Bart vs. Thanksgiving is the only episode of the first thirty seasons that is completely set in this iconic United States holiday. I find a bit strange they have not used this as Halloween or Christmas. Apparently, it is not too easy to write a story about it. We will see how things went in the first and, so far, the only time.
There are no scenes where they are all together, but this represents what I want to say.
In the previous episode, I had highlighted how nice it is to see Bart and Lisa working together. In this, the opposite happens. Bart acts like a complete imbecile, underestimating the magnificent work of his sister in the center of the table, destroying it for a while, feeling happy for it, being offended because they demand that he apologize, and mocking his family on television. The child is completely irritating in this case. To the point that Marge told her, rudely, but also with some motive, that she had ruined Thanksgiving. In truth, I'm surprised at how inhuman Bart is here. This goes beyond a joke or prank. From what you see here, it's just a bad person. I feel very sorry for Lisa, really. Not only did he have to let go of something that had cost him work. Nor does he receive attention when reading his poem to the family because his brother's egoist appears on television at the same time. At least, no one prevented him from playing the saxophone. It's something, right?
To top it off, step on the garden flowers for their absurd rage.
However, the moment of resolution of this absurd conflict is fascinating. Since Bart is placed before the door of his house, everything is great. His imagination in which he is blamed for all the ills of the family has an enviable animation and a unique style that makes it incredible. Then, we have his reunion with all his toys that were left on the roof, which is a fun concept. Bart listens to his sister cry and pities her, which is to celebrate because, for once, we have a real sample of who he is. And when Bart and Lisa meet on the roof, we get one of the most moving scenes of the whole series. They discuss briefly until Bart realizes the damage he caused to Lisa. The performance of Nancy Cartwright and the musicalization give a special touch to the moment. After noticing his mistake, Bart asks a sincere apology to his sister, and they give each other an emotional and tender hug. And, after this, we see Homer watching his children, and telling Marge that they are good parents. Magical.
Beautiful hug for an unforgettable scene.
The final scenes detailed in the previous paragraph are excellent. But we must also highlight the beautiful start. This is one of the few times that the whole Simpson family is united. And, in addition, everyone has their good moments. Abe makes good comments towards Homer and the asylum. Jacquie has the fun gag that she does not want to use her voice but, when she does, it is to say something discouraging. Paty and Selma also add up with their bad attitudes with Marge and their fights with Homer. By the way, Selma's line "Worst prayer yet" is hilarious. And there is a detail, I do not know if they already know everything or I'm discovering a jewel, but Homer kisses Patty when she greets Selma and vice versa. If it is an intentional joke and not an error, it is very good. I like the everyday scenes of the Simpson family very much. Those beginnings worked very well. Marge preparing lunch, Homer watching a football game, Bart offering help unfulfilled, and Lisa fighting with her brother for a glue. They are things that anyone feels identified with.
"You never do anything right". Oh, maternal love.
The other personage of the family, Maggie, also has a good use, in spite of not being the protagonist in nothing. It is the element that is used at the beginning to make transitions in what one character does and another. As simple and intelligent as that. That and the cute hug that Lisa gives him when he collaborates with his work. Even Santa's Little Helper has its screen moments, accompanying Bart in his crazy adventure away from home. Out of the dysfunctional family, the character who made a memorable appearance was Kent Brockman. The hypocrisy and sincerity that he handles in his speech are great. It is an invitation to reflection disguised as a fun joke. This gag is a good closure to the duality that is shown between Mr. Burns' Thanksgiving and the people of the slums. Oh, and finally, I want to mention the first joke the show has made (or at least I've noticed) in which the fourth wall is broken since we see a balloon of Bart in the parade for being a character animated.
I could choose any character from this scene but, obviously, I selected Maggie.
Bart vs. Thansgiving is a really good Thanksgiving special. The beginning and end are excellent. Most of the characterizations are in place, and there are interesting and funny jokes. It only commits the sin of showing Bart as the son of a bitch. And it is a serious sin. That's just because I can not give it the perfect note.
4/5
