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Homer Simpson

 "I Married Marge" feels like a "companion piece" for "Radio Bart." In "IMM," it's Homer, not Bart, who experiences moral growth.


Having impregnated Marge, Homer thinks that life is sunny. After all, if he turns the mini-golf windmill properly, he might get promoted to the rank of "Guy Who Distributes the Putters." But the Bouviers make something clear: Putt Putt paychecks are not adequate when you're raising a child.

Homer first fails to take the matter seriously. He auditions for a role at the local nuclear power plant, but when Smithers triggers a "meltdown simulation," Homer misses obvious cues and responds with a panic attack. Homer apprehends that he must begin to market himself. He returns to Montgomery Burns and offers to act as a doormat. He will be utterly spineless, without a will of his own. Delighted, Burns immediately produces a contract.

I think this is sweet without being "overly" sweet. It's like whenever Lisa attempts to articulate a "moral" -- and the men in her life simply plug their ears.

Another moment of brilliance: Barnacle Bill's Home Pregnancy Test. If ye test turns blue, it's a baby for you....If purple yar see, no baby thar be....
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