essay and writes a more painful yet truthful essay to show the patriotic judges.

The new essay, entitled "Cesspool on the Potomac" disdains and condemns the government system, and mentions the names of those involved in the bribery. Lisa's essay causes a ruckus and elicits a hostile reaction from the judges and audience.

Of course, everyone is shocked by her speech, except for Bart, who likes it and wants Lisa to win the contest. Messages are quickly sent around the capital regarding Lisa's speech and the corrupt congressman is arrested and expelled from Congress. Lisa's essay does not win because of its content, but with the congressman arrested, her faith in government is restored. The episode ends with Bart shooting the pianist that he had found annoying with his slingshot.

← Season 2 Season 3 Episodes Season 4 →

Stark Raving Dad • Mr. Lisa Goes to Washington • When Flanders Failed • Bart the Murderer • Homer Defined • Like Father, Like Clown • Treehouse of Horror II • Lisa's Pony • Saturdays of Thunder • Flaming Moe's • Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk • I Married Marge • Radio Bart • Lisa the Greek • Homer Alone • Bart the Lover • Homer at the Bat • Separate Vocations • Dog of Death • Colonel Homer • Black Widower • The Otto Show • Bart's Friend Falls in Love • Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?

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