The Simpsons/Fraudcast News

Fraudcast News
15x22
Airdate	May 23, 2004
Production Number	FABF18
Written by	Don Payne
Directed by	Bob Anderson
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The Simpsons — Season Fifteen

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Fraudcast News is the twenty-second episode of the fifteenth season of The Simpsons, and the three-hundred and thirty-fifth episode overall.

Guest Stars: Pamela Hayden (Milhouse Van Houten), Tress MacNeille (Booberella), Karl Wiedergott (Various)

Plot Overview

At a Festival honoring a Mount Rushmorelike Rock figure,the Town of Springfield pays Homage to Geezer Rock.Lisa is about to give her speech,when Geezer Rock collapses,thanks solely to Homer who in his attempt to removing a tree branch from the head of the Rock Figure(he wanted to for once help an old man)causes a brief avalanch.During the Avalanch while the other Springfieldians scatter,the rock fragments fall atop Mr.Burns,apparently killing him.Only Mr.Smithers mourns Burns's passing.Lisa is disappointed that she never got to read her speech.However,she is encouraged to write an Elegy to pat tribute to Geezer Rock.She does that,and all of Springfields citizens reads her words written in the Springfield Newspapers.Lisa is complimented on her Elegy to Geezer Rock.This inspires Lisa to start her own Newspaper.She does that also,with Bart,Milhouse,Ralph,and even Nelson helping to make the new Newspaper a success.The people of Springfield love Lisa's Newspaper.The only person not reading her Newspaper is Smithers.He is still mourning Burns,for whom he believes is dead.He is soon,surprized,and shocked to find him alive.Burn was'nt swoshed at all.It's true the rocks did fall atop of him,but because of his thin size,he was trapped between the craveses for several days.He survived in a similar way like any animal living underground catching whatever small insects that came his way.He even suckled on a Mother Moles Milk,after removing one of her young.Smithers is so relieved that his Boss is alive.Burns,after getting resettled in wonders how the common peasants of Springfieldare honoring him.He turns the television set on,and with a feeling of egotism prepares to feel even more so,learns to his shock from the Newscaster that nobody misses him.That Geezer Rock is more beloved than he is.He feels that he has'nt a friend in the World,despite Smithers reassurance that Waylon Smithers is his friend.Burns,however is going to change the Towns opinions about him.His plan is to buy every News Outlet in Town.After the shock of discovering that he is alive,Burns proceeds to buy all Newspaper Outlets except Lisa's,who won't sell to Burns.Burns at first attempts to intimidate Lisa,and her staff by trying to run them off the road.It works somewhat,her staff with the exception of Bart quits out of fear.With Barts help Lisa is engaging in a war of words with Burns.Burns seeing that he is losing in this war with Lisa sends for her.Burns attempts again to try to buy Lisas Newspaper Outlet,but again she says no deal.Even with the gifts of three Beautiful Ponies(each with cinnamin breath),Lisa will not sell.Burns then resorts to dirtier tactics.He tricks Homer into revealing about Lisas admirer Milhouse.This is printed in Burns Newspaper,but not in a flattering light.Even this does not stop Lisa.She continues to fight Burns.Burns last attempt at stopping Lisas News Outlet is to cut off all Springfield Electric power.This manuver works temporarily.Principle Skinner becomes a willing Ally to Lisa.He lends the use of his Mimeograph Machine.This Machine needs no electricity,and can print copy after copy on paper.The war of words between Lisa,and Mr.Burns continues.Lisa begins to grow tired of all this fighting,until Homer begins his own Newspaper Outlet.This first Edition praises Lisa.Lisa is very touched,but weary that one Newspaper cannot succeed against bigger Newspapers.But to Lisas surprise,there are dozens of other Newspaper outlets circulating all over Town.Thanks to Lisa other Springfielders,along with Homer have began their own Newspapers,Barney,Lenny,Carl,Patty,and Selma.They were all encouraged by Lisas fight to have ones voice heard.While this is encouraging news to Lisa,it is sad News to Burns.He realises that he cannot buy every News Outlet,and admits defeat.So,to cheer himself up,he,and Smithers will spend the day shopping.

Notes

Mr.Burns realising how the people of Springfield truly feel about him.This episode of such realization is one of many.

Arc Advancement

Happenings

While Lisa is reading her Elegy about Geezer Rock,the people of Springfield read also in various places.

Characters

Homer,Marge,Bart,Lisa,Maggie,Mayor Quimby,Lenny,Carl,Barney,Mr.Burns,Mr.Smithers,Patty,Selma,Milhouse,Nelson,Ralph,Principle Skinner,Boobarella,and Geezer Rock.

Trivia

Rupert Murdock is mentioned near this episodes end by Burns as he,and Smithers stare into the Camera.

Allusions and References

Burns recalls giving out Turkey slices to the poors at Thanksgiving during the Great Depression,then ceased cintinuing because the poor people became grabby.Burns League of evil.

Memorable Moments

Homer,Carl,and Lenny are about to dance on Burns grave,until they see him alive.Lisa,and Milhouses image in the night sky.

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