“Stark Raving Dad” is the first episode of the third season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on September 19, 1991. Michael Jackson guest-starred as Leon Kompowsky, but went uncredited for contractual reasons. The episode was written specially for Jackson, a fan of the show, who had called creator Matt Groening offering to do a guest spot.
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“Stark Raving Dad” is the first episode of the third season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on September 19, 1991. In the episode, Homer is mistaken for an anarchist and sent to a mental institution. He shares a room with a man who claims to be pop star Michael Jackson. Meanwhile, Bart promises his sister Lisa he will get her the best birthday present ever. Michael Jackson guest-starred as Leon Kompowsky, but went uncredited for contractual reasons; his role was not confirmed until later. The episode was written specially for Michael Jackson, a fan of the show, who had called creator Matt Groening offering to do a guest spot. The character’s singing voice was performed by a soundalike, Kipp Lennon, due to contractual obligations Jackson had with his record company. It received generally positive reviews, particularly for its writing and Jackson’s performance. In March 2019, following renewed allegations of sexual abuse against Jackson, the episode was pulled from circulation. A sequel in which Kompowski would have been voiced by Prince was canceled after Prince refused the script. A 1992 rerun featured an alternative opening in response to a speech by President George H. W. Bush, in which he said American households should, \”be a lot more like The Waltons and a lot less like The Simpsons\”. The episode references Jackson’s career, with Kultowsky singing portions of the songs \”Billie Jean\” and \”Ben\”.
In his excitement over Michael Jackson’s arrival, Bart fails to acknowledge her birthday. After overhearing a distraught Lisa compose a letter disowning her brother, the faux Michael convinces Bart to let him help heal their rift. Together they write and perform a song for her called ‘Happy Birthday Lisa’ The song thrills Lisa, who declares it the best present ever, but Michael then reveals that his real name is Leon Kultowksi, a bricklayer from Paterson, New Jersey. Leon bids farewell to the Simpsons, singing Lisa’s birthday song to himself in his normal voice. He explains that he had been filled with anger most of his life, but found solace when talking in Jackson’s voice because it made people happy. Marge visits Homer at the mental hospital and convinces his doctors that he is not insane. Homer invites him to stay with the Simpsons. Despite promising to keep it secret, Bart blabs about Michael Jackson coming to his house; soon all of Springfield gathers outside to see the pop star. Homer panics after seeing that all his white work shirts are dyed pink because Bart tossed his red hat in the laundry. He is forced to wear a pink shirt to work, where Mr. Burns suspects his fashion choices reveal he is a free-thinking anarchist. Homer is sent home with a psychiatric quiz to allow Dr. Marvin Monroe to assess his sanity. When Dr. Monroe sees the results, he declares Homer insane and sends him to amental institution.
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