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* NonIndicativeName: The title refers to Milhouse's parents breaking up, but Milhouse isn't really focused upon throughout the episode.
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* StatusQuoIsGod: Averted. The Van Houten's don't get back together.
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* StatusQuoIsGod: Averted. The Van Houten's don't get back together. At least till season 19's "Little Orphan Millie".
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* MyCountryTisOfTheeThatISting: While Homer and Marge are buying items for the dinner party, Marge learns the nations each item came from and refuses to buy the one made in America.
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* UnusualEyebrows: In a one-off gag, when the Van Houtens first arrive at the party, [[http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/File:A_Milhouse_Divided_22.JPG Luanne is glancing away]] as Kirk explains that they were late because she was busy with her makeup, saying she didn't want anyone to know that she had no eyebrows. Luanne turns to glare at him, revealing [[http://simpsons.wikia.com/wiki/File:A_Milhouse_Divided_23.JPG a bizarre quizical look]].
-->'''Kirk:''' [[DefensiveWhat What? You don't!]]
-->'''Kirk:''' [[DefensiveWhat What? You don't!]]
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No spoiler tags in recap pages.
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* DownerEnding: [[spoiler:Even after Kirk's heartfelt song, Luann still rejects him and has her boyfriend kick him out of the Simpson house.]] In this case, the downer ending was invoked by the writers because they didn't want to do the hokey, cliched ending where the divorced couple get back together.
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* DownerEnding: [[spoiler:Even Even after Kirk's heartfelt song, Luann still rejects him and has her boyfriend kick him out of the Simpson house.]] house. In this case, the downer ending was invoked by the writers because they didn't want to do the hokey, cliched ending where the divorced couple get back together.
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[[quoteright:250.11238651819:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/250px_a_milhouse_divided.png]]
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[[quoteright:250.11238651819:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/250px_a_milhouse_divided.png]]
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No spoilers in recap pages. Also, re-add if you disagree, but I don\'t see what\'s ironic about Kirk not drawing well.
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* {{Irony}}: Kirk apparently can't draw well. He can't draw "dignity", and gets angry at Luanne who couldn't tell, which sets off the argument (see Toilet Seat Divorce). Later:
-->'''Kirk:''' ''[surprised]'' I... I... a divorce? Sure. Divorce. Hey, you got it, toots! And here's a picture even you can figure out! ''[draws a circle in a rectangle]'' It's a door! Use it!\\
'''Homer:''' That's a Door!?
-->'''Kirk:''' ''[surprised]'' I... I... a divorce? Sure. Divorce. Hey, you got it, toots! And here's a picture even you can figure out! ''[draws a circle in a rectangle]'' It's a door! Use it!\\
'''Homer:''' That's a Door!?
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* StatusQuoIsGod: [[spoiler: Averted. The Van Houten's don't get back together.]]
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* StatusQuoIsGod: [[spoiler: Averted. The Van Houten's don't get back together.]]
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* NeverMyFault: Luanne is more than happy to act like Kirk is the only reason why their marriage was a miserable one despite some complaints Kirk himself had when they finally split up.
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* PetTheDog: Nelson and Kearney both try to cheer up Milhouse and comfort him and tell him he'll be alright.
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* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luann Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big Aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luann caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'' ([[ArtisticLicenseLaw which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue]], an earlier comment from Luann also heavily implies his employer was [[ItsPersonal her father]]), and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound who claims to be on the music business (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
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* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luann Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big Aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luann caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'' ([[ArtisticLicenseLaw which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue]], sue]]), an earlier comment from Luann also heavily implies his employer was [[ItsPersonal his employer was]] [[ObnoxiousInLaws her father]]), father]], and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound who claims to be on the music business (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
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Changed line(s) 6 (click to see context) from:
* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luann Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big Aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luann caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'' ([[ArtisticLicenseLaw which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue]]), and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound who claims to be on the music business (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
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* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luann Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big Aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luann caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'' ([[ArtisticLicenseLaw which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue]]), sue]], an earlier comment from Luann also heavily implies his employer was [[ItsPersonal her father]]), and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound who claims to be on the music business (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
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* {{Bowdlerization}}: When aired in the United Kingdom, the part where Luann packs away Kirk's shirts, douses them with lighter fluid, and burns the box was cut.
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* {{Bowdlerization}}: When aired in the United Kingdom, the part where Luann packs away Kirk's shirts, douses them with lighter fluid, and burns the box (along with her line "Presto, change-o, '''''KABOOM!''''' Sweet Fanny Adams, bye-bye!") was cut.
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* DownerEnding: [[spoiler:Even after Kirk's heartfelt song, Luann still rejects him and has her boyfriend kick him out of the Simpson house.]]
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* DownerEnding: [[spoiler:Even after Kirk's heartfelt song, Luann still rejects him and has her boyfriend kick him out of the Simpson house.]]]] In this case, the downer ending was invoked by the writers because they didn't want to do the hokey, cliched ending where the divorced couple get back together.
