The Simpsons Season 1 Review: Bart The Genius (two)

Heey, everyone. I'm Andrew and welcome to my review of The Simpsons.
Like my reviews under the Toony Tuesday banner and of Star vs. The Forces of Evil, I'm taking a look at America's Favorite Family and giving my thoughts on (so far) each episode of each (at least early) season the longest-running primetime series in American television history.

If you're wondering why I'm starting here instead of the first aired episode, the Christmas-themed "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire", Click here. I've also reviewed that.

So let's begin with episode two... "Bart the Genius".

In the episode, "Bart swaps papers with class nerd Martin during an intelligence test at school. When the school psychologist compiles the test results, he believes the switch and refers Bart to the Enriched Learning Center for Gifted Children. The new school's laid-back liberal ethos suits Bart in a brilliant way - until he is asked to show evidence of his neglected genius."

While it's always been established that Bart is a mischievous brat with a big brain and even bigger heart hidden within, this episode really kicks off his mean streak. Here he commits the crime of swapping his intelligence test paper with that of fellow student - and Springfield Elementary School genius - Martin Prince out of pure malice and envy, thanks to Martin snitching on him to Principal Skinner for defacing school walls. But, as it turns out, switching the papers or his graffiti-grossed, Skinner-s punishment was only the least of Bart's misfortune.

While Bart deserves his quick punishment at SES, he didn't deserve the harsh shunning by the snobby smart students at because he switched his and Martin's tests, you still feel a bit sorry for him. When he's at the school, he tries his best, but is immediately degraded by his "classmates" (who are pretty much his equals in the lil' butthole department). And when he takes a quick trip back to SES, his friends shun him because of his newfound genius status.

As for SES' counselor and psychologist, Dr. J. Loren Pryor, I appreciate his (successful) attempts to get Bart to move to ELCGC because of his "budding genius", to which Skinner agrees - mostly to finally get Bart out of his hair (I mean have you seen his permanent record? Could it BE any more concerning??). I also must throw shade at Dr. Pryor,. Despite his life's work, he still couldn't tell Bart's true intent most of the episode. Sure, he sees Bart as a prodigy and wants to defend his hiQ to reach whatever limits the boy can for a great future; but  it only took until Bart gives up and confesses his crime. ...And he still doesn't get it.
You know... you misspelled "confession".
You know... you missed the point, dingus.

I will say, even though it's at the very start of his starting at ELCGC, seeing Bart getting close with Homer is very sweet to see. Homer is very proud of his son's academically bright mind, and I would've believed it if he spread the news in his Homer-esque way. It honestly could give a tear in my eyes. Lisa, on the other hand isn't so proud -- as she is (rightfully) skeptical about Bart's smarts and was open with it (and if this episode happened later in its run [and it probably did], she would've went postal to whine that she should've been the Simpson kid to get the prodigy school admission before everyone tells her to go to her room.

Couch Rushing (the couch gag review):
This episode introduces the equally-iconic title sequence (which I'll review in the finale) and Couch Gag - where the family comes home after a long, hard day from work/shopping/school/mischief/babying respectively to plop on the family room couch together and watch TV.

In this episode, the family sits in too close and way too tight, causing Bart to pop out like a champagne cork on New Years Eve.

After Creator Matt Groening's credit, Bart falls back to the floor, revealing Groening, James L. Brooks and Sam Simon's "Developed by" credits.







Some Trivia:
- This episode introduces:
   - Martin Prince - Bart's classmate and rival
   - Ms. Edna Krabappel - Bart's long-suffering teacher
   - Richard - Bart's gray-haired classmate & friend (he's known for his leather jacket &                    diamond shirt combo - a look I've wanted to replicate since childhood).
   - Dr. J. Loren Pryor - SES counselor
   - And some students we'll see more of as the series progresses.
- This ep also introduced us to an iconic line of many: "Eat my shorts!"
Martin: Pardon?

Character Corner:
Since this is the first regular episode, characters have acted differently here than later on.
- Lisa doesn't object much to Bart's "intelligence" and even joins him and Homer in their shenanigans at the opera. She would be as embarrassed as Marge is later on.
- Martin here is a two-faced know-it-all snitch instead of a hapless, cheerful bully magnet as he would later become.
- Homer isn't as much of an idiotic asshole with no regard for his family yet. This episode shows him proud of Bart's non-achievement and doing his best to help every step of the way.
- Just pointing out that Ms. Krabappel and Ms. Mellon are the exact opposite. Even their names are on the opposites of the healthy food pyramid. Plus, both are voiced by the late great Marcia Wallace (God rest her soul).

D'OH!ments (favorite moments:
- The family Scrabble game (KWYJIBO)
-Maggie using her letter blocks to spell Einstein's theory of relativity (E=MC2)
- Bart mocking Skinner with his graffiti
- Homer and Bart bonding after his "brainy-ness" is revealed.
- Bart being green

KYWJIBotes (my favorite quotes:
-
Bart: Kwyjibo. Uh... [looks at Homer] a big, dumb, balding North American ape. With no chin.
Marge: And a short temper.
Homer: I'll show you a big, dumb, balding ape! [chases Bart]
- "Now I don't want you to worry, class. These tests will have no effect on your grades. They merely determine your future social status and financial success (looks directly at Bart)... if any." -Mrs. Krabbapel
- "You know... you misspelled "confession"." -Dr. Pryor
- "I think Bart's stupid again, Mom." -Lisa

This episode was a brilliant start to the series as a whole (not counting "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire"). While the jokes or gags weren't as strong, they were there and definitely funny. And it is the first episode, so this is to be expected.

Next week, we take a deep, powerful dive into "Homer's Odyssey".
Til then, I'm Andrew... "KWYJIBO".