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Difference between revisions of "Lisa the Skeptic"

Wikisimpsons - The Simpsons Wiki
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"'''Lisa the Skeptic'''" is the eighth episode of [[Season 9]], which aired on November 23, 1997. The episode was written by [[David S. Cohen]] and directed by [[Neil Affleck]]. [[wikipedia:Stephen Jay Gould|Stephen Jay Gould]] guest stars as himself.
  
−
"'''Lisa the Skeptic'''" is the eighth episode of The Simpsons' [[Season 9|ninth season]]. On an archaeological dig with her class, [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa]] discovers a skeleton that resembles an angel.
+
While [[Lisa]] and her classmates conduct an archaeological survey, a skeleton with abnormal bone structures growing from the shoulders is uncovered, leading the townspeople to conclude the remains are that of an angel.
−
 
 
 
== Plot ==
 
== Plot ==
−
As [[Homer Simpson|Homer]] attempts to get a motorboat, a new [[Springfield Mall|shopping mall]] in [[Springfield]] is being built on an area where a large number of fossils were found. [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa]] condemns and protests the building of the mall. Thanks to her protest, it prompts the school to conduct an archaeological dig. When Lisa is digging, it reveals a human skeleton with wings. Springfield's residents are convinced it is an angel, and Homer cashes in by moving the skeleton into the family's garage; however, Lisa is skeptical, believing it may not actually be an angel, and even has [[Stephen Jay Gould]] test a sample of the skeleton. The next day, Dr. Gould runs to the Simpson house and said the tests came out inconclusive and after Lisa on television compares belief in angels to belief in unicorns and leprechauns, Springfield's religious zealots riot and destroy all of the scientific institutions. In keeping with the typical collective Springfield intelligence, the victims of this rampage include a Christian Science library. Lisa goes into the garage to destroy the skeleton; however, it has disappeared. A mob soon converges on The Simpson household, and Lisa is promptly arrested and put on trial for stealing the skeleton. However, before the trial can proceed, the courtroom's attention is diverted when [[Lenny]] announces that the skeleton is outside.
+
As [[Homer Simpson|Homer]] attempts to get a motorboat, a new [[Springfield Mall|shopping mall]] in [[Springfield]] is being built on an area where a large number of fossils were found. [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa]] condemns and protests the building of the mall. Thanks to her protest, it prompts the school to conduct an archaeological dig. When Lisa is digging, it reveals a human skeleton with wings. Springfield's residents are convinced it is an angel, and Homer cashes in by moving the skeleton into the family's garage; however, Lisa is skeptical, believing it may not actually be an angel, and even has [[Stephen Jay Gould]] test a sample of the skeleton. The next day, Dr. Gould runs to the Simpson house and said the tests came out inconclusive and after Lisa on television compares belief in angels to belief in unicorns and leprechauns, Springfield's religious zealots riot and destroy all of the scientific institutions. In keeping with the typical collective Springfield intelligence, the victims of this rampage include a Christian Science library. Lisa goes into the garage to destroy the skeleton; however, it has disappeared. A mob soon converges on The Simpson household, and Lisa is promptly arrested and put on trial for stealing the skeleton. However, before the trial can proceed, the courtroom's attention is diverted when [[Lenny]] announces that the skeleton is outside.
  
