The Old Man and the Lisa

"I've got an empire to rebuild. And the person who's going to help me is that girl."

- Mr. Burns about Lisa

"The Old Man and the Lisa" is the twenty-first episode of Season 8.

Synopsis
Mr. Burns loses his vast fortune and turns to Lisa for help in getting it back through environmental means.

Full Story
Mr. Burns is sitting in his office talking to his lawyers. Unbeknownst to him, his lawyers agree with everything he says in fear of his wrath, going so far as to encourage him while he makes bad investments. It is revealed that Burns has lost all of his money: The bank forecloses on the plant and sells Burns' mansion to pro wrestler Bret Hart.

He lives with Waylon Smithers for a short while, then gets put in the Retirement Castle. Soon, Burns begs for the help of Lisa, who had been pestering him (and the rest of the neighborhood) about recycling. She declines, but after patience and irritation, she gives in. On the condition that he will lose his evil manners she helps him, the two start making money recycling cans. After a while Burns has made plenty of money to open the Little Lisa Recycling Plant, all made from recycled materials. Lisa is pleased, believing that Burns has truly changed, until Burns show her 'the best part': He is using people's recycled plastic to create a giant net made from six-pack holders, which 'sweeps the sea clean' by hauling all the creatures out of it and selling the meat as animal slurry.

Everyone but Lisa in town is apparently brainwashed to recycle. Lisa, being comforted at home, receives a visit from Burns, who informs her he's selling the plant for $120 million. He offers 10% to Lisa, but knowing where the money came from, she turns it down.

Homer has four simultaneous heart attacks (thinking she turned down $12,000 dollars). She later corrects him at the hospital, saying that 10% would actually be $12 million. Homer then suffers another heart attack.

Production
The episode was directed by Mark Kirkland and written by John Swartzwelder. The writers had always thought about having an episode in which Burns lost all of his money and would have to interact with the outside world. Bret Hart, a professional wrestler, makes a cameo as himself.

Reception
In the I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide, the episode was called "An odd episode with a not-too-unexpected outcome. The best bits are undoubtedly Burns learning his way around a supermarket and Lisa's realization of what Burns has been up to."