The Simpsons: 10 Episodes Probably Made Out Of Spite
3. Panic On The Streets Of Springfield
In season 15, The Simpsons family travelled to the UK for the episode “The Regina Monologues” and encountered several British figures that made voice cameos. One of those approached, Steven Patrick Morrissey, turned down the opportunity to be on the show.
Over fifteen years later The Simpsons finally hit back at Morrissey’s disinterest, not to mention his steadily more damaged public perception born from his controversial political stances.
In Panic on the Streets of Springfield, Lisa is introduced to rock band The Snuffs who act as a parody of both The Smiths and The Cure. Inspired by the liberal, vegan frontman Quilloughby, Lisa begins to imagine his younger self to bring her solace. Eventually this imaginary friend convinces Lisa to steal Homer’s credit card to go see the real him perform. Lisa sees that in the current day he has become an overweight, meat-eating, immigrant-hating wash-up.
In a touching moment, imaginary Quilloughby tells Lisa to remain true to her values before vanishing.
Morrissey struck out against the caricature, bemoaning that “in a world obsessed with Hate Laws, there are none that protect me", yet again missing the point. The Simpsons team said that Quilloughby was actually inspired by several people, and that he therefore couldn’t sue, but it's plain to see exactly whom the episode is mocking.