Bart the Genius continues Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire's good work introducing the cast while providing more laughs than the opening episode.
For most episodes in the early seasons Bart was the star of the show and this is the clearest indication. There is no discernible B story, instead we only see the family react to the unexpected news that Bart is a gifted child.
The episode opens with a real slice of Americana as the family sit down to play scrabble. It doesn't take long for this illusion to be shattered however and for The Simpsons to show how different it is to other comedies available at the time.
Homer and Marge agonise over what words to play before choosing 'he' and 'do'. When Lisa plays 'id' nobody believes her until she rescues the dusty dictionary from under the couch to prove it.
We only had a brief glimpse into Springfield Elementary in the first episode, Bart the Genius dives into Bart's school life in a lot more detail. Martin is absolutely insufferable on debut, much more abrasive than he will later be which means we feel no sympathy when Bart takes his place.
Bart and Homer have never been closer than they are in this episode and it seems set up for a touching finale. As the sentimental music starts and Bart comes clean about his deception you can almost hear Homer's response before he says anything, 'It's ok son, we love you for who you are. Always be yourself.' Instead Homer shouts and chases Bart through the house forcing him to lock himself in his room.
From the get go The Simpsons was determined to show it wasn't your typical family sitcom. The fact they were able to do this with so much heart was truly a work of genius.
For most episodes in the early seasons Bart was the star of the show and this is the clearest indication. There is no discernible B story, instead we only see the family react to the unexpected news that Bart is a gifted child.
The episode opens with a real slice of Americana as the family sit down to play scrabble. It doesn't take long for this illusion to be shattered however and for The Simpsons to show how different it is to other comedies available at the time.
Homer and Marge agonise over what words to play before choosing 'he' and 'do'. When Lisa plays 'id' nobody believes her until she rescues the dusty dictionary from under the couch to prove it.
We only had a brief glimpse into Springfield Elementary in the first episode, Bart the Genius dives into Bart's school life in a lot more detail. Martin is absolutely insufferable on debut, much more abrasive than he will later be which means we feel no sympathy when Bart takes his place.
Bart and Homer have never been closer than they are in this episode and it seems set up for a touching finale. As the sentimental music starts and Bart comes clean about his deception you can almost hear Homer's response before he says anything, 'It's ok son, we love you for who you are. Always be yourself.' Instead Homer shouts and chases Bart through the house forcing him to lock himself in his room.
From the get go The Simpsons was determined to show it wasn't your typical family sitcom. The fact they were able to do this with so much heart was truly a work of genius.