The Simpsons (TV Series) Lisa's Substitute (1991) User Reviews

One of the Best Ever

[Ninaaa · 10/10 · 17 December 2006]

If I were to choose the most beautiful, heartwarming, tear-jerking episode of The Simpsons, it would be this one. Lisa finds part of herself through an unconventional teacher, and you can't help but cry along with Lisa as she reads that special note- "You Are Lisa Simpson." Bart also has his spotlight in the episode; he runs for class president and, being the Bart he is, he forgets to vote. Homer is there the whole time, and comforts all his kids (including sweet little Maggie) at the end. "Whoa, talk about parenting!" Lisa emotes wonderfully in Lisa's Substitute, and it really would be cool to have a teacher like Mister Bergstrom, who can teach that life is worth living. They could've had a strong friendship together, but as Mister Bergstrom states wisely, people you care about have to leave to care for other people. If he were real, he would've touched all, but he is saved for the prettiest, most deserving little girl of all- Lisa.

On a scale of 1 to 10, this is a 1,000,000.

What the Simpsons is all about

[maddik-70372 · 10/10 · 3 April 2020]

This episode, in my mind is one of the best Simpsons episodes of all time. The emotion in every frame is beautiful, while still making you laugh. The pure nostalgia, happiness and longing I get from it is amazing. This is what the Simpsons is. At the end of the day, after all the jokes and gags, it's really just about a family. This episode showcases it. It's mesmerising and captivating, and frankly it's hard not to cry. The old animation, the voice actors, and the pure love for the show is what makes the Simpsons. I love it.

Lisa's Substitute

[studioAT · 10/10 · 23 July 2020]

A wonderful Lisa centred episode, as a supply teacher comes into her life and improves it hugely, making Homer doubt himself.

With heart and wonderful writing, this is surely up there with the best in the shows very long run.

So sad, yet so beautiful

[KatiesGhost · 10/10 · 2 November 2008]

"Lisa's Substitute" has got to be one of the saddest Simpsons episode of all time. Every time I watch this episode I just can't help but cry every time. It's just so sad.

The Simpsons was best known for being a very funny cartoon, but yet they did have several sad episodes, particularly during season 2.

The most touching part of this episode was when Lisa's substitute teacher Mr. Bergstrom (voiced by Dustin Hoffman) had to leave because he had to take a job to another city and Lisa was very sad about it. She never wanted him to go, but he gave her a little note that said "You Are Lisa Simpson". You can't help but cry during this part.

Overall, this was probably one of the saddest, but most beautiful Simpsons episodes of all time.

Finally, A Well-Done Lisa Episode!

[g-bodyl · 10/10 · 29 April 2014]

This is the nineteenth episode of the second season of the Simpsons and I must impress that this is my favorite Lisa episode so far. I'm not saying she is bad, but she's my least favorite Simpson. That being said, I felt emotionally connected with Lisa this time around. I had some of the same issues as she did when growing up, so this is a very repeatable episode.

In this episode, "Lisa's Substitute," Lisa's teacher Miss Hoover goes on sick leave and she is replaced with Mr. Bergstrom. Lisa instantly falls for him and she finds him to be the father figure Homer isn't. Meanwhile, Bart is nominated for Class President along with the class brain, Martin Prince.

Overall, this is a very memorable and touching episode. It's one of the best ones this season. It even boasts a great guest voice in Dustin Hoffman. This has several funny jokes, but I connected more on the emotional side. I rate this episode 10/10.

A quintessential Lisa episode

[gizmomogwai · 9/10 · 29 July 2008]

Simpsons episodes focussing on Lisa tend to be among the strongest- from I Love Lisa to Lisa on Ice to Lisa's Wedding to Lost Our Lisa to Lisa the Simpson, they achieve often amazing balances of humour and emotion, with a very interesting character. Lisa is a daughter of the Enlightenment- the embodiment of the very idea that learning and logic are crucial to developing as a better person, no matter where you're from. People of the most humble backgrounds can be outstanding. Lisa, in particular, is an extraordinary person from an ordinary family- she represents how middle class people have great potential.

