# The Parent Rap

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2nd episode of the 13th season of The Simpsons

"The Parent Rap" The Simpsons episode Episode no. Season 13 Episode 2 Directed by Mark Kirkland Written by George Meyer Mike Scully Production code CABF22 Original air date November 11, 2001 (2001-11-11) Guest appearances Jane Kaczmarek as Judge Constance Harm Marcia Wallace as Mrs. Krabappel Jess Harnell as Poncho the Seal Episode features Chalkboard gag "Nobody reads these anymore" Couch gag The Simpsons jump out of the painting of the simply drawn sailboat behind the couch. Commentary Matt Groening Mike Scully George Meyer Ian Maxtone-Graham Matt Selman Tim Long Dana Gould Joel H. Cohen Kevin Gould Episode chronology ← Previous "Treehouse of Horror XII" Next → "Homer the Moe" The Simpsons season 13 List of episodes

"**The Parent Rap**" is the second episode and official premiere of the [thirteenth season](/source/The_Simpsons_season_13) of the American animated television series *[The Simpsons](/source/The_Simpsons)*. It originally aired on the [Fox network](/source/Fox_Broadcasting_Company) in the United States on November 11, 2001. In the episode, after [Bart](/source/Bart_Simpson) takes a joyride in a police car, a judge orders him to be tethered to [Homer](/source/Homer_Simpson) at all times.

The episode was written by [George Meyer](/source/George_Meyer) and [Mike Scully](/source/Mike_Scully), who also served as the [show runner](/source/Show_runner) for the episode, and [Mark Kirkland](/source/Mark_Kirkland) worked as the director. The writers based the story on “a couple of incidents” in real life in which troublesome children, through alternative sentencing, were tethered to their parents. The episode marks the first appearance of the infamous and notoriously cruel Judge Constance Harm, who is voiced by actress [Jane Kaczmarek](/source/Jane_Kaczmarek).

When it was first broadcast, “The Parent Rap” was watched by 14.4 million viewers, making it the second most watched show of its timeslot that night. After its release on [DVD](/source/DVD) and [Blu-ray](/source/Blu-ray), however, the episode garnered mixed reviews from critics.

## Plot

After missing the bus, Bart and [Milhouse](/source/Milhouse_Van_Houten) are given a ride to school by Homer, but are evicted from the car after Homer spots the opportunity to win a competition by local radio station KBBL (the prizes being $40 and a [Blue Öyster Cult](/source/Blue_%C3%96yster_Cult) medallion). Being forced to walk to school, they get into trouble and are arrested for stealing Chief Wiggum's [squad car](/source/Squad_car). Milhouse gets off but when Bart comes to the bench, Judge Constance Harm (voiced by [Jane Kaczmarek](/source/Jane_Kaczmarek)) takes over and lays down the law while Judge Snyder is on his fishing trip. Upon learning that Homer deliberately ditched Bart for the radio station prize, Judge Harm angrily sentences both of them to be tethered together. Initially, this brings Bart and Homer closer together, despite Homer disrupting Bart's [education](/source/Springfield_Elementary) and later getting cut up by glass during a [baseball](/source/Baseball) game. However, things soon go wrong, such as Bart being left outside in the cold while Homer drinks at [Moe's](/source/Moe's_Tavern), and again when Marge and Homer try to have sex when Bart does his homework, leading father and son to fight one another. Fed up with the punishment, Marge then finally cuts the tether, only for her and Homer to be brought back before Harm and have their heads and hands locked up in old-fashioned wooden pillories, as well as being slapped on the buttocks from passing cars.

Unable to bear the punishment any longer, they break free using [Ned Flanders](/source/Ned_Flanders)'s power tools and decide to get back at the judge by hanging an insulting banner from her [houseboat](/source/Houseboat). The plan goes awry when they are cornered by Harm's guard seal Poncho and accidentally sink the boat, being once again brought into court. When Bart pleads to take full responsibility for his parents' actions, Harm agrees and almost sentences Bart to five years in juvenile hall when Snyder returns from his fishing trip and declares a verdict of "Boys will be boys," dismissing the case. While driving home afterwards, Marge makes the entire family promise not to break the law again for a whole year — a promise that Homer instantly breaks when he accidentally runs over [Hans Moleman](/source/Hans_Moleman).[1]

## Production and cultural references

*The Simpsons* [show runner](/source/Show_runner) [Mike Scully](/source/Mike_Scully) (left) and writer [George Meyer](/source/George_Meyer) (right) co-wrote the episode.

