Episode 16 - Barts Dog Gets an F
1 July 2010
Synopsis: Santa's Little Helper is eating and destroying anything he can reach. When he destroys Marge's family quilt Homer wants to get rid of him. Bart takes SLH to obedience school where he finally learns to behave.
The Good: The story is very thoroughly told as we see numerous examples of SLH's bad behaviour. The escalating scale of destruction makes it clear that either he changes his behaviour or Homer will give him away.
There were one or two nice moments along the way. Marge's family quilt covered some notable moments in American history in implausible fashion. The demonstration of her calloused sowing finger using a lighter was an enjoyable exaggeration. Homer's whole character was put on display outside a cookie store. Offered a free sample he eagerly partakes before mock outrage at being asked to buy one. Then he buys one. Perfect.
There was a brief bit of fun community as SLH was skipping channels on TV. Escaped criminal Lucille Botz (113) was shown on a news report as still at large.
The Bad: This was a bit of a pointless episode. SLH showed no signs at all of learning to be obedient until the final minute. So this magical turn of events comes as a disappointing, predictable and implausible conclusion.
Best Joke: At obedience school Bart is taught to use a choke chain by the instructor. She demonstrates this vicious method on SLH who collapses in pain. Bart raises his hand and asks if his dog is dead. "Ha ha ha! You don't know how often I'm asked that!" she replies.
The Bottom Line: A childish episode which plays on basic puppy love sentiment.
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