Couch gag rating: 8/10
The episode: Bart is hit by Mr. Burns' car. Lionel Hutz persuades Homer to sue Mr. Burns for $1,000,000.
I really like this episode for three reasons. The episode further fleshed out Mr. Burns character as a merciless old man with no perspective. The second reason is that Lionel Hutz, voiced by the wonderful Phil Hartman, has a big role as Bart's ambulance chasing lawyer. The third reason is the tender moments between Homer and Marge as their marriage becomes strained. She asks him, "Homer, I'd like you to forgive me for doing the right thing."
Favorite moment(s): Bart's and Mr. Burns very different 'memories' of how the accident occurred. Homer's point of view as he looks up Marge's body.
The biggest laughs are provided by Lionel Hutz in this episode. The episode is well-written, with a soft hand, as Homer decides whether or not to cash in on Bart's accident and Marge can't lie about such a thing.
Homer and Marge end up at odds in this episode as Homer's one chance to make it big is challenged by her.
Overall rating: 9/10 This is a solid episode of the second season which goes deep into the characterizations of Homer and Marge at this stage of the show.