Ep 18. Trilogy of Error

Trilogy of Error is the eighteenth episode of the twelfth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. The episode is divided into three parts that take place simultaneously but are presented as sequential stories. The episode first aired on April 29th, 2001.

The episode begins with Homer attempting to fix a toaster and accidentally cutting off his thumb. Meanwhile, Marge is driving Bart to a school field trip, but they get lost on the way. Lisa is left at home to finish a school project but breaks her science project and can't complete it. These situations lead to a series of unfortunate events that end up intertwining the stories of Homer, Marge, Bart, and Lisa.

Homer's story follows him on a quest to retrieve his lost thumb so he can get it reattached to his hand. However, he faces several obstacles along the way, including getting robbed, losing his wallet, and being mistaken for an assassin. Throughout his journey, he meets several local characters, including a pizza delivery guy, a Chinese street vendor, and a beekeeper.

Meanwhile, Marge and Bart's story revolves around their attempts to find each other after getting separated on the way to the field trip. They encounter several dangers, including an angry dog, a sweet-talking con artist, and a corrupt police officer. Eventually, they make their way to a hospital where they meet up with Homer.

Lisa's story focuses on her trying to complete her school project after breaking her science experiment. She enlists the help of a new student, Linguo, who has advanced language skills that allow him to interpret her instructions. However, things take a turn for the worse when Linguo is damaged and becomes a killing machine, causing chaos throughout the school.

Despite the seemingly disjointed storylines, the episode ultimately weaves the three stories together in a cohesive and satisfying way. The episode's unique structure and fast-paced action make it a standout episode in the series, with each part showcasing the strengths and humor of its respective characters.

Trilogy of Error also features several notable guest stars, including Drew Barrymore as a hospital admissions clerk, Lucy Lawless as a corrupt police officer, and Robert Forster as a mysterious character known only as the "villain."

Overall, Trilogy of Error is a standout episode in The Simpsons' extensive catalog, showcasing the series' ability to experiment with unique storytelling methods while still delivering its trademark humor and heart.