In this episode, Bart must pass a standardized test to keep the school open while Homer tricks people into paying for his fake parking meter.
However, the lead proctor mistakes the same beetle from earlier, who landed on one of the answer bubbles, for one of Bart's answers (In a conversation with Marge at the end of the episode, the lead proctor hints she has done so on purpose); she announces that he passed the test and the school reopens, despite a wrecking ball knocking into Skinner's office since Superintendent Chalmers assumed Bart would fail.
As a result, Homer throws his domestic appliances in the dump, where he finds a parking meter that still functions.
While recording for the episode, Harper reunited with her Rhoda co-star Julie Kavner who plays Marge.
[2] The episode is dedicated in memory of television personality Huell Howser, who died 6 days earlier.
"[3] "Halloween Theme – Main Title" by John Carpenter plays while the students take the test.
[5] In August 2022, it was reported that the episode had predicted the correct percentage of the rising energy costs in the United Kingdom when the Office for National Statistics estimated that gas prices would increase 17.1 percent.
In this episode, Mr. Burns' hounds attack a man with a 17% sign on his back to select the amount that electricity rates would rise.