Ep 17. Bart Gets an Elephant

When the Simpsons visit the county fair, Bart becomes enamored with one of the carnival games, where the prize is a rare and exotic elephant. After unsuccessfully trying to win, he takes matters into his own hands and steals the elephant, which he names Stampy. Bart quickly discovers, however, that owning an elephant is much more difficult and expensive than he had anticipated. The family struggles to care for Stampy and keep him hidden from their disapproving neighbors.

As the episode progresses, the family bonds with Stampy and begins to see him not just as an expensive burden, but as a lovable member of their household. They even start to make money by charging people to see him. However, the elephant's enormous hunger causes the Simpsons to constantly struggle to keep him fed, and when Stampy drinks a bathtub full of water, the water bill becomes unmanageable. Eventually, the family decides that they cannot continue to care for Stampy and reluctantly decides to donate him to a wildlife refuge.

While driving Stampy to the refuge, the family is pursued by a group of avid Stampy fans who try to convince them to keep the elephant. The chase leads the Simpsons to a cliff, where they narrowly avoid falling off thanks to Stampy's intervention. In the end, the elephant returns to his rightful home at the wildlife refuge, but not before leaving a lasting impression on the Simpsons.

"Bart Gets an Elephant" is a classic episode of The Simpsons that combines humor and heart to explore the responsibility of pet ownership and the unexpected challenges that come with it. Through Bart's misguided desire to win an exotic prize, the episode explores themes of greed, impulsivity, and the importance of considering practical considerations before making big decisions.

At the same time, the episode remains true to the show's comedic roots, with plenty of laughs coming from Stampy's antics and the family's attempts to care for him. The episode also features expertly crafted satire of American consumer culture, particularly in the carnival scene where Bart is enticed by a never-ending array of flashy and expensive prizes.

Ultimately, "Bart Gets an Elephant" is a memorable episode that showcases The Simpsons' ability to balance humor and heart. While the ending may not be typical of the show's trademark zaniness, it is nevertheless a touching conclusion that highlights the importance of responsible pet ownership and the bonds that can form between humans and animals.