Rate & Review: "Bart Vs. Lisa Vs. The Third Grade" (DABF20)

[Cole]

Season 14's third episode, "Bart Vs. Lisa Vs. The Third Grade" airs tonight and, as of now, little is known about this episode since few spoilers have been released. You can click here (http://www.comicscontinuum.com/stories/0211/11/simpsons1.jpg ) to view the promo card for this episode. And, as usual, the thread and poll will open once the episode airs.

[Blinky]

:LOL:

Great episode.

Witty comedy.

No stupid homer jokes wheres hes getting hurt, or screaming.

The story did kind of trail off near the end, but it was still entertaining.

And it was great to see bart and lisa make up at the end instead of hating eachtother.

"The Status Quo!... Ay carumba!...Thats just sad"

4/5

[Mafia]

heh... some nice animation goofs i saw.


Wow... Capitol City hasn't been mentioned in years... but why has it turned from a parody of NY into a parody of DC?


Was the gov. who cried the same gov from 3 Eyes On Every Fish in season 2 (when Mr. Burns ran for gov)?



EDIT:

I give it a 4/5. I'll elaborate more later.


Large Marge Preview: DEAR GOD!!! SHE DOES FLASH! THE EPISODE IS GOING TO HELL!

[Andy]

Not bad. Not bad at all!

>>Loved the couch gag (YES!)
>>And the satellite programming (bulimic Tom Brokaw? heh)
>>The fact that Homer is NOT in the spotlight-- YES!
>>"LEARN TO FART"-- Bart as his best!
>>Nelson going out of his way to do his "HA ha!"
>>Great to see the Goofball and Governor Mary Bailey again, although Tom Poston didn't do the Goofball voice :( .
>>PUNCHBUGGY! My sister was elated.
>>Milhouse as the 'class clown pro-tem': 'Cowabunga!'
>>Ended a bit abruptly, but still a WONDERFUL episode.

LARGE MARGE PROMOS SCARE THE LIVING CRAP OUTTA ME. THANKS.

[BlindPsychic]

Pretty good episode plot wise. Fairly sane, no crazy adventures, no screaming homer, and fairly down to earth. Now they just need to make it funnier.

C

Originally posted by PsycheEnFuego

LARGE MARGE PROMOS SCARE THE LIVING CRAP OUTTA ME. THANKS.
Seconded. Its going down in flames.

[Mr. Plow]

"Bart Vs. Lisa Vs. The Third Grade" (DABF20): In Review

-Chalkboard gag - Meh.
-Couch gag - great stuff!

-First Act:
Tons of great show parodies. Animal Survivor, Touch the stove, Japanese Friends, Clock Channel, Robot Rumble and School Span = all great :LOL: moments.

"Will you be home from 8 am Monday to June?"

Also liked the Boob Tubery, the spacecraft with monkeys, Bart's ass grove on Homer's stomach and Bart loosing his mind, which was my favorite part of Act 1. M.C. Safety and the Caution Crew was meh. Strongest of the 3 acts, IMO.

-Second Act:
Bart's metaphors were clever and hilarious. Also liked it when Bart and Lisa introduced the third graders the "Punch Buggy" game. Great to see the Capital City Goofball (Wrong colors :() and Gov. Bailey again. "Learn to Fart" was a hilarous Bart moment. I found Nelson kind of annoying in the episode.

-Third Act:
Weakest act. Only worthy moments were the Field Trip Memorial, Milhouse imitating Bart, Maggie's mini-skateboard and sax and the "status quo". So-so ending.

Overall, a 4/5. Re-used ideas though brought down the plot. But great laughs made up for it.
-The Simpsons getting cable. "Homer vs. Lisa and the Eighteenth Amendment"
-Bart taking a school based test. "Bart the Genius"

[Toxic Monkey]

Pretty good ep. i give 4/5.

