Ep 19. Lisa's Substitute

In The Simpsons season 2 episode 19, titled "Lisa's Substitute," Lisa is struggling in her second-grade class under the monotone teaching style of Miss Hoover. When Miss Hoover takes leave due to illness, a substitute teacher named Mr. Bergstrom takes over, and immediately connects with Lisa in a way that she has never experienced with a teacher before.

Mr. Bergstrom quickly becomes Lisa's mentor and encourages her to pursue her love of learning and writing. He takes her to the library to research her family history, and uses unconventional teaching methods to engage her, such as creating a game out of conjugating verbs. Lisa is elated to have found someone who truly understands and appreciates her intelligence and passion for knowledge.

Meanwhile, Homer becomes jealous of the bond that Mr. Bergstrom and Lisa have formed and feels threatened by him. He attempts to sabotage their relationship by suggesting that Mr. Bergstrom is unqualified and unfit to teach, but Lisa sees through his jealousy and stands up for Mr. Bergstrom.

As the episode progresses, Miss Hoover returns to class and Mr. Bergstrom must leave, causing Lisa to experience a deep sense of loss and sadness. She writes him a heartfelt letter expressing her gratitude for his impact on her life, but Mr. Bergstrom has already left town. The episode ends with a poignant and touching scene between Lisa and Homer, reminding viewers that even the strongest bonds can be broken and lost.

"Lisa's Substitute" showcases the power of a good teacher and the impact that they can have on a student's life. It also touches on themes of jealousy and insecurity, as Homer struggles to accept that his daughter can have connections with others outside of their family. Overall, it is a poignant and emotionally resonant episode that continues to be a fan favorite in The Simpsons canon.