The Simpsons: 10 Most Heartfelt Episodes
5. I Love Lisa – Season 4, Episode 15
Lisa gives Ralph Wiggum a Valentine’s Day card when she sees
that he has not received any, causing him to pursue her for affection.
The subtle power of this episode is difficult to put into words, but it orchestrates another seamless blend of humour and tragedy. A great example here is when Bart runs a videotape of when Lisa publicly berates Ralph in front of an audience for Krusty the Clown’s Anniversary show, with Bart stating: “you can actually pin-point the second when his heart rips in half”.
Childhood crushes and heartbreaks are certainly a difficult subject to get right and every aspect of this episode is handled with delicate care, tenderly approaching the subject with sheer honesty and gravitas.
Ralph channels his heartbreak into his performance as George
Washington in the school’s President’s Day pageant and we are treated to a
beautiful ending with Lisa and Martin becoming friends through the exchange of
another pun featured card.