What a difference an offseason makes. Just like with season 1, I haven't seen season 2 in years. I know there are a couple of classic episodes here and there in the two seasons, but when I get the urge to rewatch a large chunk of the show, I start at season 3 and above. Because of this, I've always had the impression that the first two seasons are fairly similar in terms of quality and scope. But if this episode is any indication, I couldn't be more wrong.
This episode truly felt like classic Simpsons. The main difference is the production quality and scope of the episodes. In terms of production quality, you can already see the difference in the animation. I'll admit that it feels like I'm nitpicking when I complain about the animation in season 1, but the fact of the matter is that it could be very distracting. The characters were off model and some of the crowd scenes were hard to watch. Compared to season 1, the animation in this episode was an absolute joy. I had a massive grin on my face during the snow day sequence because everything was bright, smooth, and most importantly, familiar. It was so great to see so many different characters interacting. The music was another gigantic leap forward in production quality. With Simpson-maina in full swing, you can definitely see the creators pouring everything they have into the show.
In terms of the scope of the show, I think the main difference is that there are now many references to real-world events and pop culture. I always joke that most of my pop culture knowledge comes from The Simpsons but it's probably true. In this episode alone, there are references to Ernest Hemingway, Treasure Island, Peanuts, the French Revolution, the Spirit of St. Louis, King Kong and the American Revolution. All of a sudden the show seems like its taking place in the real world. It's a stark comparison to the last episode of season 1. In that episode, the kids watch The Happy Little Elves while Marge and Homer eat at a generic restaurant and dance to unfamiliar music. I think the world building that took place in this episode was more significant than almost everything that was introduced in the first season.
Bart has some great character development in this episode as well. This is the second episode of the series where we've seen Bart have problems academically. In both episodes, you can see that Bart really cares about how others perceive him. He's tormented in Bart the Genius because he loses the respect of his friends. In this episode, he is driven by the fear of humiliation of being held back a grade. It is so important to show Bart as a venerable, self-conscious little kid. His popularity outside of the Simpsons' universe was so massive that he could have easily turned into a character that was untouchable. Do The Bartman was probably the height of Bart-mania. I think it's a pretty embarrassing skit and shows how close we were from losing the character entirely. It was so risky to show Bart crying (and even praying!) in this episode, but I am incredibly thankful that they did.
Springfield characters:
Quimby: We don't see much of Quimby's personality here but we hear the one thing he's most famous for: his Kennedy-esque voice. As Quimby gets more screentime, it becomes clear that he is a pretty terrible mayor. He is corrupt, a womanizer, and does not care very much about his city.
Other things that I liked:
Going back to the scope of this episode, the opening credits have been cleaned up and Springfield-ized. The music sounded crisper and there are now regular characters like Burns, Smithers, and Moe in the background. I also like how Jacques, the sexy French bowler is in the credits even though he is not a regular.
The Itchy and Scratchy was great. It was the first time I've seen the episode and understood the title "Let Them Eat Scratchy". I love how the episode starts off in a French revolution setting with a guillotine, and then ends with the usual cartoon nonsense of Itchy using dynamite on Scratchy's head.
Marge continues to see the best in her son. She buys his illness (made clear from the great line "Homer, bring up the tv - Bart's got his vision back") and truly believes that Bart works hard. Maybe it's not exactly what Bart needs, but it is reassuring to know he has a loving family.
Bart is an underachiever and proud of it. That line has always stuck with me.
The over the top snow day scene ending with Bart's face pressed against a window is my favorite scene in the show so far.
This was an amazing episode. After a summer of hype, The Simpsons came out of the gate strong.
8/10
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