The Principal and the Pauper

"The Principal and the Pauper" is the second episode of The Simpsons ' ninth season. The episode first aired on September 28, 1997.

Synopsis
Seymour Skinner is about to celebrate his 20th anniversary as school principal, and it goes smoothly until a man who claims he is the real Seymour Skinner comes in, pointing out that Agnes Skinner is his mother. Principal Skinner admits he is not the real Seymour Skinner, and is only an impostor. He tells his story, in a parody of the life of Martin Guerre, and admits that his real name is Armin Tamzarian, but assumed the identity of Sergeant Seymour Skinner. Soon, the sergeant becomes the school's new principal, because he says he had intentions to be the principal of Springfield Elementary School.

Afterwards, Springfield prefers Tamzarian over the real Skinner, even Agnes. Tamzarian, however, had left Springfield and gone to Capital City. The Simpsons devise a plan to get Tamzarian back to Springfield, by coming to Capital City to get him. Back in town, the citizens of Springfield force Sergeant Skinner to leave on a train (actually tied to a chair on a freight train car), and Tamzarian returns to being Principal Skinner through an order by Judge Snyder, saying that no one will mention "Tamzarian" again under penalty of torture (Reset button technique).

Trivia

 * This episode is referenced by Lisa in the episode "I, D'oh-Bot."
 * "Armin Tamzarian" or "Armen Tamzarian" is an Armenian name, which is also the name of the Real Estate agent of the writer of the show, who later went on to become a lawyer for Fox.
 * This episode is considered by many Simpsons fans as one of the worst episodes ever. The show has even mocked the episode several times. For example, in "Behind the Laughter", a clip is shown to illustrate how gimmicky the plots became after a while.
 * Marge says she's in the 10 items or less line, yet she clearly has a cart full of items.

Cultural references

 * The title of the episode is a reference to the title of the book The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain.
 * Although it is widely believed that the episode is based on the movie The Return of Martin Guerre, it is actually based on the real life Tichborne Heir case of the mid-1800's.
 * The bridge scene with flashing explosions is like the picture Apocalypse Now.
 * The song sung by the Springfield Elementary Chorus in tribute to Skinner is a knock off of the theme song of Flipper.

Quotes

 * Lisa: "Ralph and I could do the report together." Ms. Hoover:  "Your funeral."


 * Homer's brain (after Skinner says he's a fraud): Keep looking shocked...and move slowly towards the cake.


 * Edna Krabappel: Is this the line for people who want to badmouth sergeant Skinner, Marge: And have 10 items or less. Edna: (tossing out items) 12, 11, 10, the man's a weenie!

Homer: Look, lady, obviously you have at least one son. Agnes: No! I have one stranger and one fraud!
 * Agnes Skinner: I have no son!

Edna: To Capital City. Homer: And why are you and the old lady in the car? Agnes: We're gonna talk Armin Tamzarian into coming back. Homer: And why is Marge here? Marge: I came up with the idea. Homer: And why am I here? Marge: Because the streets of Capital City are no place for three unescorted ladies. Homer: Why are the kids here? Marge: Because we couldn't find Grandpa to sit for them. Homer: And why is Grandpa here? Abe: Because Jasper didn't want to come by himself! (Jasper looks at Abe) Homer: Fair enough.
 * Homer: Okay, once more. Where are we going?


 * Superintendent Chalmers: Armin Tamzarian's reign of terror is over! Now let us welcome our new principal Skinner...principal Seymour Skinner! (audience is confused) (points to Sgt. Skinner) Uh, him.


 * Skinner: From now on, you'll see a new Seymour Skinner! Agnes: Oh, no; we won't! Skinner: Yes, Mother.


 * Mrs. Krabappel: Oh, Superintendent Chalmers! Can I offer you a cup of coffee-flavored Bevering? Chalmers: Yeah, I take it gray with Cremium. But first, before Skinner shows up, I have a secret announcement. In honor of Seymour's twentieth year as principal, we've decided to hold a surprise tribute Friday night. Willie: It's my twentieth year, too. Chalmers: (rolling his eyes) The teachers' lounge is for teachers, Willie.


 * Lisa: ...so, in 1966, a brave young man named Seymour Skinner enlisted and shipped out to Vietnam where he rose to become platoon sergeant. Ralph? Ralph: Principal Skinner is an old man who lives at the school. Lisa? Lisa: Sergeant Skinner was a hero. He risked capture many times behind enemy lines. Ralph: Teacher made me go to Principal Skinner's office when I was dirty. Lisa: And he survived to make it back to Springfield, where he became the fine educator we salute tonight. Ralph: When I grow up, I want to be a principal or a caterpillar. I love you, Principal Skinner.


 * Lisa: A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. Bart: Not if you called 'em stenchblossoms. Homer: Or crapweeds. Marge: I'd sure hate to get a dozen crapweeds for Valentine's Day. I'd rather have candy. Homer: Not if they were called scumdrops.


 * Skinner/Armin: The judge offered me a choice — jail, the army, or apologize to the judge and old lady. Of course, if I knew there was a war going on, I probably would have apologized.


 * Fake Skinner: My real name is . . . Armin Tamzarian! (Bart laughs)