"The Parent Rap" was co-written by [George Meyer](/source/George_Meyer) and [Mike Scully](/source/Mike_Scully), and [Mark Kirkland](/source/Mark_Kirkland) served as the director for the episode.[2] It was first broadcast on the [Fox network](/source/Fox_Broadcasting_Company) in the United States on November 11, 2001.[2] The title of the episode is a reference to *[The Parent Trap](/source/The_Parent_Trap_(1998_film))*. Even though "[Treehouse of Horror XII](/source/Treehouse_of_Horror_XII)" - the first episode of the thirteenth season - had aired the previous week, "The Parent Rap" was considered the official premiere of the season.[3] "The Parent Rap" was the last episode written in its production line.[4] "As I recall, we got toward the end of the season and we had to write another episode in a hurry", said Meyer in a DVD [audio commentary](/source/Audio_commentary) for the episode.[4] Judge Constance Harm is a parody of *[Judge Judy](/source/Judge_Judy)*.

The writing staff contributed a rough outline for the episode, and Meyer and Scully went into one of the writer's room and "basically, kind of locked [themselves] in for five days" writing the episode.[4] Meyer and Scully both thoroughly enjoyed the writing process of the episode;[2][4] "It really came together easily", stated Meyer, "...because we had known each other so long and were comfortable with each other's style".[4] [Ian Maxtone-Graham](/source/Ian_Maxtone-Graham), one of the writers for *The Simpsons*, commented that the draft Meyer and Scully had written was "awfully good".[5]

The episode was based on "a couple of incidents" that the writers had heard about in which troublesome children, through alternative sentencing, were tethered to their parents.[2] The scene in which Homer and Marge get spanked by Springfield's citizens as part of their punishment was also based on an alternative sentencing, in which the sentenced had to wear certain shirts or signs that indicated whether they, for example, had not paid taxes.[2] The scene in which Bart accidentally drives away with [Chief Wiggum](/source/Chief_Wiggum)'s police car was based on one of Scully's friends in high school, who stole a still running police car parked at a [Dunkin' Donuts](/source/Dunkin'_Donuts) while the police were in the store.[2]

The episode featured the first appearance of Judge Constance Harm, portrayed by American actress [Jane Kaczmarek](/source/Jane_Kaczmarek). At the time of the episode's airing, Kaczmarek starred on Fox's *[Malcolm in the Middle](/source/Malcolm_in_the_Middle)*.[2] The character's name was conceived by Meyer, who had always thought that Constance was a scary name.[4]

The episode makes several references to [Blue Öyster Cult](/source/Blue_%C3%96yster_Cult)'s hit song "[(Don't Fear) The Reaper](/source/(Don't_Fear)_The_Reaper)", which also plays during the episode's end credits, and [inspired the title of a later episode](/source/Don't_Fear_the_Roofer).[6] Meyer later got to meet the band, who said that they were "stoked" to be referenced in a *Simpsons* episode.[4]

## Release

In its original American broadcast on November 11, 2001, "The Parent Rap" was seen by approximately 14.4 million viewers, according to [Nielsen Media Research](/source/Nielsen_Media_Research). The episode received a 6.9 rating/16 share among adults between ages 18 and 49, making it the second most-watched television show of the night in its demographic.[7] The episode was listed among the 15 most watched shows in its demographic that week.[8]

Following the episode's broadcast, as well as the home video release of thirteenth season of *The Simpsons*, "The Parent Rap" received generally mixed reviews from critics.

Writing for the *[Daily News](/source/New_York_Daily_News)*, Eric Mink gave the episode a mixed review.[3] "To be sure, the show has its moments", wrote Mink, "But there's not much zip here, and the show has, of all things, a warm-and-fuzzy ending... 'The Simpsons' and warm-and-fuzzy is not a healthy combination".[3]

Nate Boss of Project-Blu described the episode as "filler" and praised the episode's concept, but criticized how the episode was executed.[9]

Colin Jacobson of DVD Movie Guide also gave the episode a mixed response, and wrote that "'Rap' starts with a clever – if absurd – concept", but "does little to churn good comedy out of its theme", and concluded by calling the episode "disappointing".[10]

Jennifer Malkowski, reviewing the season for DVD Verdict, was more positive towards the episode.[11] Giving the episode a rating of B+, Malkowski listed "The Parent Rap" among episodes in the season where "We see wacky scenarios force Homer to bond with his family, to a rather heartwarming effect".[11]

