Joan's in the school library working at a bank of computers. She's griping quietly about the "stupid internet" when the large blonde girl sitting opposite her asks her what the problem is. Joan complains about the results (264,000+ pages) that were returned for a simple search. The girl opposite is eating something -- I think it's a granola bar. Why? Why do fat people always have to be eating? Why couldn't she just be a fat person using the computer? I find it really disappointing that this show -- which is usually above such weak stereotyping -- succumbed to this. The other girl asks her what she's researching. Joan says, "Zero-tolerance policies in schools." The other girl replies, "Interesting topic. Are you pro or con, Joan?" She continues chomping away as Joan gives her the eye. She says, "I'm annoyed, as long as you're asking. Can I have a bite of that? I had to skip lunch for this, remember?" Granola Bar God looks dismayed about having to share her granola bar -- because of course, fat people are not only pigs, they're greedy pigs -- and reluctantly hands it to Joan, who thanks her and then asks, "How do you expect me to be on a debate team with someone who can't even talk? I mean, I feel bad for him and everything, but...debate is really a speaking thing, you know? And there's [sic] time limits. I mean, he would get, like, two words out before the bell went off. It's humiliating." Granola Bar God asks, "Well, how do you think he feels?" The eagle-eyed librarian notices Joan, whose back is to her, putting some food in her mouth, and tells her, "No eating in here, Ms. Girardi." Granola Bar God makes little effort to hide a satisfied smirk. Joan asks, "So this is about Scott?" Granola Bar God: "Everything is connected, Joan. You should have learned that by now." Frink: "No kidding." Joan sighs and rolls her eyes: "This whole 'inscrutable' thing is getting very old, you know." Granola Bar God whispers that she put Joan in debate because "it's an excellent way for people to find their own voice." Joan: "So it is about Scott!" Granola Bar God stands up and advises, "Try adding more search terms. Narrow it down." She wanders off with a Godwave as Joan asks a little too loudly: "Wait, how can I cure someone's stuttering in two days?" The librarian admonishes her.













Comments