 
When the skeleton reappears, it carries a foreboding message that The End will come at sundown. As for science vs. religion, Judge Snyder issues a restraining order that keeps science and religion 500&nbsp;yards apart at all times. Sundown approaches, and Springfield's citizens are frightened, but nothing catastrophic occurs. Lisa gets prepared to tell off everyone and when she begins, the skeleton suddenly yells "Prepare for the end... the end of high prices!" and is hoisted over to the entrance of a new discount shopping mall. Lisa realizes that the "end is near" saga was actually a publicity stunt for the mall as a way to exploit the deepest beliefs of people, and calls for a boycott of the mall. However, the bargain-hunting public still go shopping immediately. Dr. Gould also confesses to Lisa that he actually did not do any testing. In the end Marge points out to Lisa that, despite all her skepticism, for a few seconds while the Angel was rising Lisa really did believe the Angel was real. Lisa denies this, but thanks her mother for her support in her moment of weakness.<ref name="officialsite" /><ref name="parvin">{{cite book  | last = Parvin | first = Samuel F. | coauthors = Mark I. Pinsky | title = The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Leader's Guide for Group Study  | publisher = Westminster John Knox Press  |date=2002| isbn = 066422590X}}, Pages 15-18.</ref><ref name="irwin">{{cite book | last = Irwin | first = William | authorlink = | coauthors = Aeon J. Skoble, Mark T. Conard | title = The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer  | publisher = Open Court Publishing |date=2001 | location = | pages = Pages 16, 32, 55, 138, 287 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 0812694333}}</ref><ref name="turner">{{cite book | last = Turner | first = Chris | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Defined a Generation  | publisher = Da Capo Press |date=2005 | location = | pages = Page 172, 227, 267 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 030681448X}}</ref><ref name="brown">{{cite book | last = Brown | first = Alan S. | authorlink = | coauthors = Chris Logan | title = The Psychology of the Simpsons: D'oh! | publisher = BenBella Books, Inc. |date=2006  | location = | pages = Page 116 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 1932100709}}</ref><ref name="booker">{{cite book | last = Booker | first = M. Keith | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =  Drawn to Television: Prime-Time Animation from the Flintstones to Family Guy  | publisher = Greenwood Press |date=2006 | location = | pages = Page 65 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 0275990192}}</ref>
 
When the skeleton reappears, it carries a foreboding message that The End will come at sundown. As for science vs. religion, Judge Snyder issues a restraining order that keeps science and religion 500&nbsp;yards apart at all times. Sundown approaches, and Springfield's citizens are frightened, but nothing catastrophic occurs. Lisa gets prepared to tell off everyone and when she begins, the skeleton suddenly yells "Prepare for the end... the end of high prices!" and is hoisted over to the entrance of a new discount shopping mall. Lisa realizes that the "end is near" saga was actually a publicity stunt for the mall as a way to exploit the deepest beliefs of people, and calls for a boycott of the mall. However, the bargain-hunting public still go shopping immediately. Dr. Gould also confesses to Lisa that he actually did not do any testing. In the end Marge points out to Lisa that, despite all her skepticism, for a few seconds while the Angel was rising Lisa really did believe the Angel was real. Lisa denies this, but thanks her mother for her support in her moment of weakness.<ref name="officialsite" /><ref name="parvin">{{cite book  | last = Parvin | first = Samuel F. | coauthors = Mark I. Pinsky | title = The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Leader's Guide for Group Study  | publisher = Westminster John Knox Press  |date=2002| isbn = 066422590X}}, Pages 15-18.</ref><ref name="irwin">{{cite book | last = Irwin | first = William | authorlink = | coauthors = Aeon J. Skoble, Mark T. Conard | title = The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer  | publisher = Open Court Publishing |date=2001 | location = | pages = Pages 16, 32, 55, 138, 287 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 0812694333}}</ref><ref name="turner">{{cite book | last = Turner | first = Chris | authorlink = | coauthors = | title = Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Defined a Generation  | publisher = Da Capo Press |date=2005 | location = | pages = Page 172, 227, 267 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 030681448X}}</ref><ref name="brown">{{cite book | last = Brown | first = Alan S. | authorlink = | coauthors = Chris Logan | title = The Psychology of the Simpsons: D'oh! | publisher = BenBella Books, Inc. |date=2006  | location = | pages = Page 116 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 1932100709}}</ref><ref name="booker">{{cite book | last = Booker | first = M. Keith | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =  Drawn to Television: Prime-Time Animation from the Flintstones to Family Guy  | publisher = Greenwood Press |date=2006 | location = | pages = Page 65 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 0275990192}}</ref>
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== Production ==
 