Ron Martin of 411Mania was also favorable, calling the episode "decent".[12]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-officialsite_1-0)** ["The Parent Rap"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101127043106/http://www.thesimpsons.com/recaps/season13). The Simpsons.com. Archived from [the original](https://thesimpsons.com/recaps/season13/#episode2) on November 27, 2010. Retrieved December 16, 2010.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Scully_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Scully_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Scully_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Scully_2-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Scully_2-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Scully_2-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Scully_2-6) Scully, Mike. (2010). Commentary for "The Parent Rap", in *The Simpsons: The Complete Thirteenth Season* [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-nydailynews_3-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-nydailynews_3-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-nydailynews_3-2) Mink, Eric (November 20, 2001). ["SO-SO 'SIMPSONS' STILL CAN'T BE BEAT"](https://www.nydailynews.com/2001/11/05/so-so-simpsons-still-cant-be-beat/). *[New York Daily News](/source/New_York_Daily_News)*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20240826074749/https://www.nydailynews.com/2001/11/05/so-so-simpsons-still-cant-be-beat/) from the original on August 26, 2024. Retrieved January 14, 2011.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-Meyer_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-Meyer_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-Meyer_4-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-Meyer_4-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-Meyer_4-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-Meyer_4-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-Meyer_4-6) Meyer, George. (2010). Commentary for "The Parent Rap", in *The Simpsons: The Complete Thirteenth Season* [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Maxtone-Graham_5-0)** Maxtone-Graham, Ian. (2010). Commentary for "The Parent Rap", in *The Simpsons: The Complete Thirteenth Season* [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Long_6-0)** Long, Tim. (2010). Commentary for "The Parent Rap", in *The Simpsons: The Complete Thirteenth Season* [DVD]. 20th Century Fox.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-mediadaily_7-0)** ["CBS, Fox Pack Sunday Punch"](https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/13401/cbs-fox-pack-sunday-punch.html). [Reuters](/source/Reuters). November 13, 2001. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210818064322/https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/13401/cbs-fox-pack-sunday-punch.html) from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-mediadaily2_8-0)** ["CBS Gets Special Boost In Latest Week"](https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/13392/cbs-gets-special-boost-in-latest-week.html). [Reuters](/source/Reuters). November 14, 2001. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210818064327/https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/13392/cbs-gets-special-boost-in-latest-week.html) from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved May 8, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-Project-blu_9-0)** Boss, Nate (September 8, 2010). ["The Simpsons: The Thirteenth Season"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110622070047/http://project-blu.com/reviews/simpsons13.html). Project-Blu. Archived from [the original](http://project-blu.com/reviews/simpsons13.html) on June 22, 2011. Retrieved December 9, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-DVDmg_10-0)** Jacobson, Colin (September 2, 2010). ["The Simpsons: The Complete Thirteenth Season \[Blu-Ray\] (2001)"](http://www.dvdmg.com/simpsonsseasonthirteen.shtml). DVD Movie Guide. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200404202638/http://www.dvdmg.com/simpsonsseasonthirteen.shtml) from the original on April 4, 2020. Retrieved December 9, 2010.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-DVDverdict_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-DVDverdict_11-1) Malkowski, Jennifer (September 6, 2010). ["The Simpsons: The Complete Thirteenth Season (Blu-Ray)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111209001817/http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/simpsons13bluray.php). DVD Verdict. Archived from [the original](http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/simpsons13bluray.php) on December 9, 2011. Retrieved December 9, 2010.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-411mania_12-0)** Martin, Ron (September 15, 2010). ["The Simpsons Season 13 DVD Review"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101015004733/http://www.411mania.com/movies/dvd_reviews/153026). 411Mania. Archived from [the original](http://www.411mania.com/movies/dvd_reviews/153026) on October 15, 2010. Retrieved May 7, 2020.

## External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to ***["The Parent Rap"](https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/The_Simpsons/Season_13#The_Parent_Rap)***.

- [The Simpsons portal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:The_Simpsons)

- ["The Parent Rap episode capsule"](http://www.simpsonsarchive.com/episodes/CABF22.html). *[The Simpsons Archive](/source/The_Simpsons_Archive)*.

- ["The Parent Rap"](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0701255/) at [IMDb](/source/IMDb_(identifier))

v t e The Simpsons episodes Seasons 1–20 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Season 21–present 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 Season 13 "Treehouse of Horror XII" "The Parent Rap" "Homer the Moe" "A Hunka Hunka Burns in Love" "The Blunder Years" "She of Little Faith" "Brawl in the Family" "Sweets and Sour Marge" "Jaws Wired Shut" "Half-Decent Proposal" "The Bart Wants What It Wants" "The Lastest Gun in the West" "The Old Man and the Key" "Tales from the Public Domain" "Blame It on Lisa" "Weekend at Burnsie's" "Gump Roast" "I Am Furious (Yellow)" "The Sweetest Apu" "Little Girl in the Big Ten" "The Frying Game" "Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge" See also Treehouse of Horror list The Simpsons episode guides "The Simpsons Guy" Category

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