The Last Temptation of Krust

"The Last Temptation of Krust" is the fifteenth episode of The Simpsons ' ninth season. The episode first aired on February 22, 1998. The title is a reference to the controversial novel and film The Last Temptation of Christ.

Plot
Persuaded by Bart to appear at a comedy festival organised by Jay Leno, Krusty the Clown's old-fashioned and dated material fails to impress the crowd when compared with other, more trendy comics also appearing. After going on 'the bender to end all benders', he holds a press conference to announce his retirement, and in short order launches into a bitter tirade against modern-day comics, which the crowd finds hysterical. He is inspired to return to doing low-key events, where he structures a new act for himself as a comic who tells the truth and refuses to sell out to corporate America. Although less marketable and financially successful, he is now credible and trendy. Two marketing executives try to persuade him to advertise the Canyonero, but he initially resists, before succumbing to the lure of money again. He finally admits to himself that it is not comedy that is in his blood; it is selling out.

Reception
In a 2006 article in USA Today, "The Last Temptation of Krust" was highlighted among the six best episodes of The Simpsons season 9, along with others including "Trash of the Titans," "The Joy of Sect," "The Cartridge Family," "Dumbbell Indemnity," and "Das Bus".

References to pop culture
Krusty's return to the underground comedy scene may be considered an homage to George Carlin and Bill Hicks, known for their harsh, cynical comedy material in which they frequently criticised corporate America. Numerous parallels between the two can be drawn (such as Krusty adopting an all-black wardrobe, similar to Hicks and Carlin, and his more cynical, truth-driven material).

Deleted scenes
These scenes were not included in the episode:
 * Jay Leno asking somebody to "turn down the raunch," and then saying: "We got Bob Newhart!"
 * The Internet comic first appears. This makes his later appearance meaningless.
 * An original version of the scene where Krusty burns a dollar - but the topic is the government instead of advertisement.
 * When Krusty tries to think of new ideas, he says: "The Yellow Pages - What's the deal with that?" A reference to the jokes Jerry Seinfeld commonly uses.