The series begins its 14th season — tying it with "Ozzie and Harriet" as TV's longest-running comedy — with its annual Halloween trilogy. In the first story, a magical new hammock enables Homer to "Send In the Clones," a small army of duplicates that he happily dispatches to do chores — until one kills Flanders. Next is "The Fright to Creep and Scare Harms," in which Springfield is invaded by a posse of cowboy zombies led by Billy the Kid, prompting Homer to go back in time to save the day. In the finale, the family ships out for "The Island of Dr. Hibbert," where they become guinea pigs in experiments to cross humans with animals.
How I Spent My Strummer Vacation
Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello, Lenny Kravitz and Brian Setzer teach Homer a thing or two about music when he attends a rock-and-roll fantasy camp. As a gift from his family, Homer joins Apu, Barney, Otto and Chief Wiggum for a week of training in the complete rock-star lifestyle, "without the lawsuits and the STDs," says Mr. Jagger, who leads a session on "Inducing Crowd Frenzy." There are also workshops on slinging guitars; plowing through groupies and paparazzi; and songwriting, where Homer gets on Tom Petty's nerves. But one rockin' week is not enough for Homer, who wangles an invitation to join his instructors for a benefit concert.
Bart vs. Lisa vs. 3rd Grade
Lisa's high score on an achievement test gets her promoted to the third grade, the same class as Bart when he's demoted for his low score.
Large Marge
Marge goes to a clinic for liposuction and comes out with breast implants.
Helter Shelter
The Simpsons participate in a reality show called "1895 Challenge," in which they live without modern conveniences. When ratings start to sink, the producers add a celebrity — David L. Lander from "Laverne & Shirley."
The Great Louse Detective
Kelsey Grammer returns as venerable criminal Sideshow Bob, whose deep-rooted hatred for Bart is set aside as he tries to find out who's trying to kill Homer. Apparently someone is out to get Homer J., who barely escapes after a shadowy figure locks him in a spa steam room. Seeing the need for someone who understands a murderous mind, Chief Wiggum calls on the incarcerated Bob, who moves in with the Simpsons to keep close tabs on the intended target. When Bob asks why someone might want to do Homer harm, he's taken aback by Homer's response: "I'm a people person... who drinks."
Special Edna
Bart nominates Mrs. Krabappel for Teacher of the Year, netting the family a trip to the awards show in Orlando, where Little Richard is to present the prize.
Dad Who Knew Too Little
After his insensitive birthday gift to Lisa, Homer hires a P.I. to dig up information on her so he can know her better. But there's a problem with the bill.
Strong Arms o the Ma
After a mugging, Marge becomes agoraphobic, until she starts weight training, which turns her into a buff bully who enters a bodybuilding contest.
Pray Anything
Coincidences lead Homer to believe he's got a direct prayer line to God, which doesn't stop him from suing when he falls at church. Lisa Leslie has a cameo.
Barting Over
Bart sues for divorce from his parents in the series' 300th episode. The catalyst for the courtroom confrontation is a videotape that Bart finds in the garage, showing him as a baby in a TV commercial for a product that prevents bad breath in infants. What's even more jarring, the fourth grader formerly known as "Baby Stink Breath" learns that Homer has spent all the residuals earned from the spot. Furious, Bart hires an attorney, and a judge (Jane Kaczmarek) grants him his emancipation, as well as financial support from Homer. That allows Bart to move into his own loft, where his neighbors include music group Blink 182 and skateboarder Tony Hawk.
I'm Spelling As Fast As I Can
Spelling champ Lisa makes the Spellympics, where host George Plimpton proposes a deal. Homer joins a traveling fan club for a new Krusty food product.
A Star is Born Again
Marisa Tomei plays a movie star who falls for Flanders enough to move to Springfield when he disdains going Hollywood.
Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington
Hoping to re-route air traffic over their house, the Simpsons ask Krusty to run for Congress, where the successful clown finds more of his kind.