Couch gag: the only thing Homer-centric, but was awesome.
Ep: It was a good show. The milhouse part was good, marge being cheap about the newspaper was funny,bart going crazy and halucinating was "LOLMAO" worthy, and the flag part was a true bart moment. I could have enjoyed a better ending, but when , maggie threw away the board and sax, i thought it was ok. It could have used a little more laughs, tho. It had some good classic moments, and references as well.Its nice to see an ep based on the kids again. 4/5, well deserved. :)

[Dennis]

Good episode but not that great. I love the 3rd grade teacher! Principal Skinner and Milhouse were used very well here. Im glad we saw the Capitol City goofball and Mary Bailey again. BTW, was Mary Bailey voiced by Maggie Roswell like she was back in season 2? It was also fun to see Bart and Lisa actually be nice to eachother and work together(even though its happened many times before). 4/5 B.

[FishBulb]

By far the funneist episode of the season and one of the funniest episodes in a long time. There were so many funny moments. I could not stop laughing.

The state pasta, Bowtie

Coming up on the clock channel, 6:00

No one understands you she bear

[allies107]

meh, some funny parts(tom brokaw bulemia and class clown pro-tem), overall 3/5

[HellBender]

Average episode... 3/5 only because of the good first act.

Can someone explain the couch gag?

[Citizen Kang]

4/5

Pretty good. I laughed a lot. The Bart going crazy was great.

I never watch the previews for the next week's episode. I don't want to see any of the jokes...

[Gagnonsux]

Pretty mediocre outing. Bart and Lisa fighting was rarely funny, and Bart wasn't as creative or amusing as usual (especially his diarhea comment). I did like most of the tv parodies at the begginning and the couch gag was classic. The story itself was rather weak and could have been handled better. I'm just saying its about time to get rid of Tim Long, and if the episodes don't start to improve its gonna seem like season 13 didn't happen. I'm actually looking foward to "Large Marge" after the fairly humorous promo.

[Urts]

I feel that this episode was better than a "meh", but still rather unimpressive. It did have quite a few things done right, though. I really enjoyed the first act, it wasn't too Homer-centric, the Capital City setting was enjoyable. Still, it was very random at some points. Not to mention some characters acted very strangely.

I'm beginning to regret giving it a "3/5" on the poll. I think it deserves more like a "3.5 or 4/5.

[Rob G]

This is one reason why Bart Simpson is a god to me.

LEARN TO FART

I couldn't stop laughing. One of the best gags in years... and to hear Homer say it later!!!!!

:LOL: :LOL: :LOL: :LOL:

I loved the way they tied up the end with Bart and Lisa making up with each other. Very sweet!

[NoOneFamous]

I liked almost everything about this episode! Great classic jokes, had be cracking up the whole time, Homer was his classic self, cool references to season 2, etc. What a change from last weeks Mike Scully crap-o-rama. If only Homer would act like he did in this episode all the time. But I guess its good proof that Homer is best when hes not the main star of the show these days.

My only complaint is that it seems kind of weird for Bart and Lisa to hate each other that much, since most of the time they get along pretty well. Oh, and I found most of Bart's pranks in this episode to be childish humor (Learn to Fart?). Granted, he is a kid, but it seems like the pranks could have been a little bit more creative. Let see... the puking news guy was unnecessasary, and finally, the ending was a bit anti-climatic, but I found the hillbillies hilarious, as well as Homer & Maggie, and Milhouse trying to be like Bart. "Now thats just sad."

4.5/5!! :D

[Blue Phoenix]

B

A good episode and far more coherent then the episodes in recient years. Other characters in the spotlight THANK YOU.

Plus I liked the fact that Lisa got problems wrong by thinking too high minded and Bart got questions right based on past experance. He remebered all his old studing tricks and didn't miss a beat, he's alot smarter then he lets on sometimes.

The hill folks joke at the end was a bit on the goofy side but it wasn't overly long. Mary Balely (I know the spelling is wrong sorry about that) as gov still was a nice touch.

Overall a strong episode and a return to a more grounded style is a good thing. The old school referances were great. I think affter last week the ghost of Scully may be finaly exercised.

I missed the promos for next week's show, I get the impression I'm going to be throwing down the 1/5 rating for that one given your reactions.

[Voodoo Monkey]

Very good.

It was nice to see Mary Bailey again, even if she was out of character.

I liked the different TV channels, I guess...

Maggie's little sax was cute.

[Rekart]

A pretty good episode, I think it fell off a bit from the last two, but I'd give it a B/B-.

