Francine's Big Top Trouble

Summary
Francine's sister, Catherine, was a star at circus camp, so Francine is sure she will be, too. But when she can't seem to get the hang of tumbling, she wonders whether she'll ever get out of her sister's shadow.

Plot
The episode begins when Arthur and D.W. are playing checkers. Arthur begins to speak, but D.W. tells him she wants to do it herself. Arthur then says he doesn't think D.W. thinks she appriciates how easy her life is because of him. He says she could always go to him for great advice. A flashback begins with Arthur teaching D.W. how to get rid of mosquitoes. He tells her to blow bently, and will go away. D.W. blows, and the mosquito leaves, but bites her first. Arthur says "More gently next time. I will now teach you how to tie your shoes with your mind." The flashback ends. He says he constantly encourages her. Another flashback begins. Arthur is teaching D.W. how to rollerskate. D.W. rides in to a garbage can. "That was great. Now we'll work on stopping!" And he thinks when she gets to kindergarten, everyone will respect her because she's Arthur Read's sister. He says he also teaches her things, like checkers. D.W. yells, "King me!"

--Title Card--

The Frenskys are eating breakfast, and Francine flips her spoonful of cereal into the air. She catches it, and says she will now accept her applause. Catherine claps and remembers it's the first day of circus camp. Catherine tells Francine that she can't wait for Francine to be on the trapeze, 15 feet of the ground.

Trivia

 * Boris and Natasha are a possible reference to Boris and Natasha of The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show, especially to the Bumbling Brothers Circus story arc during the show's fifth season.
 * Boris Boudnikov is a caricature of Igor Boudnikov, the supervisor of character design in the series from around seasons 10 to 15.
 * This episode was originally titled "I'm Not Catherine".
 * D.W. said "King me!" just like in "Arthur Bounces Back".
 * In "Arthur The Unfunny", Francine had no problem doing flips or cartwheels, and even tried to help Arthur learn how. This episode retcons her skills.
 * This is the only episode written by Adam Felber.

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