Lisa breaks the prime directive of nature documentary filmmaking when she stops a shark from eating a small octopus named Molly.
He even makes an impressive diorama for Peyton only for Milhouse to produce a replica of his work, causing Bart to destroy both their projects in frustration.
Bart confesses that while Lisa was filming her documentary on the beach, he used a bucket he found in the sand to get into a nearby hotel where he indulged in desserts, and when he went to swim in the pool, he started to drown.
After the death of Marcia Wallace, Al Jean thought that Bart may not get a new permanent teacher given how public schools work.
[3] Tony Sokol of Den of Geek gave the episode a 4 out of 5 stars stating, "’My Octopus and a Teacher’ tells an original story which brings depth to the entire Springfield school system, broadens Homer’s fatherly input, and teaches Lisa a new lesson.
‘My Octopus and a Teacher’ is an altogether sweet, but not sappy, episode, but don’t expect Rayshelle Peyton to replace Miss Krabapple.
Additionally, Lisa’s B-plot involving her friendship with a cephalopod is a cute albeit formulaic little distraction from Bart’s complicated situation.