[Andy]

Originally posted by HellBender
Can someone explain the couch gag? It's a direct parody of the opener to Get Smart, the 1960s spy spoof starring Don Adams. Co-created by Mel Brooks.

[Simpson Purist]

8/10

The first two acts were classic Simpsons all the way. The 3rd act is somewhat of a mixed bag

Best moments

-LEARN TO FART: Bart is back in prankster mode baby!
-Nelson's haw haw's were great too
-Animal Survivor and Japanese Friends had me rolling
-Pikachu and Bender's camoes as well as the Jewish folk song
-The field trip memorial
-The return of Mary Bailey, Capital City goofball, and a little bit of Skinner in sinister mode
-No moaning or sobbing in the classroom
-Bart and Lisa strangling each other
-Marge's fanny packs "Lisa's brother" "Bart's sister"

Bad parts

-Ending was way too anti-climatic
-The safety team show, what the hell?
-Bart & Lisa get rescued by a bunch of hilbillies
-The Homer watching Bart/Lisa on the TV gag
-No Miss Hoover? I guess Maggie Roswell isn't returning for good

Otherwise, it's the best episode so far this season

[nowhere]

A near classic. The only thing I can say bad about it was near the very end with the other people who had been lost on field trips. I loved the first act with the crappy television shows. It was also great to see Mary Bailey as Mayor and Milhouse doing Bart's catch phrases.
4/5

[Stina]

4/5 ^_^

[mintjellyonthelam]

3/5

I enjoyed watching it but I figured out that I hadn't laughed the whole episode.

[Lard Lad Donuts]

I loved the first half of the episode. It was hilarious!
"TOUCH THE STOVE!!!"
The end was really weird. The plot seemed to go nowhere!!!

[Mafia]

how is the gov out of character? she has apparently aged more and changed a little from her one small appearance. people had different hair color then. lisa was practically still a clone of bart.

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by Mafia
Wow... Capitol City hasn't been mentioned in years... but why has it turned from a parody of NY into a parody of DC?

Was the gov. who cried the same gov from 3 Eyes On Every Fish in season 2 (when Mr. Burns ran for gov)
It could be that Capitol City has a downtown area (the New York-ish part, and the DC-ish area, which could be on the other side of town or something.

and yes, that was Mary Bailey, who was elected in "...3 Eyes on Every Fish"

[Toxic Monkey]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist
8/10
Bad parts
-The safety team show, what the hell?
-The Homer watching Bart/Lisa on the TV gag


I thought those were funny, as well as the making fun of tv shows bit. :)

[King Lear]

Great episode! It lived up to the hype. 5/5

[Mafia]

Another little flashback I got: The hotel Bart and Lisa stayed at is the same hotel Homer and Mindy (and later Marge) stayed at in The Last Temptation of Homer.

[Simpson Purist]

Originally posted by Toxic Monkey


I thought those were funny, as well as the making fun of tv shows bit. :)

Homer and Lisa's commentary on the rise/fall of reality TV was great, it brought back memories of the golden age :).

[NoOneFamous]

Originally posted by Lard Lad Donuts
The plot seemed to go nowhere!!!

It did? Or was it that it stayed pretty focused, and didn't go all over the place like last weeks episode?

[Wavy Gravy]

The first act started kinda weak, but the second and third acts were great. The cable hookup thing dragged for a bit - I expect some of it to disappear in syndication. Japanese Friends was pretty funny, as was bulimic Tom Brokaw (they bash that guy so much...). Bart losing his mind was a bit awkward, but it was funny to see Bender in his hallucination. The episode really took off when Bart and Lisa wound up together in 3rd grade. The teacher was funny and memorable (her faith in the buddy system and her badmouthing of Hoover and Krabappel). The field trip brought back so many Season 2 memories, including the Capital City song, the CC Goofball, and Mary Bailey. Nelson's sudden appearances were cool too. "Learn to Fart"...classic Bart for you. Bart and Lisa strangling each other underwater was pretty good, but the hillbilly family seemed kind of odd. Loved Maggie pitching out the skateboard and sax, and Milhouse's "ay caramba".

I give it a 3.5/5 due to the subpar Act I. But I loved the couch gag and blackboard (Fish Do Not Like Coffee).