And Lisa's Substitute is an early episode that helped set the mold for it all- granted, this isn't the first Lisa episode, Moaning Lisa predates it. But coming in the late second season, Lisa's Substitute was still an early classic. The humour in this episode is quiet and subtle, character-driven and sometimes utilizes Lisa as the straight man; hard to believe a series like this would devolve to the loud, often stupid mediocrity it is today. The message is deep- on the surface this looks like an episode about Lisa's first crush (on a substitute teacher named Mr. Bergstrom)- but in reality this is about Lisa's lack of a positive male role model, with her relationship with her dad being distant. Mr. Bergstrom deduces as much and asks Homer to be a "bigger man"- Homer is not quite sure he can do it. Homer may not be able to understand Lisa, but she is special to him, as he says at the end. Lisa's Wedding in season 6 finally brought us to Homer sharing with Lisa how he appreciates her, so these episodes are important to watch together. Lisa's Substitute is a classic- a touching, deep, insightful yet amusing episode. 9.4/10

I see he touched you too

[snoozejonc · 9/10 · 5 July 2022]

Lisa develops an infatuation with her substitute teacher whilst Bart runs for class President.

This is a strong emotional episode that also has great humorous moments.

Dustin Hoffman's uncredited cameo is the highlight of this early classic focussed primarily at Springfield Elementary School. Mr Bergstrom gives Lisa everything she looks for in a male role-model and it portrays not just a touching relationship between the two characters, but nicely develops her relationship with Homer.

The B-Plot involving Bart contains plenty of light political satire, as it shows someone using inane popularity to win over the unthinking masses. Very relevant today as it ever was.

I enjoyed the movies references as usual.

Very lovely

[cristiadu · 10/10 · 30 June 2022]

I think this is the best episode of the show. It was funny and had lots of heart. All characters (even Homer!) act in human ways even with all of the silliness of the show, which is just wonderful.

The best Lisa episode of all time!

[Jojy_JA · 10/10 · 1 January 2024]

I remember watching this episode a few decades ago and crying like a baby. I'm 43 now, and the tears still wouldn't stop.

This episode is my favorite from Season 2. The focus is on the relationship between Lisa and Mr. Bergstrom, but Bart does have several laugh-out moments. The relationship between Mrs. Krabappel and Bart is juxtaposed with Lisa's story arc to demonstrate how different the siblings are. Finally, Homer gets some moments to shine in his cute and inimitable way.

Among the scenes that stand out is Lisa's angry 'baboon' outburst and every scene Mr. Bergstorm is in. This episode is highly recommended for Lisa fans and anybody who wishes to experience the good ol' charm this show used to have.

A Ship in the Night

[Hitchcoc · 10/10 · 13 April 2022]

This has two focuses. The foremost is a substitute teacher who comes in as a breath of fresh air in this dysfunctional school. He sees what kids really have, the gifts they can use in their lives. But, unfortunately, as a sub, he has virtually no power. The second plot involves Bart running for class president, using every dirty trick and seemingly getting every kid on his side. The results are interesting.

Classic Simpsons

[safenoe · 10/10 · 14 April 2023]

There is a reason why the first ten seasons of The Simpsons are the golden years, and by far Lisa's Substitute is the gold standard of the golden years. Dustin Hoffman makes a guest appearance as Lisa's substitute teacher, and makes a huge impact on Lisa and her relationship with Homer as a father.

The sublot of Bart running for the student presidency was hilarious, and the denouement was quite touching with Homer being the Father Knows Best persona for Lisa when he misses her substitute teacher, for Bart when he loses the election, and for Lisa when she has trouble sleeping.

There's no substitute for Lisa's Substitute.

9/10!

[Analog_Devotee · 9/10 · 4 June 2021]

The one where Sam Etic plays Lisa's cool substitute teacher after Miss Hoover contracts Lyme disease. Lisa seems to nearly fall in love with the new Mr. Bergstrom, but in reality just has an immense amount of respect for him. Fantastic episode! One of my favorites from Season Two.