Against the Groen(ing) 01.11.08: Bart Gets an F
Posted by Jerome Cusson on 01.11.2008
One of the most highly regarded episodes is given a fresh look with a new recapper and a new format.
Dan Castellaneta…Homer Simpson
Julie Kavner…Marge Simpson
Nancy Cartwright…Bart Simpson
Yeardley Smith…Lisa Simpson
Harry Shearer… Various Voices
Marcia Wallace ... Mrs. Krabappel (voice)
Jo Ann Harris ... Additional Voices (voice)
Pamela Hayden ... Milhouse Van Houten / Rod Flanders / Others (voice)
Russi Taylor ... Martin Prince
Writer…David M. Stern
Director…David SIlverman
Original Airdate: October 11, 1990
Production Code: 7F03
So here we are beginning a new year with new reviews. My name is Jerome Cusson, and it’s great to be back after a two week “vacation.” Sure, I kept up with Friends recaps and participated in other stuff, relating to "End of the Year Awards," but really I needed to get my formats down and begin re-watching some old episodes to have stuff in the queue just in case. It is great to be here reviewing five shows now for 411. I hope you check all my recaps out. For now, let’s just enjoy the greatness of The Simpsons.
For ten years, I believe The Simpsons was the best show on television. Over the next couple years, the show was consistent, but nowhere near as good as they used to be. The last few years have not treated the show well. What can you expect from a show that’s been on the air for 19 years? We’re now going back 17 years to the season two premiere; the episode that is the highest rated of all time. Unfortunately, “Bart Gets an F” dates itself badly because here we are in 2007 and Bart is still in the fourth grade. Still, this is one of my favorite episodes of all time because it’s part humor and even more heart.
We begin with Bart presenting a book report on Treasure Island. Clearly the rapscallion has not read the book. Mrs. Krabappel threatens Bart because of how bad his grades have gotten. Unfortunately, Bart doesn’t listen and instead of studying, he procrastinates and fakes sickness to give himself more time to study. Asking Milhouse for the answers is no help because Milhouse isn’t very bright either. After failing yet another test, Homer and Marge are called in to discuss the possibility of Bart repeating the fourth grade by Dr. J. Loren Pryor. Ironically, Pryor is the same person who told Bart he was a genius too. Now he’s an underachiever being threatened with 4th grade all over again. We even get a great flashback with Bart still in fourth grade many years later. Seventeen years later and there Bart is. Boy, this episode really is hurt with hindsight.
Unfortunately, Martin is no help even though Bart requests his help. They decide to exchange their talents. Bart will help Martin become more socially accepted (which didn’t help at all), and Martin will help Bart study for a major test on American Colonialism. After praying to God, something that I always found interesting about the early days, a blizzard hits Springfield and Bart gets an opportunity to study for the test. Of course, Lisa lectures Bart before he is about to enjoy the snow day. She even uses a version of Samuel Johnson’s famous quote by saying, “Prayer is the last refuge of a scoundrel."
After taking the test, Bart takes it to Mrs. Krabappel to be graded. She grades it and gives him a 59 percent. Bart breaks down and recites a historical fact proving that he did indeed study for the test. Seeing this, Krabappel give Bart a D-. Bart bursts out of the classroom before realizing he just kissed his teacher on the lips. Homer takes the test and puts in on the refrigerator proudly.
Chalkboard Gag: "I will not encourage others to fly."
The “Eat My Shorts” award for best line/moment: Mrs. Krabappel giving Bart a D- instead of an F. It may not have been the funniest moment, but I thought it showed the depth of this series.
The Milhouse award for worst line/moment: Dr. J. Loren Pryor always annoyed me, and I did not like his character at all. It was good to see that he was eliminated shortly after this.
The 411: For many years, this was considered to be one of the best episodes in the history of The Simpsons. After all these years, I think the emotional impact of the show has been lessened a great deal. I still think this a must-see because it's a look at what animation can do. It can be for kids, but also so much more.
