Whacking Day

Whacking Day is a fourth season episode of the television series The Simpsons. It concerns the fictional holiday "Whacking Day", in which the citizens of Springfield drive snakes into the town square, then club them to death.

Episode details

Production Number: 9F18
Original Air Date: April 29, 1993
Writer: John Swartzwelder
Director: Jeff Lynch
Blackboard: "I will return the seeing-eye dog."
Couch Gag: Chair instead of couch
Guest Voice: Barry White

Synopsis

Principal Skinner lures Bart, Jimbo, Kearney, Dolph and Nelson to a utility basement with the promise of free mountain bikes. When they get there, however, they're informed that they're being "swept under the rug" for a visit by Superintendent Chalmers. Bart escapes through a ventilation shaft, and then takes Groundskeeper Willie's tractor for a joyride. He quickly loses control, and it ends up hitting the superintendent in the rear. When Chalmers informs Skinner the accident has cost him a promotion, Skinner responds by expelling Bart.

Meanwhile, Lisa is appalled at the upcoming Whacking Day celebration, but her protests fall on deaf ears. Marge decides to homeschool Bart. On a "field trip" to Olde Springfield Towne, Bart notices a discrepancy in the Jebediah Springfield story: on May 10, 1775, the day he led an attack on Fort Ticonderoga, he also supposedly founded Whacking Day.

Barry White arrives to begin festivities, but when he discovers what the day is about, he is disgusted. Bart finds out about the true origin of Whacking Day and suggests to Lisa that they can draw the snakes by playing music with a lot of bass. They get assistance from Barry White (who was walking by) and they attract the snakes into the Simpsons' house. The crowd arrives in pursuit, but they are soon turned around on the subject of Whacking Day. Skinner is impressed with Bart's efforts, and welcomes him back to the school — then realises the bullies are still in the utility basement...

Quotes

External links

• Episode capsule at The Simpsons Archive