Ep 18. This Little Wiggy

In The Simpsons season 9 episode 18 titled "This Little Wiggy," Bart becomes friends with Ralph Wiggum after saving him from a group of bullies. Ralph is excited to have a new friend and begins to hang out with Bart at every opportunity. However, Bart soon realizes that Ralph is a clingy and overly attached friend who doesn't understand social boundaries.

As Bart tries to distance himself from Ralph, he inadvertently causes Ralph to have an emotional breakdown, leading to a series of events that put him in danger. Meanwhile, Homer and Marge struggle to find a babysitter for Maggie and eventually turn to Grampa Simpson, who takes her to a biker bar.

The episode deals with themes of friendship, mental health, and the importance of setting boundaries. The relationship between Bart and Ralph is complex, with Ralph's innocence and neediness clashing with Bart's desire for independence and freedom. The episode also highlights the issue of bullying and its long-term effects on children.

Throughout the episode, there are several humorous moments, including Grampa's misadventures at the biker bar and Ralph's peculiar behavior, such as reenacting scenes from The Godfather with Bart's toys. The animation is also particularly well-done, with several scenes showcasing impressive visuals, such as a chase through a train yard and a rooftop standoff.

Overall, "This Little Wiggy" is a standout episode of The Simpsons, with a unique storyline and well-developed characters. It manages to blend humor and heart in a way that only the show's best episodes can, making it a must-watch for fans of the series.