Ep 6. Lisa's Wedding

In the sixth episode of season one of The Simpsons: 20 Best Episodes Ever - Anniversary Collection, viewers are taken on a journey to the not-too-distant future where we get a glimpse into the life of the Simpson family's eldest daughter, Lisa.

The episode, titled "Lisa's Wedding", begins with the family taking a trip to a renaissance fair where Lisa meets a fortune teller who gives her a glimpse of her future. Fast forward to the year 2010, where an adult Lisa is introduced as a successful college graduate who is engaged to a wealthy and cultured British man named Hugh Parkfield.

The episode delves into Lisa's internal struggle as she tries to reconcile her love for Hugh with the fact that the two come from vastly different social and cultural backgrounds. From the moment Lisa arrives at the Parkfield estate, it's evident that there is a cultural barrier between her and her fiancé's family.

Throughout the episode, we see Lisa grappling with her own insecurities regarding her family's simplistic lifestyle as compared to the Parkfields' extravagant way of living. The episode culminates in a heartfelt moment between Lisa and her father, where Homer comes to terms with the fact that his daughter will eventually leave the nest and create a life of her own.

Apart from the poignant storyline, "Lisa's Wedding" is known for its imaginative visualization of the future. The writers brilliantly created a world filled with flying cars, pop-up ads that follow individuals around, and robots who serve as household helpers.

Additionally, this episode stands out for its clever references to famous works of literature. Fans of Pride and Prejudice will be delighted to see a nod to the Jane Austen classic in the form of Hugh's pompous mother. There is also a subtle reference to the novel Flowers for Algernon when Lisa is seen indulging in a book titled Flowers for Homer.

Overall, "Lisa's Wedding" is an innovative and emotional episode that sees the daughter of the Simpson family not only facing, but overcoming, her fears and doubts in order to create a life with the man she loves, a life that's significantly different than what she's ever known. It's an episode that's not to be missed, and it's clear why it was deemed one of the 20 Best Episodes Ever.