9x02 The Principal and the Pauper

[8.8/10] People get hung up on the ending of this one and the fact that it retcons Principal Skinner’s past. But (a.) this show has always had loose continuity; (b.) it works as a meta-commentary about delivering real change on a sitcom and (c.) the show has done fourth wall-winking endings before. I’ll admit, the convenience of the Judge declaring no one should talk about this again is a bit silly, but it doesn’t detract from the core of the episode.

That core is founded on two things: great comedy, and some well-done emotional work between Seymour and Agnes. With respect to the former, you have Ralph’s questions and presentation about Skinner which is peak “doofy one-liner machine” territory for the character, Homer’s great “then why I am here?” routine, and Skinner’s delightful awkwardness about being an imposter and trying to be a no-good-nik again.

With respect to the latter, it’s impressive how much emotion the show wrings from the Seymour-Agnes material. The notion that Agnes loves Seymour and never told him that, and that Seymour appreciates her as the only mother he’s ever had is understated but palpable and works surprisingly well. Maybe it’s just the retroactive shadow of Mad Men, but something about two people living a lie like that and yet finding what each needs is a striking motif for the episode that really works.

Suffice it to say, this is not the episode where The Simpsons jumped the shark. Hate the ending or the retcon if you must, but the things that made the Simpsons great -- the characterization, the ability to craft a compelling narrative, and 100% the humor are all still here, “The Principal and The Pauper” is an episode that deserves a better reputation than it has.