[Handsome Pete]

Eh, I didn't like it at all. Not a bit. Frankly, most jokes just fell flat, and the dialogue was incredibly flawed and rather forced. It was nice to have the plot not go all over the place, but what the plot did do simply didn't work at all (It went a little fast, and the premises simply didn't work). Also, while I don't normally mind recylcled material all that much, I felt that it was very overused here. There were a few bright moments in this episode to keep it from getting a 1/5 (the couch gag, for example), so it gets a 2/5. A very weak episode overall.

[Simpson Purist]

Originally posted by Mafia
Another little flashback I got: The hotel Bart and Lisa stayed at is the same hotel Homer and Mindy (and later Marge) stayed at in The Last Temptation of Homer.

No, the hotel Homer and Mindy stayed at was the Capital City Plaza Hotel (I'm watching this ep on my PC right now). The hotel featured in this ep is the Second Best Western.

[Finch 182]

4.5/5.. Just a few things really bugged me, like the ending. But I loved most of the gags, and the fact that the first act was actually part of the plot.
JAPANESE FRIENDS

[Mafia]

well the hotels look identical, i think. perhaps a name change. To give the episode a 1/5 would be a crime, but a 5/5 is probably a stretch.


Now I'm gonna imagine Tom Brokaw telling himself he is so fat and throwing up. It woulda been nice if Bender and Pikachu got a little word said mocking themselves. The robot wars were nice. This episode reeked of Weekend At Burnsie's, as it did not stick on the same plot at the end with a cheesy joke in the end. However, this was done much better.

[Hapablap]

Good episode. Nothing too crazy and nice gags all the way through, although not many laugh out loud moments on first viewing. I give it a 3/5 overall.

[Mike Scully]

A meh episode. There were some nice character moments between Bart and Lisa, a cascade of good TV parodies in the beginning, and some of Bart's amusing mischievousness, but I wasn't too impressed overall.

My biggest disappointment was in the new character, the 3rd grade teacher. The last time a new teacher was introduced, the kindergarten teacher in Lisa's Sax or the tap dance teacher in Last Tap Dance in Springfield, they were interesting and satirical characters. This new character seemed so bland and generic. I was also disappointed by the ending, with the hillbillies rescuing Bart and Lisa. Lazy writing! A better ending would have been if Bart and Lisa teamed up to find a way home themselves.

The sibling rivalry between Bart and Lisa was OK, not as contrived as in Girly edition, but it could have been funnier.

C+

[Jake]

Hmm...Very funny gags, but I thought the story was...meh.

The Good:
-The "Get Smart Couch Gag"
-Japanese Friends
-Bart loosing his mind, plus the cool animation to go along with the scene
-The whole field trip before Bart and Lisa become lost.

The Bad:
-Another "Fox Bashing"
-MC Saftey and the Safety crew
-The whole story about buying the satalite dish
-More time-wasting self-referential humor
-The ending (BARF!)

Grade C+.

So far, S14 is: THoH 13 (C+), Strummer (D), Third Grade (C+)

Jake

Other reviews:

Futurama: Sad, if you've ever owned, or lost, a pet. Very funny with Bender trying win back Fry. Grade: A-

King of the Hill: Kind of boring, but the best part was at the Science fair. Grade: C+

[Mafia]

What happened to the song Homer was supposed to sing? Wasn't Homer supposed to sing a song about having 500 channels when he got dish?

[FlawlessFlanders]

I loved the episode. 5/5

"Status Quo? Aye Caramba!"

"... That's just sad."

[Tomacco]

Probably a 3.5/5 for me.
The first act was outstanding, and featured more TV show parodies in 7 minutes than are usual done in an entire episode. Japanese Friends was hilarious! Great stuff.
The second and third act somehow dragged for me. I didn't get any LOL moments, just a few chuckles. Some of the jokes fell really flat for me, like Milhouse and Nelson's bits. The hick and the "bear" at the end was funny. I liked the emotional part featuring Bart and Lisa, but it felt kind of tacked on. I didn't really buy the tension between the two during the episode. Homer was in great form throughout the episode, and Marge was good too. That 3rd grade teacher was odd, and I didn't care so much for her. She was a bit too dumb. Mary Bailey and Goofball's appearances were interesting, but didn't provide laughs (and Goofball's colors were really messed up). All in all, way too much fell flat in the second and third act for me. I did like the Canada studies though. I think I'll watch the episode again to decide for sure what I thought. Overall, right now I just say "weak", and pretty forgettable, but funny at times.

