The Simpsonshas had hundreds of subplotsthroughout its 35-year runso far, butnone can beat the b-plot of the episode “Lisa’s Rival”.This subplot, despite its unserious nature, is a television masterpiece. From the comedic timing and lines delivered, to the use of side characters, the animation style as well as Homer’s iconic monologue towards the end of the episode all work together to create the best television subplot inThe Simpsons' history.
The episode is mainly focused around Lisa as she meets a new girl at her school, Allison. The new girl has all the same interests as Lisa, but she is better at every single one of them. The episode takes a somewhat dark turn as Lisa begins to hate Allison and deliberately sabotages one of her school projects due to thejealousy that Lisa feels towards Allison. So, Homer’s simple, yet effective subplot surrounding the sugar he found on the side of the road, is awelcome change of pace to the episode, creating a more comedic and lighthearted feeling.
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Why I Think Homer’s Sugar From “Lisa’s Rival” Is A Perfect The Simpsons' B-Plot
The Subplot Offers A Comedic Break From The More Serious Nature Of The Episode
This subplot’s a great, fun, hilarious story that leads to some brilliant moments throughout the episode. An example of this is the dinner scene, where Homer makes dinner for his family using his sugar, but it’s full of random debris such as broken glass. This allows his family to see how ridiculous this business scheme is, yet Homer remains adamant it will be a success, making a joke out of Homer’s lack of knowledge in the business world. It’s the kind of plot where you havegreat writing, animation, and then great delivery, making it all come together brilliantly.
[Homer’s] monologue towards the end of the episode presents him as more humane and open, allowing the audience to feel for him as a character.
Perfect storytelling and character work play a vital role in making this the best subplot in the series. Despite his lack of screen time in this episode,the b-plot tells the audience more about Homer than some of the other episodes where Homer plays a leading role.For example, the episode portrays him as an opportunist, willing to take risks to earn money for his family, but his reasons for keeping the sugar in his monologue towards the end of the episode presents him as more humane and open, allowing the audience to feel for him as a character.
Homer’s Sugar Has Some Of His Greatest Ever Quotes
Homer’s Monologue Is One Of His Most Iconic Quotes Of The Whole Show
This monologue from Homer, though it is supposed to be funny and used for comedic effect, really sums Homer up as a character. The words “I want it all” are impactful as they resonate with the concept of the ‘American Dream’, as Homer can’t just sit back and live his life away. He needs to be out in the world doing something successful, and Homer remains this way throughout the series. Don’t get me wrong,he is one of the laziest and funniest characters on network television, but he has the drive to do better than his father before him, and he is constantly coming up with some kind of ‘get rich quick’ scheme.
“Never, Marge. Never. I can’t live the button-down life like you. I want it all: the terrifying lows, the dizzying highs, the creamy middles. Sure, I might offend a few of the bluenoses with my cocky stride and musky odors - oh, I’ll never be the darling of the so-called “City Fathers” who cluck their tongues, stroke their beards, and talk about “What’s to be done with this Homer Simpson?”
The monologue makes Homer stand out from any other television character, inThe Simpsonsor any other show. The fact that he doesn’t care what others think of him and that he knows exactly what he wants from life really speaks to the audiences, allowing them to see and understand thatHomer fully accepts himself and his life, and this is a very powerful, emotional statementmade through the use of comedic language.
What Are Some Of The Other Great Simpsons Subplots?
After 35 Years On Air, The Simpsons Has Some Amazing Subplots That Are Often Overlooked
One of the best subplots fromThe Simpsonsis from the episode “In Marge We Trust”. This subplot involvesHomer finding an old Japanese laundry detergent with his face onat the garbage dump. He spends the whole episode contacting the company that produced the product to find out why his face was used on the packaging. It’s revealed at the end of the episode that it was merely a coincidence, as the company tried to merge a fish and a light bulb together, with the result resembling Homer. The episode ends with Bart comedically calling Homer “Fish Bulb.”
Another iconic subplot fromThe Simpsonsis whenHomer took an all-you-can-eat seafood restaurant to court for making him leave before he had eaten ‘all he could eat’.This subplot is from the episode “New Kid On The Block” and just works really well by showing Homer’s unbothered nature and his lack of embarrassment, while also showing Marge’s opposite reaction of being embarrassed by her husband. There are so many subplots in episodes ofThe Simpsonsthat are just utterly genius and a masterpiece to watch.
