The Simpsons: 10 Absolute Worst Episodes Ever

3. Homer Vs Dignity

This episode is just a mash of recycled plotlines from previous, better episodes. The Simpson family having financial trouble can be traced back through numerous seasons; Mr. Burns hiring Homer to be his assistant while Smithers is absent is taken directly from Homer The Smithers; and Homer dressing up as Santa Claus is a feature that should really remain in Christmas episodes or, failing that, Grift Of The Magi.

To add an extra cherry onto the self-plagiarism sundae, Lisa shows concern over the purity of her father's soul in becoming Mr. Burns' prank monkey parallels Bart Sells His Soul so much that it feels self-consciously provocative.

Also, let's not forget one of the most horrific 'jokes' The Simpsons has ever made is in this episode: Homer being raped by a panda.

This was Rob LaZebnik's last writing credit for eight years, and it's a shame that his last one was so low. No wonder the Guardian's Johnny Dee suggested that "raped by a panda" replace "jumped the shark" for a series' irrevocable decline.