The Simpsons: 10 Most Heartfelt Episodes
9. Moaning Lisa – Season 1, Episode 6
Another poignant episode focusing on the second youngest
Simpson, this story was also the very first to focus on Lisa.
The episode must be commended for its tender exploration of depression and existentialism, especially in a child.
It has a striking opening with Lisa staring into her own reflection in the bathroom mirror, saddened and lost and when she is at school, she is criticised for improvising in her music lesson and is “too sad” to play dodgeball.
Lisa finds a way to express herself through music after meeting Bleeding Gums Murphy, with a hauntingly beautiful scene of Lisa walking through a moonlit Springfield to find the jazz singer and composing a song expressing her depression.
Marge also experiences a strong character arc in this story, as she tries to encourage Lisa to smile and hide her true feelings, taking on the lesson her own mother told her. Thankfully, she soon realises the huge mistake she is making and expresses her support in Lisa feeling whatever she needs to.
A very emotional and relatable episode for many.