== Production ==
  
−
"Lisa the Skeptic" was written by [[David S. Cohen]], and directed by [[Neil Affleck]].<ref name="alberti">{{cite book | last =Alberti | first =John | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Leaving Springfield: The Simpsons and the Possibility of Oppositional Culture | publisher =[[Wayne State University|Wayne State University Press]] | date =2004 | location = | pages =305, 320| url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 0814328490}}</ref> Cohen was inspired to write the episode after a trip to Manhattan's American Museum of Natural History, where he decided to turn the visit into a "business trip", and think of a possible episode connection to the museum.<ref name="Cohen">{{cite video | people=Cohen, David S. |year=2006|title=The Simpsons season 9 DVD commentary for the episode "Lisa the Skeptic"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> He initially wanted Lisa to find a "missing link" skeleton, and do an episode reminiscent of the Scopes Monkey Trial.<ref name="Cohen" /> Writer [[George Meyer]] convinced him to instead have the focus be on an angel skeleton, while keeping an emphasis on the conflict between religion and science.<ref name="Cohen" /> Both Cohen and Meyer acknowledged how silly the "angel skeleton" idea was due to simple questions raised such as why an angel died and why bones were left behind - but they went forward with the idea anyway.<ref name="Cohen" />
+
"Lisa the Skeptic" was written by [[David S. Cohen]], and directed by [[Neil Affleck]].<ref name="alberti">{{cite book | last =Alberti | first =John | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Leaving Springfield: The Simpsons and the Possibility of Oppositional Culture | publisher =[[Wayne State University|Wayne State University Press]] | date =2004 | location = | pages =305, 320| url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 0814328490}}</ref> Cohen was inspired to write the episode after a trip to Manhattan's American Museum of Natural History, where he decided to turn the visit into a "business trip", and think of a possible episode connection to the museum.<ref name="Cohen">{{cite video | people=Cohen, David S. |year=2006|title=The Simpsons season 9 DVD commentary for the episode "Lisa the Skeptic"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> He initially wanted Lisa to find a "missing link" skeleton, and do an episode reminiscent of the Scopes Monkey Trial.<ref name="Cohen" /> Writer [[George Meyer]] convinced him to instead have the focus be on an angel skeleton, while keeping an emphasis on the conflict between religion and science.<ref name="Cohen" /> Both Cohen and Meyer acknowledged how silly the "angel skeleton" idea was due to simple questions raised such as why an angel died and why bones were left behind - but they went forward with the idea anyway.<ref name="Cohen" />
  
−
In an early draft of the script, the skeleton was made of baked pasty dough, baked by the mall's window dresser.<ref name="Cohen" /> Cohen had initially written Steven Jay Gould's part as being a generic scientist or paleontologist, not knowing that they would eventually get Gould. He had taken Gould's Introduction to Paleontology class at Harvard University.<ref name="Cohen" /> The only phrase Gould had objected to in the script was a line that introduced him as the "world's most brilliant paleontologist."<ref name="Scully">{{cite video | people=Scully, Mike |year=2006|title=The Simpsons season 9 DVD commentary for the episode "Lisa the Skeptic"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> His original final line was "I didn't do the test. I had more important work to do" but was cut because the writers felt it would be better to give him a short final line. Also, some thought it was too mean.<ref name="Cohen" /> In an earlier version of the episode, Marge would have ended up apologizing to Lisa for not supporting her, letting the ending be more of a nod to Lisa's correct assumptions all along.<ref name="Cohen" />
+
In an early draft of the script, the skeleton was made of baked pasty dough, baked by the mall's window dresser.<ref name="Cohen" /> Cohen had initially written Steven Jay Gould's part as being a generic scientist or paleontologist, not knowing that they would eventually get Gould. He had taken Gould's Introduction to Paleontology class at Harvard University.<ref name="Cohen" /> The only phrase Gould had objected to in the script was a line that introduced him as the "world's most brilliant paleontologist."<ref name="Scully">{{cite video | people=Scully, Mike |year=2006|title=The Simpsons season 9 DVD commentary for the episode "Lisa the Skeptic"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> His original final line was "I didn't do the test. I had more important work to do" but was cut because the writers felt it would be better to give him a short final line. Also, some thought it was too mean.<ref name="Cohen" /> In an earlier version of the episode, Marge would have ended up apologizing to Lisa for not supporting her, letting the ending be more of a nod to Lisa's correct assumptions all along.<ref name="Cohen" />
  
