Ep 19. Girl's In The Band

The Simpsons Season 30, episode 19 "Girl's In The Band" follows Lisa Simpson's quest to find a saxophone mentor after learning about the gender pay gap in jazz from a magazine article. Lisa is devastated to learn that not only do female jazz musicians earn less than their male counterparts, but they also have fewer opportunities to perform.

Determined to make a change, Lisa seeks out the only female jazz musician in Springfield, a reclusive sax player named Bleeding Gums Murphy's niece, who goes by the name Lady Bleeding Gums. Lady Bleeding Gums initially turns Lisa down, but after a rousing performance at a women's empowerment rally, Lady Bleeding Gums agrees to mentor Lisa.

Lisa quickly becomes a skilled sax player under Lady Bleeding Gums' tutelage, but when it comes time for Lisa to perform at a jazz festival, she is relegated to the "girl's stage." Meanwhile, Homer and Bart try to solve a mystery by catching a pigeon who is leaving graffiti all over Springfield.

As Lisa reflects on her situation, she realizes that it's not just about being a good sax player, but also about standing up for what's right. She convinces the other female jazz musicians to band together and demand equal treatment at the festival. In the end, they get their way and perform on the main stage to thunderous applause.

"Girl's In The Band" is a poignant episode that addresses the gender pay gap and representation in the music industry. As always, The Simpsons handles the topic with sensitivity and humor, while also providing a valuable lesson for viewers. The subplot with Homer and Bart also provides some laughs amidst the heavier subject matter. Overall, it's an enjoyable and thought-provoking episode of an iconic show.