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The Simpsons

 After a long hiatus, Nell Scovell returned to "The Simpsons" with "Sorry Not Sorry"--an exploration of power and entitlement.


Lisa has to complete a project, an explanation of "what inspires me." Her answer is the work of Gladys West, who invented GPS. Lisa writes a stirring rap--so creative, it causes Superintendent Chalmers to breakdance. But--having exceeded the time limit--Lisa finds that her grade is a B-. And she retaliates by publicly accusing Miss Hoover of being a hack.

The situation escalates until Lisa is thrown into detention. "It's Miss Hoover who should be in detention," she says. And Bart points out that "Miss Hoover is a teacher, which is permanent detention. It's a life sentence."

Trying to learn about her nemesis, Lisa follows Miss Hoover home from school. The trip involves several janky trains, a long interlude with a greasy triangle of pizza cardboard (a "sled"), and a final exchange with a cat. Miss Hoover is concerned that her pet will eat her when she dies.

Moved by this odyssey, Lisa discovers compassion in her heart. She apologizes to Miss Hoover--who rejects the display. "Sometimes, Lisa, there is literally nothing you can do." That's essentially the end of the story.

Both Lisa and Miss Hoover are captivating here. Also--as with Scovell's "Blowfish, Blue Fish"--"Sorry Not Sorry" is a script where you really, consistently cannot guess what will happen next.

Brave, exemplary writing.
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