 
== Themes ==
 
== Themes ==
−
Author Joley Wood compared "Lisa the Skeptic" to an alternate reality game, in analyzing the affects of watching the television program ''Lost'' on contemporary culture and our own perceptions of reality.<ref>{{cite book | last =Wood | first =Joley | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Living Lost: Why We're All Stuck on the Island | publisher =Garrett County Press | date =2006 | location = | pages =12 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 1891053027}}</ref> Dan O'Brien cited the episode in a discussion of ontology, skepticism and religious faith, in his book ''An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge''.<ref name="obrien">{{cite book | last =O'Brien | first =Dan | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge | publisher =Polity | date =2006 | location = | pages =189 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 0745633161}}</ref> O'Brien leaves it up to the reader to decide whether or not Lisa was justified in her skepticism.<ref name="obrien" /> In ''The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer'', "Lisa the Skeptic" is cited as a prime example of why Lisa is seen as the epitome of a nerd.<ref name="irwin" /> The book also cited the episode in noting that Lisa is not infallible - for when the Angel appeared to speak at the end of the episode, she became as frightened as everyone else.<ref name="irwin" /> Lisa's frustration with the marketing gimmick used by the mall developers is seen by Turner's ''Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Defined a Generation'' as yet another example of her conflict with corporations throughout the series.<ref name="turner" /> Like O'Brien, Turner also analyzed the episode in the context of Lisa's questions about existentialism, self-absorption and consumption.<ref name="turner" /> In ''The Psychology of the Simpsons: D'oh!'', the authors discuss Lisa's level of anger displayed in the episode, noting that in this particular case her anger gave her the wherewithal to both confront social injustice, and keep her mind clear for critical thinking.<ref name="brown" />   Mark Demming of ''All Movie Guide'' noted that Lisa symbolically stood for the side of reason, while her mother Marge symbolized belief and spirituality in the episode.<ref>{{cite news  
+
Author Joley Wood compared "Lisa the Skeptic" to an alternate reality game, in analyzing the affects of watching the television program ''Lost'' on contemporary culture and our own perceptions of reality.<ref>{{cite book | last =Wood | first =Joley | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =Living Lost: Why We're All Stuck on the Island | publisher =Garrett County Press | date =2006 | location = | pages =12 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 1891053027}}</ref> Dan O'Brien cited the episode in a discussion of ontology, skepticism and religious faith, in his book ''An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge''.<ref name="obrien">{{cite book | last =O'Brien | first =Dan | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge | publisher =Polity | date =2006 | location = | pages =189 | url = | doi = | id =  | isbn = 0745633161}}</ref> O'Brien leaves it up to the reader to decide whether or not Lisa was justified in her skepticism.<ref name="obrien" /> In ''The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer'', "Lisa the Skeptic" is cited as a prime example of why Lisa is seen as the epitome of a nerd.<ref name="irwin" /> The book also cited the episode in noting that Lisa is not infallible - for when the Angel appeared to speak at the end of the episode, she became as frightened as everyone else.<ref name="irwin" /> Lisa's frustration with the marketing gimmick used by the mall developers is seen by Turner's ''Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Defined a Generation'' as yet another example of her conflict with corporations throughout the series.<ref name="turner" /> Like O'Brien, Turner also analyzed the episode in the context of Lisa's questions about existentialism, self-absorption and consumption.<ref name="turner" /> In ''The Psychology of the Simpsons: D'oh!'', the authors discuss Lisa's level of anger displayed in the episode, noting that in this particular case her anger gave her the wherewithal to both confront social injustice, and keep her mind clear for critical thinking.<ref name="brown" /> Mark Demming of ''All Movie Guide'' noted that Lisa symbolically stood for the side of reason, while her mother Marge symbolized belief and spirituality in the episode.<ref>{{cite news  
 
