The Simpsons (TV Series) Lisa the Skeptic (1997) User Reviews

Enough stupid to go around

[Mr-Fusion · 7/10 · 11 September 2017]

I know I've said this before, but there are always solid laughs to be had at the expense of the people of Springfield. 'Lisa the Skeptic' is a testament to this, pitting her brains against the town's ignorance.

I like the plot twist in the last remaining moments, hopelessly cynical and really the only way to solve the mystery of an angelic skeleton. But more than that, I loved that the writers didn't end on that, but a moment of sweetness between Lisa and Marge instead.

7/10

Clever episode with a great plot

[nicofreezer · 9/10 · 28 March 2022]

This episode is the most clever plot ever in the Simpsons, the link between the mall and the Angel is such a great writting, because it was possible to find the solution thanks to some clues along the way.

I give a 9/10 for the intelligence of this one.

The premise sounds daft but the episode is not.

[zacpetch · 8/10 · 4 January 2015]

The Simpsons may not be as good as it used to be but even the most devoted of its fans agree that Lisa-centric episodes are generally weaker. This episode is the exception to that rule in that it is actually a good episode.

The plot sees Lisa convince Skinner to reward good students by taking them on an archaeological dig and to punish bad students by taking them too. After not finding much of interest they're about to leave but then suddenly Lisa discovers a fossilised angel. The townsfolk are convinced it is a genuine article but Lisa is not so sure. The episode shows signs of becoming on of seasons 9-10's infamous Early-Zombie-Simpsons editions but thankfully the script makes it work and avoid such problems. There's also some signs of early Jerkass Homer on display as he steals the skeleton and charges people to see it. It makes up the bulk of the episode as Lisa tries to get him to stop calling it an angel until she has proof. When she announces her intention to get DNA testing done on it the religious members of the town go on an anti-science riot eventually coming to protect the angel from Lisa. It's not safe with the unbeliever, they think, but when they come for it it's gone. I'm beginning to get slightly uncomfortable with the anti-religious undertones of the episode at this point, but it drops that plot thread here and instead takes a different direction.

"The End Will Come At Sundown" is found written on the angel and suddenly the episode undergoes a dramatic shift in tone with a great level of suspense and menace that the script and music realise magnificently. There feels like a real possibility that something nasty might be about to happen and everyone in town is afraid, even Lisa. The end that does come turns out to be a marketing ploy which might feel like a bit of a cop-out but it all amounts to a very memorable third act for the episode which makes this episode a classic chunk of what The Simpsons was and why the show used to be the greatest thing on TV. Show me another show that can handle this material so well. I don't think one exists.

In conclusion, if you can ignore the strongly anti-religious sentiments displayed throughout this episode, particularly in the second act, you'll find a decent and memorable 22-odd minutes with an intriguing storyline and several touching moments between Marge and Lisa. Also that Motor Boat opening is incredible. 8/10

An Excellent Episode With A Meaningful Message

[corinwright · 10/10 · 6 September 2017]

I had seen this episode before, as a young kid, and after watching it back again I can honestly say it's one of my favourite episodes of The Simpsons.

The episode shows how easily people can push reasoned evidence (or a lack of) to the side when deep rooted religious beliefs are involved.

If anyone is annoyed or critical of how gullible and "stupid" the people of Springfield seem in this episode, I think they've really missed the point. We all know that most of the people of Springfield are not "morons" as Lisa suggests in the episode, but despite this they still want to believe in the angel even though there is nothing other than blind faith and unreasonable arguments to consolidate their beliefs.

A thoroughly enjoyable episode.

Science is like...

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 22 February 2023]

A skeleton that resembles an angel is found during an archeological dig in Springfield.

This is a strong episode with some good themes underlying the plot.

There are some thought-provoking moments as the various characters react to the discovery. The conflict between religion and science is addressed nicely by certain characters with faith and other who are sceptical without scientific evidence. I also enjoyed the great parody of economic exploitation of the masses and how it ties into religion and consumerism.

For me the humour is average and I consider it an episode that is geared more towards cleverness than comedy.

The big reveal ending is very memorable.

Nicely Done

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 13 August 2022]

Let's face it. Our country is presented as it should be. We are in the most anti-scientific period in history (except when science gives us things we want). And, of course, religion then moves in to explain things, ignoring the horrors the world faces every day. Lisa is the rock star here. She never fails although in the end they can't leave well enough alone. I don't care that she is startled when the angel talks. The Mall builders created a viable hoax.

Season 9 part 2 Lisa the skeptic

[schneidertonyr · 1/10 · 23 September 2017]

Now it's time to look at the most frustrating episode of season 9 which is Lisa the skeptic. The whole angle v. skeleton thing is so stupid that it will lower your IQ by infinity points just thinking about it, and the ending about capitalism is more of a jump than fonzie jumping the shark. The town is also very mean spirited. So much so that they arrest Lisa, A SEVEN YEAR OLD for supposedly stealing the fossil, even though it was on a hill that they could easily see through the window. This is the second worst episode of season 9. This is the episode that rivals the splinter from spongebob. But this isn't the worst episode of season 9, but this piece of horse crap is definitely bottom ten material.

A stupid episode that adds to how pathetic the Simpsons has become...

[pitabox987 · 2/10 · 22 January 2017]

If you've never seen this episode, save your time. My review contains spoilers as to aspects of the plot.

This episode is an example of how stupid the people of Springfield can really be, and how the Simpsons has taken a downward spiral every year since, simply becoming a behemoth driven by money! Add this episode to the list of "weakest Simpsons episodes ever" where it truly belongs.

The builders of the "Heavenly Hills Mall" decide to take the skeleton of a former employee to plant as the skeleton of an angel. — and the stupidity that ensues is enough to make one sick!

The only truly funny part of this episode was the 'free motor boat' ad that Chief Wiggum ran to catch criminals by using their stupidity against them...