This episode has the typical tripes for being showrun mainly by Al Jean over Selman (rather than the reverse): A woman having a secret double life, Homer and Marge's marriage being on the rocks, and Lisa being a know-it-all. In addition to that, Cohen writes his perception of females pretty weirdly in this episode by depicting Brandine in an awkward message:
"She's smart, and that's bad because.. it's just is! But it isn't, and women can be smarter than men! Men should try to improve on this. We are smartacus!" So confusing that I almost gave it a 5-- I mean, Hank Hill being described as a hillbilly?! Cohen didn't even watch the show, it seems!
However, I'll give it some good pros: Homer and Marge actually settle their marriage problems without nagging at each other, and there is a nice intersection from the A-plot to the B-plot. A promising status quo change shows from Cletus showing that he's willing to read, but I doubt it will last. We get a neat flashback for Cletus's romance, too.
Therefore, I'll be a bit more generous say that the episode was OK, unlike how I typically treat a Joel Cohen episode.
However, I'll give it some good pros: Homer and Marge actually settle their marriage problems without nagging at each other, and there is a nice intersection from the A-plot to the B-plot. A promising status quo change shows from Cletus showing that he's willing to read, but I doubt it will last. We get a neat flashback for Cletus's romance, too.
Therefore, I'll be a bit more generous say that the episode was OK, unlike how I typically treat a Joel Cohen episode.