   | last =Demming | first =Mark | coauthors = | title =The Simpsons: Lisa The Skeptic (1997), Review Summary | work =All Movie Guide | pages = | language = | publisher =The New York Times | date = | url =http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/229056/The-Simpsons-Lisa-The-Skeptic/overview | accessdate =  2007-10-29}}</ref>
 
   | last =Demming | first =Mark | coauthors = | title =The Simpsons: Lisa The Skeptic (1997), Review Summary | work =All Movie Guide | pages = | language = | publisher =The New York Times | date = | url =http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/229056/The-Simpsons-Lisa-The-Skeptic/overview | accessdate =  2007-10-29}}</ref>
  
−
Parvin's ''The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Leader's Guide for Group Study'' is a group study guide companion to Pinsky's ''The Gospel According to the Simpsons.''<ref name="parvin" /> In the section pertaining to "Lisa the Skeptic," a skeptic is defined as: "a person who doubts, questions or suspends judgment on ideas generally accepted by others.<ref name="parvin" /> The group study group is asked to debate the episode in the context of skepticism as related to other unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, the Abominable Snowman, the Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis, near-death experiences, reincarnation, Mediumship, psychics, and fortune telling.<ref name="parvin" /> In Pinsky's book itself, he noted that Lisa faced the difficult task of confronting religious hysteria and blind faith, and also attempted to reconcile science within her own belief system.<ref name="pinsky" /> He also notes that when Lisa asks Stephen Jay Gould to estimate the age of the skeleton, the issue is never raised of why angels or other spiritual entities would even leave skeletons behind in the first place.<ref name="pinsky" />
+
Parvin's ''The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Leader's Guide for Group Study'' is a group study guide companion to Pinsky's ''The Gospel According to the Simpsons.''<ref name="parvin" /> In the section pertaining to "Lisa the Skeptic," a skeptic is defined as: "a person who doubts, questions or suspends judgment on ideas generally accepted by others.<ref name="parvin" /> The group study group is asked to debate the episode in the context of skepticism as related to other unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, the Abominable Snowman, the Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis, near-death experiences, reincarnation, Mediumship, psychics, and fortune telling.<ref name="parvin" /> In Pinsky's book itself, he noted that Lisa faced the difficult task of confronting religious hysteria and blind faith, and also attempted to reconcile science within her own belief system.<ref name="pinsky" /> He also notes that when Lisa asks Stephen Jay Gould to estimate the age of the skeleton, the issue is never raised of why angels or other spiritual entities would even leave skeletons behind in the first place.<ref name="pinsky" />
  
 
== Reception ==
 
== Reception ==
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The episode has been discussed in the context of concepts involving virtual reality, ontology, existentialism, and skepticism. The episode received mixed reviews, but has since been used in Christian religious education classes - to form a discussion around angels, skepticism, and the balance between science and faith.
 
The episode has been discussed in the context of concepts involving virtual reality, ontology, existentialism, and skepticism. The episode received mixed reviews, but has since been used in Christian religious education classes - to form a discussion around angels, skepticism, and the balance between science and faith.
  
