Like Father Like Son

Krusty agrees to have dinner with the Simpsons to repay Bart for helping exonerate him. He keeps canceling, upsetting Bart who writes a letter confessing that he has lost faith in Krusty. Krusty's secretary, Lois Pennycandy, threatens to quit unless Krusty keeps the promise, so he reluctantly attends.

During the dinner grace, Krusty recites a Hebrew blessing, surprising everyone. Lisa speaks of Krusty's heritage, moving him to tears, and he finally admits that the blessing brings back memories of his troubled past. The moment reveals the weight of his past on his present life.

Krusty reveals his real name is Herschel Krustofsky and recalls growing up on the Lower East Side of Springfield. His rabbi father despised his dream of becoming a comedian and urged him to follow in his footsteps. The two have not spoken in 25 years.

At school, Krusty performs slapstick behind his father's back, making classmates laugh. One night he performs at a rabbis' convention that Hyman unknowingly attends, recognizing Krusty with his makeup washed off by seltzer. In anger, Hyman disowns his son, and they have not spoken for 25 years.

During a taping of The Krusty the Klown Show, Krusty is tearful on camera while presenting a father-and-son themed Itchy & Scratchy segment. Lisa notes that a man who envies our family is in need of help, and she and Bart decide to reunite Krusty with his father. Hyman declares that he has no son, while Bart quips about the mistaken identity.

Seeking a path to forgiveness, Lisa finds Judaic teachings urging reconciliation. Hyman resists, arguing that Krusty betrayed his faith and family. The exchange reveals the clash between tradition, pride, and family bonds.

Bart delivers a passionate plea, invoking Sammy Davis Jr. and the perseverance of Jewish entertainers. His words nudge Hyman toward considering that entertainers can have a place in Jewish culture. Hyman remains cautious but begins to soften his stance.

Krusty, feeling glum, signals Itchy & Scratchy to roll as he goes backstage to smoke. Bart and Lisa arrive with Hyman, who sits hidden in the darkness and admonishes Krusty for smoking. The moment sets up the forthcoming confrontation and reconciliation.

Hidden in the darkness, Hyman steps into the light to confront Krusty about smoking and the rift between them. The confrontation leads to a joyous reconciliation between father and son, right there on the set.

Krusty returns to the set and delivers a heartfelt speech introducing his father, explaining that they hadn't seen each other in 25 years. The moment is intimate and emotional, underscoring the repaired bond and Krusty's pride in his father.

Hyman accepts a cream pie from Bart and, in a playful finale, throws it in Krusty’s face. The audience erupts in cheers as the family celebration turns into a lighthearted crowd-pleaser, symbolizing their reconciliation.

With the conflict resolved, Krusty begins a renewed relationship with his family. Bart and Lisa celebrate the restored bond, and Krusty acknowledges his past while looking toward a more connected future.