Ep 18. The Haw-Hawed Couple

Buckle up, because it's time for one of the funniest episodes in The Simpsons' history! In season 18's "The Haw-Hawed Couple," Bart gets fed up with Nelson's constant bullying and decides to prank him back. However, things go horribly wrong when Nelson's dad discovers the prank and forces his son to invite Bart over for a sleepover to teach him a lesson.

As you can imagine, the thought of spending the night at Nelson's house is beyond horrifying for Bart, but the punishment is especially cruel because Nelson's dad is none other than Robert Goulet (yes, the famous crooner). Goulet is hilariously overbearing and constantly tries to prove he's "down with the kids" by doing things like using slang incorrectly and playing a video game called "Conflict of Enemies."

Despite their rocky start, Bart and Nelson actually start to bond over their shared disdain for Goulet's antics. Things take a turn for the worse, however, when Bart accidentally ends up egging Goulet's house and the two boys get caught. Goulet is furious and Bart thinks he's going to be in serious trouble, but the singer surprises them both by apologizing for his behavior and admitting that he's been trying too hard to fit in.

There are so many memorable moments in this episode, from Goulet's exaggerated pronunciation of "Boyz II Men" to his attempt at rap (which includes the unforgettable line, "Yo, Bart and Nelson? Y'all are some bad mother--shut yo mouth!"), to the goosebump-inducing rendition of "Jingle Bells" that Goulet sings in his underwear. The whole thing is just absurd and hilarious from start to finish.

One of the things that makes "The Haw-Hawed Couple" so great is the way it subverts our expectations of both Nelson and Goulet. Nelson is usually a one-dimensional bully, but in this episode we get to see a bit of vulnerability and even some kindness. Similarly, Goulet is an unexpected treat as a guest star, and his willingness to poke fun at himself (and the entire "old person trying to be hip" trope) makes him all the more endearing.

Of course, there are also plenty of classic Simpsons moments sprinkled throughout the episode, like Milhouse's ridiculous "Operation: Keep Bart Out" plan, Lisa's attempt to study in peace while the boys wreak havoc in the next room, and the family's horror at the thought of having to eat at Krusty Burger again. The writing is sharp and funny, as always, and the voice acting is top-notch.

Overall, "The Haw-Hawed Couple" is a standout episode that perfectly captures what makes The Simpsons so great. It's irreverent, clever, and never takes itself too seriously, while still managing to pack an emotional punch. If you're only going to watch one episode from the 20 Best Ever Anniversary Collection, make it this one.