−
Donald Liebenson wrote for the ''Amazon.com'' movie review that "[[Bart Sells His Soul]]" and "Lisa the Skeptic" were not among the best episodes of ''The Simpsons'', however he also noted that: "Without being preachy (or particularly funny), this episode is pretty potent stuff," citing its theme of Apocalypse towards the end of the episode.<ref>{{cite news  | last =Liebenson | first =Donald  | coauthors = | title =The Simpsons Trick Or Treehouse: Vol. 3 Heaven & Hell (vhs): Amazon.com movie review | work =[[Amazon.com]] | pages = | language = | publisher = | date = | url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096697/amazon | accessdate =  2007-10-29}}</ref> "Lisa the Skeptic" was utilized in a Salt Lake City, Utah Episcopal Church Sunday school class in 2003, to stimulate a discussion among fourteen-year olds about belief in angels, and the juxtaposition of science and faith.<ref name="jarvik">{{cite news  | last =Jarvik | first =Elaine | coauthors = | title =Sun-Doh! School — Teachers use pop culture to appeal to masses | work = Deseret Morning News | pages = | language = | publisher = | date =December 12, 2003 | url =http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565038276,00.html | accessdate =  2007-10-29}}</ref> The episode was compared and contrasted with a passage from Proverbs 14:15.<ref name="jarvik" /> The episode is used by the Farmington Trust (UK) for Christian religious education, to teach children about skepticism.<ref name="farmington">{{cite book | last =Taylor | first =Tessa | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =An Introduction to Philosophy: The Wit and Wisdom of Lisa Simpson | publisher =Farmington Institute | date =August Term 2004 | location =St Mary's College, Durham | pages =Pages 30–32 | url =http://www.farmington.ac.uk/documents/new_reports/ME17.pdf | doi =  | id =  | isbn = }}</ref> The episode is used as a tool, to involve the students in a debate about religion and science, as well as to discuss Lisa's own skepticism, and her respect towards others.<ref name="farmington" />
+
Donald Liebenson wrote for the ''Amazon.com'' movie review that "[[Bart Sells His Soul]]" and "Lisa the Skeptic" were not among the best episodes of ''The Simpsons'', however he also noted that: "Without being preachy (or particularly funny), this episode is pretty potent stuff," citing its theme of Apocalypse towards the end of the episode.<ref>{{cite news  | last =Liebenson | first =Donald  | coauthors = | title =The Simpsons Trick Or Treehouse: Vol. 3 Heaven & Hell (vhs): Amazon.com movie review | work =[[Amazon.com]] | pages = | language = | publisher = | date = | url =http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0096697/amazon | accessdate =  2007-10-29}}</ref> "Lisa the Skeptic" was utilized in a Salt Lake City, Utah Episcopal Church Sunday school class in 2003, to stimulate a discussion among fourteen-year olds about belief in angels, and the juxtaposition of science and faith.<ref name="jarvik">{{cite news  | last =Jarvik | first =Elaine | coauthors = | title =Sun-Doh! School — Teachers use pop culture to appeal to masses | work = Deseret Morning News | pages = | language = | publisher = | date =December 12, 2003 | url =http://deseretnews.com/dn/view/0,1249,565038276,00.html | accessdate =  2007-10-29}}</ref> The episode was compared and contrasted with a passage from Proverbs 14:15.<ref name="jarvik" /> The episode is used by the Farmington Trust (UK) for Christian religious education, to teach children about skepticism.<ref name="farmington">{{cite book | last =Taylor | first =Tessa | authorlink = | coauthors = | title =An Introduction to Philosophy: The Wit and Wisdom of Lisa Simpson | publisher =Farmington Institute | date =August Term 2004 | location =St Mary's College, Durham | pages =Pages 30–32 | url =http://www.farmington.ac.uk/documents/new_reports/ME17.pdf | doi =  | id =  | isbn = }}</ref> The episode is used as a tool, to involve the students in a debate about religion and science, as well as to discuss Lisa's own skepticism, and her respect towards others.<ref name="farmington" />
  
 
== References ==
 
== References ==

Revision as of 05:44, May 30, 2010

Season 9 Episode
← 185 "The Two Mrs. Nahasapeemapetilons"
186
"Lisa the Skeptic"
"Realty Bites" 187 →
"Lisa the Skeptic"
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Episode Information
Showrunner: [[{{{showrunner}}}]]


"Lisa the Skeptic" is the eighth episode of Season 9, which aired on November 23, 1997. The episode was written by David S. Cohen and directed by Neil Affleck. Stephen Jay Gould guest stars as himself.

While Lisa and her classmates conduct an archaeological survey, a skeleton with abnormal bone structures growing from the shoulders is uncovered, leading the townspeople to conclude the remains are that of an angel.