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Changed line(s) 6 (click to see context) from:
* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luann Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big Aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luann caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'' ([[HilarityEnsues which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue]]), and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound who claims to be on the music business (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
to:
* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luann Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big Aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luann caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'' ([[HilarityEnsues ([[ArtisticLicenseLaw which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue]]), and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound who claims to be on the music business (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
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* StatusQuoIsGod: [[spoiler: Averted. The Van Houten's don't get back together.]]
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* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luane Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luanne caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'' (which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue), and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound who claims to be on the music business (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
* CallBack: The flashback of Homer and Marge's quickie wedding at Shotgun Pete's from "I Married Marge," along with a new scene where Homer buys Marge a Carvel ice cream cake shaped like a whale.
* CallBack: The flashback of Homer and Marge's quickie wedding at Shotgun Pete's from "I Married Marge," along with a new scene where Homer buys Marge a Carvel ice cream cake shaped like a whale.
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*{{Bowdlerization}}: When aired in the United Kingdom, the part where Luann packs away Kirk's shirts, douses them with lighter fluid, and burns the box was cut.
* BrokenAesop: Kirk andLuane Luann Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big aesop Aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luanne Luann caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'' (which ([[HilarityEnsues which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue), sue]]), and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound who claims to be on the music business (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
* CallBack: The flashback of Homer and Marge's quickie wedding at Shotgun Pete's from season three's "I Married Marge," along with a new scene where Homer buys Marge a Carvel ice cream cake shaped like a whale.
* BrokenAesop: Kirk and
* CallBack: The flashback of Homer and Marge's quickie wedding at Shotgun Pete's from season three's "I Married Marge," along with a new scene where Homer buys Marge a Carvel ice cream cake shaped like a whale.
* LethalChef: According to Kirk, Luanne is such a bad chef that the last time Kirk ate well (before Marge's dinner party) was when he was in the Army and when Luanne tells everyone about the time some punks egged Kirk's Bonneville, he snarks, "They should have hurled some bacon too. Then I could have a decent breakfast for once."
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* WhatCouldHaveBeen: According to the DVD commentary, the episode was supposed to have Bart try and separate Homer and Marge after learning that divorced kids get more sympathy from others than kids with married parents.
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* WhatCouldHaveBeen: According to the DVD commentary, the episode was supposed to have Bart try and separate Homer and Marge after learning that divorced kids get more sympathy from others than kids with married parents.parents.
**Sheryl Crow was supposed to guest star as herself to sing at the second wedding, but she declined.
**Sheryl Crow was supposed to guest star as herself to sing at the second wedding, but she declined.
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* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luane Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luanne caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'' (which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue), and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
to:
* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luane Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luanne caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'' (which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue), and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound who claims to be on the music business (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
* DidntSeeThatComing: Kirk never saw the divorce coming.
* {{Irony}}: Kirk apparently can't draw well. He can't draw "dignity", and gets angry at Luanne who couldn't tell, which sets off the argument (see Toilet Seat Divorce). Later:
-->'''Kirk:''' ''[surprised]'' I... I... a divorce? Sure. Divorce. Hey, you got it, toots! And here's a picture even you can figure out! ''[draws a circle in a rectangle]'' It's a door! Use it!\\
'''Homer:''' That's a Door!?
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: Kirk realized what a jerk he's been to Luanne and should have respected her more.
-->'''Kirk:''' ''[surprised]'' I... I... a divorce? Sure. Divorce. Hey, you got it, toots! And here's a picture even you can figure out! ''[draws a circle in a rectangle]'' It's a door! Use it!\\
'''Homer:''' That's a Door!?
* MyGodWhatHaveIDone: Kirk realized what a jerk he's been to Luanne and should have respected her more.
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** And it happened after Homer called to tell Marge he won't be with her that night like he promised.
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** And it happened Marge left them for Homer after Homer he called to tell Marge her he won't be with her that night like he promised.
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** And it happened after Homer called to tell Marge he won't be with her that night like he promised.
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** On the other hand, the ending for Marge and Homer is [[CrowningMomentOfHeartwarming incredibly sweet.]]
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* {{CallBack}}: The flashback of Homer and Marge's quickie wedding at Shotgun Pete's from "I Married Marge," along with a new scene where Homer buys Marge a Carvel ice cream cake shaped like a whale.
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* {{CallBack}}: CallBack: The flashback of Homer and Marge's quickie wedding at Shotgun Pete's from "I Married Marge," along with a new scene where Homer buys Marge a Carvel ice cream cake shaped like a whale.
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* TakeOurWordForIt: We don't see how Luanne drew "dignity", but everyone agrees that it was a very, very good drawing.
