Episode 8 - The Telltale Head
27 March 2012
Synopsis: Bart tries to impress the school bullies by cutting the head off the statue of town founder Jebediah Springfield. As Homer’s advice is partly responsible they both face up to an angry mob who want answers.
The Good: The tactic of starting the story at the end and then filling in the details you’ve missed is now a cliché but at this time was a fresh approach to storytelling. And speaking of storytelling this is what The Simpsons excels at. At every stage of the journey we know exactly how Bart and the whole of Springfield is feeling.
Bart is seduced by his new found popularity with school bullies Dolph, Kearney and Jimbo. So when they kick him out of their group he considers whether the daring act of decapitation will get him back in with them. But Bart is no thug and decides to ask his father for moral advice. Homer’s morality is of course very questionable. That is set up well by the first act of the episode where Homer listens to a football match all the way through a church sermon because he has a bet on it. He tells Bart that being popular is deeply important and so Bart goes ahead with his plan.
Now we have the town’s outrage which is expressed through all available mediums. Hapless Police Chief Wiggum appeals for help, the radio is full of calls for action, Krusty the Clown uses his TV show to decry this act of vandalism. We get shots of Moe, Mr Burns and Grandpa all discussing their outrage, making it clear how serious Bart’s situation is.
Even the bullies turn their back on him, which is of course the moral of the story. Bart did what he knew was wrong to try and become popular but instead he became hated. In the end Homer admits to his part and he and Bart appeal to the mobs conscience which duly forgives them. Here ends the lesson.
The opening act contained most of the jokes as Bart tortures his Sunday School teacher with questions (see Best Joke) and Homer ignores a sermon on gambling in order to track the progress of his bet.
The Bad: That angry mob formed out of nowhere.
Best Joke: Bart and the other children are asking their Sunday School teacher who will get into heaven. Pets won’t she says. No cavemen either. Gangrenous legs – “for the last time Bart yes!” The questions continue to frustrate her “The ventriloquist goes to heaven but the dummy doesn’t.” When Bart asks about a robot with a human brain she snaps back “I don’t know! All these questions! Is a little blind faith too much to ask?!” It’s a very fun knock on organised religion and it won’t be the last.
The Bottom Line: A well constructed morality play, light on humour but strong on message.
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