Ep 13. A Star is Born Again

Gracie Films presents "A Star is Born Again", the thirteenth episode of the fourteenth season of America's longest-running animated sitcom, The Simpsons. Directed by Michael Polcino and written by Brian Kelley, the episode first aired on February 2, 2003.

Homer, Marge, and Bart are at a town hall meeting when they come across their old neighbor and former famous actor, Llewellyn Sinclair. Sinclair, played by Jon Lovitz, has fallen on hard times and is now working as a drama teacher. When he sees Homer's apparent lack of talent in a play, he decides to help him recover his glory days.

Meanwhile, Lisa attends a performing arts camp where she excels at performing jazz with a group of talented musicians. She then meets a boy named Luke, played by Stacy Keach, who becomes her mentor and helps her improve her skills. When Lisa returns home, she begins to perform at various places around town and eventually lands a job performing at a jazz club.

Homer, on the other hand, takes Sinclair's advice and goes to a theater casting call, hoping to rekindle his acting career. He ends up landing a role in a new production of the musical "A Streetcar Named Desire," playing the role of Stanley Kowalski opposite the actress Chloe Talbot, played by Kim Cattrall. Homer takes his new job seriously, and with Sinclair's guidance, he starts to learn the art of theater acting. However, as he becomes more immersed in the role, he begins to morph into the character of Stanley.

As Lisa's jazz career starts to take off, Homer's "A Streetcar Named Desire" production is performing well. Although he has become moody and difficult to work with, Homer ultimately delivers an excellent performance. However, as he takes his final bow, his angry and abusive character, Stanley, shows through. Chloe Talbot accuses him of being abusive towards her, and the crowd becomes hostile towards him.

After the disastrous performance, Homer is devastated and decides to return to his old life. In an emotional moment, Sinclair reveals his own failures, telling Homer that he should not give up on his dreams. Lisa, who has watched Homer's downfall, performs a song at the jazz club that reminds Homer that he is loved and that he has a place in the world.

In the end, Homer and Lisa have both found their own place in the performing arts world. Lisa continues to perform jazz, making connections with accomplished musicians and even receives a call from Luke, who invites her to perform with his band. Meanwhile, Homer takes on the role of Krusty the Clown's assistant, performing various foolish stunts and realizing that it is the type of entertainment he is better suited for.

Overall, "A Star is Born Again" is a heartfelt and funny episode that explores themes of perseverance, ambition, and the importance of finding one's place in life. With classic Simpsons humor and a satisfying ending, it is definitely an unforgettable installment in the show's long and storied history.