Plot

As Homer attempts to get a motorboat, a new shopping mall in Springfield is being built on an area where a large number of fossils were found. Lisa condemns and protests the building of the mall. Thanks to her protest, it prompts the school to conduct an archaeological dig. When Lisa is digging, it reveals a human skeleton with wings. Springfield's residents are convinced it is an angel, and Homer cashes in by moving the skeleton into the family's garage; however, Lisa is skeptical, believing it may not actually be an angel, and even has Stephen Jay Gould test a sample of the skeleton. The next day, Dr. Gould runs to the Simpson house and said the tests came out inconclusive and after Lisa on television compares belief in angels to belief in unicorns and leprechauns, Springfield's religious zealots riot and destroy all of the scientific institutions. In keeping with the typical collective Springfield intelligence, the victims of this rampage include a Christian Science library. Lisa goes into the garage to destroy the skeleton; however, it has disappeared. A mob soon converges on The Simpson household, and Lisa is promptly arrested and put on trial for stealing the skeleton. However, before the trial can proceed, the courtroom's attention is diverted when Lenny announces that the skeleton is outside.

When the skeleton reappears, it carries a foreboding message that The End will come at sundown. As for science vs. religion, Judge Snyder issues a restraining order that keeps science and religion 500 yards apart at all times. Sundown approaches, and Springfield's citizens are frightened, but nothing catastrophic occurs. Lisa gets prepared to tell off everyone and when she begins, the skeleton suddenly yells "Prepare for the end... the end of high prices!" and is hoisted over to the entrance of a new discount shopping mall. Lisa realizes that the "end is near" saga was actually a publicity stunt for the mall as a way to exploit the deepest beliefs of people, and calls for a boycott of the mall. However, the bargain-hunting public still go shopping immediately. Dr. Gould also confesses to Lisa that he actually did not do any testing. In the end Marge points out to Lisa that, despite all her skepticism, for a few seconds while the Angel was rising Lisa really did believe the Angel was real. Lisa denies this, but thanks her mother for her support in her moment of weakness.[1][2][3][4][5][6]

Production

"Lisa the Skeptic" was written by David S. Cohen, and directed by Neil Affleck.[7] Cohen was inspired to write the episode after a trip to Manhattan's American Museum of Natural History, where he decided to turn the visit into a "business trip", and think of a possible episode connection to the museum.[8] He initially wanted Lisa to find a "missing link" skeleton, and do an episode reminiscent of the Scopes Monkey Trial.[8] Writer George Meyer convinced him to instead have the focus be on an angel skeleton, while keeping an emphasis on the conflict between religion and science.[8] Both Cohen and Meyer acknowledged how silly the "angel skeleton" idea was due to simple questions raised such as why an angel died and why bones were left behind - but they went forward with the idea anyway.[8]

In an early draft of the script, the skeleton was made of baked pasty dough, baked by the mall's window dresser.[8] Cohen had initially written Steven Jay Gould's part as being a generic scientist or paleontologist, not knowing that they would eventually get Gould. He had taken Gould's Introduction to Paleontology class at Harvard University.[8] The only phrase Gould had objected to in the script was a line that introduced him as the "world's most brilliant paleontologist."[9] His original final line was "I didn't do the test. I had more important work to do" but was cut because the writers felt it would be better to give him a short final line. Also, some thought it was too mean.[8] In an earlier version of the episode, Marge would have ended up apologizing to Lisa for not supporting her, letting the ending be more of a nod to Lisa's correct assumptions all along.[8]

