Look out, Morrissey: The Smiths are coming for you this Sunday.
The Simpsons has a long tradition of incorporating musicians and musical storylines into episodes, from Paul McCartney to the Rolling Stones to the Smashing Pumpkins to BTO to the White Stripes. One act that’s missing from this long list is The Smiths. That will change this Sunday (April 18).
In an episode called “Panic on the Streets of Springfield” (there’s your first hint), Lisa gets a new imaginary friend, a depressed British indie singer from the 1980s. No, Morrissey didn’t voice the character–would you trust him to behave on a production that is a send-up of his career?–so Benedict Cumberbatch was brought in.
If there’s any doubt about what the show is trying to do, compare this artwork from the episode with a famous Smiths photo.
I used to have that Salford Lads Club t-shirt back in the 80s. It was my pride and joy! Sadly, I left it in a bag of clothes on the intermural bus after football practice and never saw it again! (Yes. I played football and enjoyed The Smiths.)