S2E7: Bart vs. Thanksgiving
I saw the best meals of my generation destroyed by the madness of my brother. My soul carved in slices by spiky-haired demons
Between seasons one and twenty of The Simpsons, there are 12 episodes which follow the formula ‘[Character name] Vs. [Thing]’. Bart will go to war with Australia, Lisa will go to war with Malibu Stacey, Marge squares up against the Monorail, Grandpa Simpson takes on sexual inadequacy.
When Bart destroys the centrepiece Lisa made for Thanksgiving lunch, Marge tells Bart he ruined Thanksgiving (and he did, Lisa spent hours on that thing).
HOMER: And Lord, we're thankful for nuclear power... the cleanest, safest energy source... except for solar, which is a pipedream. Thank you for the occasional moments of love our family's experienced. Not today. You saw what happened! Lord, be honest! Are we the most pathetic family in the universe? Amen.
Rather than apologise (which he should) Bart decides to run away. Thanksgiving lunch goes on without them.
ABE: Homer was never stubborn. He always folded instantly. As if he had no will of his own.Isn't that true, Homer?
Yes, Dad.
The Thanksgiving episode is the first full-stack Simpsons experience, featuring Marge’s mother Jackie ‘at the risk of losing my voice... let me just say one more thing: I'm sorry I came.’ Bouvier. It has Lisa’s broken heart neglected by parents worried about Bart’s absence. It has Bart hanging out on the wrong side of the tracks, and learning the value of family. And, a rocking dream sequence:
If you haven’t noticed, it’s a very, very quotable episode. In fact, here’s the whole last act:
LISA: Why did you burn my centerpiece?
BART: Come on.
LISA: Because you hate me or because you're bad?
BART: I don't know. I don't know why I enjoyed it... or why I'll do it again!
LISA: Just tell me you're sorry.
BART: Why?
LISA: The only reason to apologize is if you look inside yourself and find a spot you wish wasn't there because you feel bad you hurt my feelings.
BART: Leave me alone.
LISA: Just look!
BART: Okay, okay. Looking for the spot.
Still checking. This is stupid. I won't find anything.Just because I wrecked something she worked hard at and made her cry… [BEAT]
I'm sorry, Lisa.
LISA:Apology accepted.
HOMER & MARGE have been eavesdropping.
You know, Marge, we're great parents.
CUT to the dinner table. The family is eating leftovers.
HOMER: O Lord, we thank thee for giving us one more crack at togetherness. Amen.
Review 4.5/5
Chalkboard Gag: I will NOT do that thing with my tongue.
Couch Gag: Abe is asleep on the couch