Page "Half-Decent Proposal" Paragraph 9

" Half-Decent Proposal " features the return of Artie Ziff, and the first time since the season 2 episode " The Way We Was " that he was portrayed by American comedian Jon Lovitz.

Even though Ziff appeared in the season 4 episode " The Front " as well, Lovitz was not available during the episode's recording session, and the character was instead voiced by Dan Castellaneta, who is one of the series ' main cast members.

Jean stated that Lovitz, who has voiced a variety of characters on The Simpsons before, is one of the staff's " favourite guest-stars.

" The episode also features the first and only appearance of Baron von Kissalot.

In the episode, Marge is charged $ 912 for a taxi drive back to Springfield.

She sarcastically tells the taxi driver to send the bill to " Baron von Kissalot ", who turns out to be a real person.

The character, which was pitched by former show runner David Mirkin and portrayed by Castellaneta, has become one of the writers ' favourites, and was series animation director Jim Reardon's favourite joke of the entire season.

Castellaneta also voiced a couple of the ants who are put on fire at the oil tower.

The Simpsons staff debated whether the ants would speak or make any sound at all, with series co-creator Matt Groening being notably hesitant to them being voiced.