or yellow.
Though it's been mentioned by some in this week of intense mourning for Michael Jackson, the classic 1991 episode of The Simpsons in which Jackson guest-starred has taken a backseat to the many reminiscences of his appearances on TV -- from his iconic Thriller videos to his infamous moon-walking performance at the 1983 "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" anniversary celebration.
But now, those who have wanted to relive his guest-voicing appearance on The Simpsons will get their chance this Sunday night on Fox (July 5, 8 p.m.). It's a rarity for network TV: A prime-time showcase for a TV show that is nearly 18 years old. Fox had to arrange special permission to show the episode, since the broadcast rights to episodes this old are tied up in syndication agreements with local stations. Still, based on the outpouring of grief over Jackson's death, the arrangements were made and the episode is on the schedule.
Titled "Stark Raving Dad," the show first aired on Sept. 19, 1991 -- the premiere episode of The Simpsons’ third season. In it, Homer wears a shirt, accidentally dyed pink, to work at the nuclear plant, where everyone else wears white. Homer’s boss, Mr. Burns, interprets Homer’s flamboyant attire as an act of non-conformity so alarming that Burns has Homer committed to a mental institution. There, Homer rooms with a hulking fellow patient – a gentle giant who believes he is Michael Jackson and even speaks with his voice. Homer, clueless as usual, has never heard of Michael Jackson, so for all he knows or cares, this guy might as well be the gloved one.
It's a sweet, touching episode of The Simpsons -- one of the series' all-time best actually -- written by Al Jean, who now runs the show. Jackson’s role is anything but fleeting -- he appears throughout most of the episode, and even performs two songs. He sings one to Homer, a ballad adapted from his own song for the rat movie, Ben, and another one to Lisa, a birthday tribute supposedly composed by "Michael" and Bart (audio below).
For some reason, Jackson’s not credited at the end of the show. Instead, his role is credited to a "John Jay Smith," a moniker that turns out to be fictitious since it was confirmed years ago that the voice was definitely Jackson's own. This is a very special episode -- enjoy it.
More Michael: TV.com Top Ten: MJ's Best and Worst TV Moments
