Dead Putting Society

The episode, which was the first to prominently feature Ned and the rest of his family, was written by Jeff Martin and directed by Rich Moore.

Homer reads the letter aloud at the breakfast table, where the Simpson family laugh at Ned's sentimentality, as well as his use of the word "bosom".

Homer takes Bart and Maggie to Sir Putt-A-Lot's Merrie Olde Fun Centre for a round of miniature golf.

He tells Bart that it is not acceptable to lose and forces him to angrily stare at a picture of Todd for fifteen minutes every day for motivation.

Doubting his golfing skills after seeing his meager collection of sports trophies, Bart accepts Lisa's offer to help him practice.

[4] Parts of this episode are also based on the film The Karate Kid (1984),[5] including the way Bart practices for the miniature golf tournament by balancing on a trash can in a "crane position".

Moore commented that the reason for this was that much of the humor on The Simpsons comes from making the scenery look lifelike; "The realism of the background serves as the straight man for the absurd situations.

[5] Maggie Roswell was given the role of Maude, Ned's loving wife, and became a regular cast member with this episode until 1999 after a pay dispute.

[12] DVD Movie Guide's Colin Jacobson commented that "considering what a prominent character Flanders became, it's strange to realize that 'Dead Putting Society' was the first show to feature him heavily.

"[13] The authors of the book I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide, Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood, commented that apart from "the memorable lawn mowing sequence at the end, this episode is notable for our first viewing of the gaudy, gadget-filled, God-fearing splendour that is the Flanderses' home.