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The Simpsons: Bart the Genius (1990)
Bart copied Martin but early Simpsons was one of a kind
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.
The Simpsons: Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire (1989)
Underrated opener
The first full length episode of The Simpsons is much stronger than most give it credit for. In fact Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire is early Simpsons in a nutshell, fairly light on laughs but with strong characterisation.
If starting the series unexpectedly early with a Christmas special wasn't enough for the staff to cope with they also had an unusual balancing act to contend with. How to introduce the central characters to first time viewers without making the episode too jarring for fans of the shorts.
The writers manage this task well, Bart and Lisa are effectively introduced through the school's Christmas pageant and the Christmas letter narrated by Marge offers more insight into the family.
Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire does have its funny moments as well. 'And Bart ... well we love Bart' is wonderfully delivered and Homer is hilariously proud of himself when covering up for knowing Bart's name by saying 'little partner'.
But the real strength of this first full episode and in fact the early run of the show is the way in which it pits itself against the status quo. When I first watched this episode on the Greatest Hits VHS as a kid in the north west of England I had no idea there was a traditional American family sitcom for The Simpsons to rally against. Looking back now it's clear to see The Simpsons were not holding back in presenting themselves as essential alternative viewing. Bart maybe lays it on a bit thick at the race track when constantly hammering home the point that a miracle always saves a family at Christmas but viewers at the time would've been left in little doubt that as the 80s was drawing to a close there was a new kid in town.