Michael Jackson as a man who pretends to be Michael Jackson to bring joy to people's lives? Epic.
Johnny Cash as Homer's Spirit Guide? Awesome.
Lady Gaga in a fawning, twenty-two minute commercial for Lady Gaga? Yuck.
This could have been a good Lisa episode. It started with a strong plot in which Lisa is voted least popular at Springfield Elementary. The thing I don't understand about this episode, unfortunately the biggest part of the episode, is Lady Gaga's inclusion. Apparently in the Simpsons' Universe, Gaga is a Christ-like entertainer who can literally sense when someone is unhappy about themselves. This is all, in a very perplexing manner, played straight by the show. Only her most-publicized quirks are lambasted in any way - other than that she's accepted as a hero. I know Gaga has spoken out against bullying; that's all well and good. To me, when it comes to celebrities, Pat Tillman was a hero. Lady Gaga? Not so much.
One of the best moments in the episode comes when Lisa stands up to Gaga. That's quickly swept under the rug. It's unfair that the best part of the episode is watching Homer and Marge attempt to understand and cheer up Lisa. Just Bieber is going to be a guest star next season. This isn't getting any better. Lisa Goes Gaga was the worst episode of season 23 in my opinion. Skip it if you don't want to have to shower afterward.