"I Don't Wanna Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"[1] is the fourth episode of the nineteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons.
Lisa is named "Student of the Millennium", so Marge stresses that Homer has to attend her ceremony due to past absences at most of the kids' events.
While watching television at home, Marge sees a news report by Kent Brockman on Dwight's escape from prison.
American musician and political activist Ted Nugent, who is an advocate of hunting and gun ownership rights,[4] guest starred in the episode as himself.
His voice is heard during a phone call urging voters to vote no on a proposition that would make crossbows illegal in public schools.
[2] Chief Wiggum watches The Negotiator on a portable DVD player to learn how to deal with a hostage situation.
[2] The Itchy & Scratchy episode "The Un-Natural" parodies the baseball steroids scandal, and the title references the book and film The Natural.
[2] "Dilbert's Flying Cubicle" (with the theme music from the Dilbert animated series), "Tilt N' Spew", "Mr. Frog's Mild Ride", "FedEx Presents: The Bathroom" and "It's a Long Line" are seen at the amusement park, references to famous and well-known rides, comics, companies, and chains.
Dwight's partner in the robbery is based on John Cazale and his character in the movie Dog Day Afternoon which also involved a hostage situation.
[5] Richard Keller of TV Squad thought the episode was "funny and focused well on Marge" but wondered why Bart and Lisa have been largely absent this season.