Well, add "inspiration for an episode of the Simpsons" to the Gavster's resume. Apparently "Springfield is for Gay Lovers of Marriage." Thanks to Bart pranking a Matt Lauer-esque perky morning show host, who then pans the town on air, tourism plummets, and Mayor Quimby asks the town for a solution. Our favorite suggestion was "Poetry Slams." Lisa comes up with offering same-sex marriages, and the prospect of a wave of DINK dollars convinces everyone. Download the torrent of the video if you missed it and have no TiVO.

Of course, no real mayor would ever be that cynical. Would someone stage a massive piece of political theater to boost his city's profile, personal career or fundraising efforts? We couldn't imagine anyone having such callous disregard for the emotions of thousands of loving couples. Vote Quimby!

The big story here is that the religious right have finally found their gay cartoon character. Since Wayland Smithers is still in the closet, Patty Bouvier is probably your first out character in primetime cartoon history. She almost marries transvestite Leslie Robin Swisher, but leaves him at the altar when she discovers his adams apple. The LPGA golfer with lesbian lover is, well, probably fairly common, but is also a reset of an old Tracey Ullman sketch featuring Julie Kavner.

Image of Apu by Matt Groenig.