Themes

Author Joley Wood compared "Lisa the Skeptic" to an alternate reality game, in analyzing the affects of watching the television program Lost on contemporary culture and our own perceptions of reality.[10] Dan O'Brien cited the episode in a discussion of ontology, skepticism and religious faith, in his book An Introduction to the Theory of Knowledge.[11] O'Brien leaves it up to the reader to decide whether or not Lisa was justified in her skepticism.[11] In The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer, "Lisa the Skeptic" is cited as a prime example of why Lisa is seen as the epitome of a nerd.[3] The book also cited the episode in noting that Lisa is not infallible - for when the Angel appeared to speak at the end of the episode, she became as frightened as everyone else.[3] Lisa's frustration with the marketing gimmick used by the mall developers is seen by Turner's Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Defined a Generation as yet another example of her conflict with corporations throughout the series.[4] Like O'Brien, Turner also analyzed the episode in the context of Lisa's questions about existentialism, self-absorption and consumption.[4] In The Psychology of the Simpsons: D'oh!, the authors discuss Lisa's level of anger displayed in the episode, noting that in this particular case her anger gave her the wherewithal to both confront social injustice, and keep her mind clear for critical thinking.[5] Mark Demming of All Movie Guide noted that Lisa symbolically stood for the side of reason, while her mother Marge symbolized belief and spirituality in the episode.[12]

Parvin's The Gospel According to the Simpsons: Leader's Guide for Group Study is a group study guide companion to Pinsky's The Gospel According to the Simpsons.[2] In the section pertaining to "Lisa the Skeptic," a skeptic is defined as: "a person who doubts, questions or suspends judgment on ideas generally accepted by others.[2] The group study group is asked to debate the episode in the context of skepticism as related to other unexplained phenomena, including UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, the Abominable Snowman, the Bermuda Triangle, Atlantis, near-death experiences, reincarnation, Mediumship, psychics, and fortune telling.[2] In Pinsky's book itself, he noted that Lisa faced the difficult task of confronting religious hysteria and blind faith, and also attempted to reconcile science within her own belief system.[13] He also notes that when Lisa asks Stephen Jay Gould to estimate the age of the skeleton, the issue is never raised of why angels or other spiritual entities would even leave skeletons behind in the first place.[13]

Reception

The episode has been discussed in the context of concepts involving virtual reality, ontology, existentialism, and skepticism. The episode received mixed reviews, but has since been used in Christian religious education classes - to form a discussion around angels, skepticism, and the balance between science and faith.

Donald Liebenson wrote for the Amazon.com movie review that "Bart Sells His Soul" and "Lisa the Skeptic" were not among the best episodes of The Simpsons, however he also noted that: "Without being preachy (or particularly funny), this episode is pretty potent stuff," citing its theme of Apocalypse towards the end of the episode.[14] "Lisa the Skeptic" was utilized in a Salt Lake City, Utah Episcopal Church Sunday school class in 2003, to stimulate a discussion among fourteen-year olds about belief in angels, and the juxtaposition of science and faith.[15] The episode was compared and contrasted with a passage from Proverbs 14:15.[15] The episode is used by the Farmington Trust (UK) for Christian religious education, to teach children about skepticism.[16] The episode is used as a tool, to involve the students in a debate about religion and science, as well as to discuss Lisa's own skepticism, and her respect towards others.[16]

References

  1. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named officialsite
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 Template:Cite book, Pages 15-18.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Template:Cite book
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Template:Cite book
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Template:Cite book
  6. ↑ Template:Cite book
  7. ↑ Template:Cite book
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.7 Cohen, David S.. (2006). The Simpsons season 9 DVD commentary for the episode "Lisa the Skeptic" [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
  9. ↑ Scully, Mike. (2006). The Simpsons season 9 DVD commentary for the episode "Lisa the Skeptic" [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.
  10. ↑ Template:Cite book
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Template:Cite book
  12. ↑ Demming, Mark. "The Simpsons: Lisa The Skeptic (1997), Review Summary", All Movie GuideThe New York Times. Retrieved on 2007-10-29. 
  13. ↑ 13.0 13.1 Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named pinsky
  14. ↑ Liebenson, Donald. "The Simpsons Trick Or Treehouse: Vol. 3 Heaven & Hell (vhs): Amazon.com movie review", Amazon.com. Retrieved on 2007-10-29. 
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Jarvik, Elaine. "Sun-Doh! School — Teachers use pop culture to appeal to masses", Deseret Morning News. Retrieved on 2007-10-29. 
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Template:Cite book
Season 9 Episodes
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
es:Lisa the Skeptic

pt:Lisa, a cética

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