Here is the long overdue second entry into my project (expect the third entry tonight or tomorrow morning due to the fact that I’d like to have Season One finished by the start of October). I hope you all enjoy it!
“Bart the General”
– The episodes starts off with a classic formula; Homer attempts to teach Bart a lesson, which is completely wrong (in this particular case it was in reference to “butt-kissing” and how it greases the wheels), as Lisa is doing something right, Homer takes the typical American stance that it has to do with her trying to get ahead. This episode marks a general progression in overall animation, but it is not by much, the animation is still a bit crass. One giant problem I have always had with The Simpsons happens with Bart’s popularity level at school, throughout the entire series at times he seems to be the most popular kid in school and at other times he just seems like a washed-up joke. There are many reoccurring themes in this episode (as usual) mainly that of Grandpa Simpson, shown brilliantly through his dictating what he was writing to “local advertisers” and complaining about their depiction of old people on television and again through typical-male-Simpson failure, as Abe, Homer and Bart are all prone to failure. This is shown through Grandpa being bullied for the newspaper in the scene immediately following Bart entering Grandpa’s room. First appearance of Herman, the crazy Army supplies guy whom we typically do not see much of, also the reoccurring Patton theme throughout the episode was awesome (as the episode was loosely based on Patton).
“Moaning Lisa”
– In my opinion, this is the quintessential development of Lisa episode, the episode revolves around her and actually has a bit of a dramatic undertone with some foresight. I will not say much due to the fact that I do not altogether enjoy this episode, outside of some of the dynamics between Bart and Homer, I will say this: We finally get to see Homer’s inability to nurture Lisa in any kind of productive way to his emotional and mental immaturity, especially in comparison to Lisa, all the more complicating the situation.
“The Call of the Simpsons”
– I will start this off by stating that this is probably the most known episode of The Simpsons from the first season, I enjoy “The Telltale Head” a bit more but that is just simple personal preference. The episode starts off with one of my favorite lost elements of the show, as mentioned before, Homer’s envy in regards to the Flanders this time it comes in the form of Bart being jealous of their riding lawn mower and Homer’s astonishment at the sight of their new RV. The episode progresses into Homer attempting to show up Flanders by buying a much larger and much more impressive RV, but after a “quick formality” of a credit check Homer is not able to buy it. The family is forced to settle with a “piece of crap,” thus leading back to the American dream ideal that is shown quite often in The Simpsons, usually a refutation. Their ability to do anything they dream is quickly shot down, and this is a recurring theme throughout the series, in fact you could say it is in the theme of the show (kind of a stretch). “The Simpsons have entered the forest.” The common Simpson-follower could tell you that episodes typically follow a general guideline, one main story with one subplot (typically funnier), many cartoons follow this (Family Guy mainly), but this episode accomplishes the difficult task of having two co-running main plots. These plots are also separated by sex, one with Bart and Homer and their struggle to survive in the wilderness, and Marge and Lisa bonding (with Maggie conveniently kidnapped by a loving group of bears). “One thing is for sure, this creature (in reference to Homer) is either a below-average human or a brilliant beast.”
“The Telltale Head”
– “ We’ll die together, like father and son should.” Interesting start to this episode, Homer and Bart are shown in dire straits as an introduction to the episode, I rather like the format but unfortunately it cannot be used too often. Homer says something to Bart about why apes should be able to get in heaven, and he asks something about the cute ones that ride around on roller skates with cigars, and this is prior to Mr. Teeny, I wonder if this is where that character came from. There are numerous important first time characters in this episode, from Krusty to the bullies to Sideshow Bob to Apu. “How important is it to be popular?” One of the biggest plot tools for The Simpsons is the “fatherly” advice Homer gives Bart, in this case Homer responds by saying it is the most important thing in the world, thus leading Bart to do a terrible thing. A very important feature of our society is portrayed in this episode, what one would do given the opportunity whereas in all actuality they would never do it. Bart does the unthinkable, a task that most would be incapable of doing, and suffers the consequences. Also, he is forced to deal with the inner turmoil caused by the town and their grief, not to mention the ones that egged him on turned out to be the most upset. In my opinion, this is the first great episode and is starting to show the signs of evolution into the show we all know and love.
Thank you for reading!
Thomas Balkcom's Simpsons Project 