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* ToiletSeatDivorce: Kirk and Luanne divorce over a game of Pictionary...or so it seemed. In actuality, they were fighting all night before the game started, and the game just [[RantInducingSlight unleashed years of frustration on Luanne's part]].
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* {{CallBack}}: The flashback of Homer and Marge's quickie wedding at Shotgun Pete's from "I Married Marge," along with a new scene where Homer buys Marge a Carvel ice cream cake shaped like a whale.
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Changed line(s) 5 (click to see context) from:
* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luane Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luanne caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'', and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
to:
* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luane Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luanne caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'', single]]'' (which is actually discrimination and grounds for Kirk to sue), and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
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* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot: This episode could have been a lot better if, oh, I don't know, it focused on Milhouse dealing with his parents' divorce. Having it be yet another "Homer worries about his marriage to Marge, only to find that Marge loves him no matter what" was a major screw to the audience, and a lot of fans will point to this episode as one of many reasons why this show has gone downhill.
** WhatCouldHaveBeen: According to the DVD commentary, the episode was supposed to have Bart try and separate Homer and Marge after learning that divorced kids get more sympathy from others than kids with married parents.
** WhatCouldHaveBeen: According to the DVD commentary, the episode was supposed to have Bart try and separate Homer and Marge after learning that divorced kids get more sympathy from others than kids with married parents.
to:
* TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot: This episode could have been a lot better if, oh, I don't know, it focused on Milhouse dealing with his parents' divorce. Having it be yet another "Homer worries about his marriage to Marge, only to find that Marge loves him no matter what" was a major screw to the audience, and a lot of fans will point to this episode as one of many reasons why this show has gone downhill.
**WhatCouldHaveBeen: According to the DVD commentary, the episode was supposed to have Bart try and separate Homer and Marge after learning that divorced kids get more sympathy from others than kids with married parents.
**
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* OhCrap: Kirk explains to Homer the signs of a potential divorce depends on the food you eat. One minute you are eating a delicious meal, the next you are thawing hot dogs in a sink. When Homer goes home he finds hot dogs thawing on the kitchen sink, so he obviously freaks out.
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* BrokenAesop: Kirk and Luane Van Houten's divorce in was all just one big aesop about Homer needing to respect his wife, which is what Kirk tells Homer after losing his home, his job, and his car. But the way losing Luanne caused those was [[DeusAngstMachina utterly contrived]]: he lost his home because he apparently got absolutely nothing in the divorce settlement, he was fired ''[[GeorgeJetsonJobSecurity for being single]]'', and his car was stolen by a woman he met on the rebound (which ''was'' his fault, but was more general incompetence as he was dumb enough to hand over his keys to someone he just met while waiting in a bar).
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Marge decides to throw a dinner party after realizing how lazy and slovenly her family has become, but the party turns awkward when Kirk and Luann van Houten (Milhouse's parents) begin bickering and Luann announces that she wants to divorce Kirk, who is happy to oblige. While Milhouse is taking the divorce (and the fact that Luann has a new boyfriend who used to be an American Gladiator) well, Homer begins to worry when he sees Kirk's life circle the drain now that his wife is gone and fears that Homer will suffer the same fate with Marge.
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* DownerEnding: [[spoiler:Even after Kirk's heartfelt song, Luann still rejects him and has her boyfriend kick him out of the Simpson house.]]
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* DownerEnding: [[spoiler:Even after Kirk's heartfelt song, Luann still rejects him and has her boyfriend kick him out of the Simpson house.]]]]
*TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot: This episode could have been a lot better if, oh, I don't know, it focused on Milhouse dealing with his parents' divorce. Having it be yet another "Homer worries about his marriage to Marge, only to find that Marge loves him no matter what" was a major screw to the audience, and a lot of fans will point to this episode as one of many reasons why this show has gone downhill.
**WhatCouldHaveBeen: According to the DVD commentary, the episode was supposed to have Bart try and separate Homer and Marge after learning that divorced kids get more sympathy from others than kids with married parents.
*TheyWastedAPerfectlyGoodPlot: This episode could have been a lot better if, oh, I don't know, it focused on Milhouse dealing with his parents' divorce. Having it be yet another "Homer worries about his marriage to Marge, only to find that Marge loves him no matter what" was a major screw to the audience, and a lot of fans will point to this episode as one of many reasons why this show has gone downhill.
**WhatCouldHaveBeen: According to the DVD commentary, the episode was supposed to have Bart try and separate Homer and Marge after learning that divorced kids get more sympathy from others than kids with married parents.
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----
!!"A Milhouse Divided" contains examples of:
*DownerEnding: [[spoiler:Even after Kirk's heartfelt song, Luann still rejects him and has her boyfriend kick him out of the Simpson house.]]
!!"A Milhouse Divided" contains examples of:
*DownerEnding: [[spoiler:Even after Kirk's heartfelt song, Luann still rejects him and has her boyfriend kick him out of the Simpson house.]]
