Ep 14. Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington
- TV-PG
- March 9, 2003
- 22 min
-
6.8 (1,553)
In The Simpsons season 14 episode 14, titled "Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington," Bart and Lisa join their classmates on a trip to Washington D.C. where they witness a bribery scandal involving Springfield's Congressman, who then flees the city. In response, Springfield holds a special election to fill the vacant position.
Enter Mr. Spritz, a socially inept college professor with no political experience and a tendency to talk at length about the history of antique doorknobs. Despite his odd demeanor, he manages to win over the town with his naive idealism and promises to clean up politics.
Meanwhile, Lisa is convinced that Mr. Spritz is merely a pawn for the corrupt politicians in Springfield. She encounters opposition from her own family, who embrace Mr. Spritz as an ideal candidate and support him wholeheartedly. Lisa's quest to uncover the truth leads her to some unexpected allies, including a shady private investigator named Dex.
As the election approaches, tensions rise between Mr. Spritz and the Springfield Elite. Lisa's investigations uncover more and more corruption, putting her safety at risk. When Mr. Spritz discovers the truth about his own campaign, he is forced to make a moral decision that may conflict with his desire to win the election.
The episode plays out as a classic political satire, poking fun at the Washington D.C. political machine and the ideals of an outsider candidate. The contrast between Mr. Spritz's bumbling idealism and the calculating machinations of the Springfield Elite provide a hilarious backdrop for the episode's narrative.
Overall, "Mr. Spritz Goes to Washington" is a standout episode of The Simpsons. While it may rely on some predictable political satire tropes, the humor and sharp insight make it a must-watch for any fan of the series. The guest appearance from Adam West (who plays himself) is an added bonus that only adds to the episode's entertainment value.