The Last Temptation of Krust

"The Last Temptation of Krust" is the fifteenth episode of The Simpsons' ninth season. The episode first aired on February 22, 1998. The title is a reference to the controversial novel and film The Last Temptation of Christ.

Plot

Persuaded by Bart to appear at a comedy festival organised by Jay Leno, Krusty the Clown's old-fashioned and dated material fails to impress the crowd when compared with other, more trendy comics also appearing. After going on 'the bender to end all benders', he holds a press conference to announce his retirement, and in short order launches into a bitter tirade against modern-day comics, which the crowd finds hysterical. He is inspired to return to doing low-key events, where he structures a new act for himself as a comic who tells the truth and refuses to sell out to corporate America. Although less marketable and financially successful, he is now credible and trendy. Two marketing executives try to persuade him to advertise the Canyonero, but he initially resists, before succumbing to the lure of money again. He finally admits to himself that it is not comedy that is in his blood; it is selling out.

Reception

In a 2006 article in USA Today, "The Last Temptation of Krust" was highlighted among the six best episodes of The Simpsons season 9, along with others including "Trash of the Titans," "The Joy of Sect," "The Cartridge Family," "Dumbbell Indemnity," and "Das Bus".

References to pop culture

Template:Unreferenced-section Krusty's return to the underground comedy scene may be considered an homage to George Carlin and Bill Hicks, known for their harsh, cynical comedy material in which they frequently criticised corporate America. Numerous parallels between the two can be drawn (such as Krusty adopting an all-black wardrobe, similar to Hicks and Carlin, and his more cynical, truth-driven material).

Deleted scenes

Template:Unreferenced-section These scenes were not included in the episode:

• Jay Leno asking somebody to "turn down the raunch," and then saying: "We got Bob Newhart!"
• The Internet comic first appears. This makes his later appearance meaningless.
• An original version of the scene where Krusty burns a dollar - but the topic is the government instead of advertisement.
• When Krusty tries to think of new ideas, he says: "The Yellow Pages - What's the deal with that?" A reference to the jokes Jerry Seinfeld commonly uses.

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The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson • The Principal and the Pauper • Lisa's Sax • Treehouse of Horror VIII • The Cartridge Family • Bart Star • The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons • Lisa the Skeptic • Realty Bites • Miracle on Evergreen Terrace • All Singing, All Dancing • Bart Carny • The Joy of Sect • Das Bus • The Last Temptation of Krust • Dumbbell Indemnity • Lisa the Simpson • This Little Wiggy • Simpson Tide • The Trouble with Trillions • Girly Edition • Trash of the Titans • King of the Hill • Lost Our Lisa • Natural Born Kissers