I love I Love Lisa. This makes my top 5 favourite Simpsons episodes of all time, if not my top 3- though I can't decide which is the best episode of the fourth season, this or Last Exit to Springfield (which came only an episode later). I'm glad I'm not alone- in 2003 Entertainment Weekly put this episode in its top 25, writing that "Anyone who's suffered an unrequited crush will find this 30 minutes wonderfully squirmy." That's part of what's so fantastic about it- the subject is relatable, timeless and honest.
It's Valentine's Day and when the socially inept and intellectually challenged Ralph Wiggum gets no cards from his classmates, Lisa gives him a card in sympathy. Ralph consequently falls in love with her, but she's not interested in him. Still, they do go to a Krusty the Klown show- where Lisa breaks his heart on television. Ralph eventually lets go of his crush and the two kids decide to be friends.
I Love Lisa differs from those two other classic Lisa episodes, Lisa's Substitute and Lisa's Wedding, in that it won't make you cry- there is emotion, when Ralph's heart is broken and when Lisa feels bad about it, but it's not as touching as those other episodes. I Love Lisa works best as a comedy. Ralph is an appealing, funny character and this episode highlights his oddness while making him sympathetic. The icing on the cake is a President's Day play where the kids portray notable moments from US history as well as a song dedicated to the more obscure presidents- which should amuse any history buff.
It's Valentine's Day and when the socially inept and intellectually challenged Ralph Wiggum gets no cards from his classmates, Lisa gives him a card in sympathy. Ralph consequently falls in love with her, but she's not interested in him. Still, they do go to a Krusty the Klown show- where Lisa breaks his heart on television. Ralph eventually lets go of his crush and the two kids decide to be friends.
I Love Lisa differs from those two other classic Lisa episodes, Lisa's Substitute and Lisa's Wedding, in that it won't make you cry- there is emotion, when Ralph's heart is broken and when Lisa feels bad about it, but it's not as touching as those other episodes. I Love Lisa works best as a comedy. Ralph is an appealing, funny character and this episode highlights his oddness while making him sympathetic. The icing on the cake is a President's Day play where the kids portray notable moments from US history as well as a song dedicated to the more obscure presidents- which should amuse any history buff.