The Last Temptation of Krust
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"The Last Temptation of Krust" is the fifteenth episode of The Simpsons' ninth season. The episode first aired on February 26, 1998. The title is a reference to the controversial novel and film The Last Temptation of Christ.
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[edit] Synopsis
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. It's not comedy that's in his blood; it's selling out.
[edit] Trivia
- Many consider Krusty's return to the underground comedy scene 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 comedy material). The episode was originally broadcast four days before the fourth anniversary of Hicks' death. He had a ponytail like George Carlin.
- Conversely, Krusty's adoption of (and by) the underground comedy scene can also be seen as a parody of comedians promoted as 'edgy' and 'controversial,' who had moved into lucrative mainstream careers, such as Denis Leary, Bill Maher and Dennis Miller.
[edit] Quotes
- Krusty: Have you ever noticed how there are two phonebooks? A white one and a yellow one? What's the deal with that?
Lisa: One's residential, the other is business.
Krusty: Oh... well, makes sense... What will they think of next, Blue pages?
Marge: They have that. They're government listings. - (Standing in front of one of his posters, thinking it is a mirror)
Krusty: Wait a minute kid, I've got a tack in my head. - Homer: (walking in on Krusty, Jay Leno, Bart and Mr. Teeny) Oh, I'm sorry, son. I didn't know you, Jay Leno and a monkey were bathing a clown.
[edit] Song lyrics
Performed by Hank Williams Jr.
- Can you name the truck with four wheel drive,
- Smells like a steak, and seats thirty five?
- Canyonero! Canyonero!
- Well, it goes real slow with the hammer down
- It's the country-fried truck endorsed by a clown
- Canyonero! Canyonero!
- Hey, hey!
- Twelve yards long, two lanes wide,
- Sixty five tons of American pride!
- Canyonero! Canyonero!
- Top of the line in utility sports,
- Unexplained fires are a matter for the courts!
- Canyonero! Canyonero!
- She blinds everybody with her super high beams
- She's a squirrel-squashin', deer-smackin' drivin' machine
- Canyonero! Canyonero! Canyonero!
- Whoa, Canyonero! Whoa!
[edit] External links
- "The Last Temptation of Krust" episode capsule at The Simpsons Archive
