The Principal and the Pauper

Episode aired Sep 28, 1997
TV-14
30m

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

3.8K

YOUR RATING

Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Dan Castellaneta, and Harry Shearer in The Simpsons (1989)

Adult Animation Satire Animation Comedy

At his 20th anniversary celebration as school principal, Principal Skinner is discovered to be an imposter of the real Seymour Skinner.At his 20th anniversary celebration as school principal, Principal Skinner is discovered to be an imposter of the real Seymour Skinner.At his 20th anniversary celebration as school principal, Principal Skinner is discovered to be an imposter of the real Seymour Skinner.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

6.9/10

3.8K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Photos

Trivia
In a 2001 interview, Harry Shearer, the voice of Principal Skinner, recalled that after reading the script, he told the writers, "That's so wrong. You're taking something that an audience has built eight years or nine years of investment in and just tossed it in the trash can for no good reason, for a story we've done before with other characters. It's so arbitrary and gratuitous, and it's disrespectful to the audience."

In a later interview, Shearer added, "Now, the writers refuse to talk about it. They realize it was a horrible mistake. They never mention it. It's like they're punishing the audience for paying attention."

Goofs
Skinner/Tamzarian doesn't know who Ned Flanders is, despite the fact that Skinner/Tamzarian once conspired with Bart and Homer to get Flanders fired from being a principal.

Quotes
Abe Simpson: [to Agnes] Hello Beautiful.
Agnes Skinner: In your dreams!
Abe Simpson: We'll see about that!
[He falls asleep]
Abe Simpson: [Talking in his dream] Hello Beautiful.

Alternate versions
When shown on Channel 4 in the UK, the line "Up yours, children!", when Skinner is leaving on his motorbike, is cut out.

Connections
Featured in The Simpsons: Behind the Laughter (2000)

Soundtracks
Flipper Theme
(uncredited)
Music by Henry Vars
[Sung as "They Call Him Skinner"]

User reviews27

Review

Featured review

8/10

Hello beautiful!

A shocking secret about Principle Skinner's past is revealed to Springfield.

This is a strong episode with decent humour and character moments.

The plot regarding Skinner's identity is quite off the wall, but for me it works and sets up more funny moments involving the fickle residents of Springfield. I particularly enjoyed the scenes involving Agnes Skinner, who has all the best lines brilliantly delivered by Tress MacNeille. I love the opening sequence of Skinner nerdishly checking that nothing is out of place as he inspects the school. Martin Sheen also has a memorable cameo with some great lines.

I appreciate this is a divisive episode due to the characterisation, but personally I've never taken continuity in a satirical, animated sitcom particularly seriously. The episode even humorously references it's own implausibility near the end when the judge appears. For me The Simpsons is all about the humour, social commentary and fun.