9 Saddest TV Episodes of All Time

9. "Lisa's Sax": The Simpsons

I have to admit, when I initially thought of this episode, and the scene in it which is the reason for its inclusion on this list, I thought this was the episode where Bleeding Gums Murphy died... but it isn't that episode (though also very sad). This episode is what I consider to be one of The Simpsons greatest of all time, and explores the interesting but beautiful relationship between father and daughter; Lisa and Homer. The episode is the one where Lisa's saxophone gets run over, leaving her very depressed. Homer then recounts to her the origin of how she original got her saxophone as a child through flashback. I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on this episode, and whether or not you found it sad, or just sweet, because it could easily be read either way, or both ways. There are many moments from this great episode that tug at the heart strings but I have two particular favorites. Homer's sweet but dumb messages he has engraved on Lisa's saxophone in the past " Dear Lisa, never forget your daddy loves... doh!" and in the future, "Dear Lisa: May your new saxophone bring you many years of D'oh!" are genuinely touching and perfectly display why Homer Simpson is such a lovable, brilliantly written television character. The main reason however this episode features is because of the final minute, where Lisa plays the gorgeous saxophone hook from the classic song "Baker Street" over flashbacks of the many great memories she had with her previous saxophone. I always find that particular part of the song strangely powerful, but it's never been used greater than to show the love of one child and her saxophone... but more than this, the never ending love between a father and his daughter. Beautiful.
 
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I am a recent Screenwriting for Film and Television graduate from the UK. I am an unashamed geek who loves everything Marvel, and anything Joss Whedon has ever touched (except for maybe Alien Resurrection and Titan A.E). My current favorite TV shows are Breaking Bad, Family Guy, House of Cards, Game of Thrones, American Horror Story, Homeland and Glee. I look forward to debating things with all of you in the future. (As of January 2013 I have had over 1 million views since joining WhatCulture in September 2012. You can reach me at danieljamesbowen@hotmail.co.uk)