The Last Temptation of Krust

"The Last Temptation of Krust" is the fifteenth episode of Season 9 and aired on February 22, 1998. The episode was written by Donick Cary and directed by Mike B. Anderson. After finally accepting that his comedic style is outdated, Krusty settles on more edgier material: what's wrong with today's crop of stand-up comedians. Guest starring Jay Leno, Steven Wright, Janeane Garofalo, Bobcat Goldthwait and Bruce Baum. Featuring Hank Williams Jr. The name of this episode is very similar to an earlier episode "The Last Temptation of Homer."

Plot
Persuaded by Bart to appear at a comedy festival organized 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".

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.
 * Krusty talks about telling a joke about Mayor Quimby as Mayor Quimby walks in with his wife.
 * Yellow pages joke while on stage and everyone in the bar is leaving.