Other notes:
- Good couch gag
- The satellite thing that we knew about long ago is in this episode, as we now know. (but Homer didn't sing the "if I could have 500 channels song which was reported).
- They had to credit Tony Bennett at the end.
- The surgeon from "Pygmoelian" does Marge's plastic surgery next week. About the episode, apparently Marge seems to get a job on a cooking show or something..? She was holding up some meatloaf in front of a crowd. She does show her boobs. There might be a song in the episode, from what i saw in the commercial..? This episode scares me to death.

[Datoupee]

This could have been a Season 3 episode. Very very well done. 5/5 :)

By the way, the couch gag was a spoof on the old TV show "Get Smart".

[YesMan]

I actually liked it. 4/5

[Bubble Crum]

4/5 I'd say. The parodies of t.v. shows were good, but a little tired from other places. The episode lacked a certain flow but had many LMOA moments, my favorite "She had dyariah(sp?) when we went to Carlsbad Caverns." The teacher was nice, the goofball looked different but was cool, and gov. Baily was a nice touch. (Does anyone think she looks just like Bea Simmons?)

[skittlebrau]

Greatness!

Skittle liked it very much. I'd give it a B or 4/5.

[Kalbelgarion]

I must say that this was a very nice episode. It was certainly the best since “Little Girl…”, last season. :)

Because I’m a big fan of “Get Smart”, the couch gag was the funniest in years, IMHO. I hope that they’ll stop recycling old couch gags for a while. I’m so sick of seen SV Teen and a girl kissing on the Simpsons’ couch.

The first act was great (Gee, that seems to be the trend this year). The Dish installation and Homer’s bout with Flanders were funny. Also, the show certainly can’t go wrong with TV parodies. The reality shows, Japanese Friends, The Clock Channel, et al were quite humorous.

I’m so glad that the writers were able to come up with a clever twist, Bart gets better grades than Lisa does, and support it with logical happenings. The whole episode just made sense.

Later, it became very obvious that Al Jean et al who are working on the show spent some time watching Season 2. I was smiling when I saw the return of the Capital City song (sung by Tony Bennett), the CC Goofball (odd coloration, though), and Mary Bailey.

Other jokes that I really liked included Skinner’s line, “The parent who waves the right to sue says ‘What?’”, the SE Field Trip Memorial Wall, Marge’s fanny-packs, the old State Flag, Bart’s pranks, Mrs. McCorral’s reliance on the buddy system, and the explanation of how the Goofball got elected.

This episode also gets high marks in emotion. I enjoyed Bart and Lisa’s talk in the woods. :)

This was a very fine episode of “The Simpsons”. ‘Tis the second best episode of the past three or four seasons. It really earns the grade of 5/5. Way to go, Al Jean, the Holy One!

[Mafia]

i liked how they cracked on how some candidates spend so much of their own money to get elected (Goofball).

[DotheBartman]

Hmm...interesting, some good gags, but like others have said the story itself seemed meh, particularly some of the "emotion". Just felt a little tacked on. Liked seeing Bailey and the Capital City song, but it seems they're also overdoing it with doing references to past episodes. I liked Milhouse's "Aye Carumba" though, and again the gags were at least pretty decent. 3.5/5, or B/B-

Futurama: As said in the episodes thread, this was one of the best episodes EVER of any show, PERIOD. For the first time in a long while I actually nearly cried watching a tv show. A+

[FlawlessFlanders]

Bubble Crum, were you trying to say "diarrhea"? Heh... anyways, yes, I thought the TV show parodies were funny. I especially liked Animal Survivor.

[Jake]

Anyone notice the rap song sounded a lot like Squad Def's "Rappers Delight"?

[Hans Barber]

Decent episode, better than last weeks, or equal. But, I'd give it a C. I thought it was nice how they focused more on the lazy side of the Simpsons, with TV and all. The TV show jokes were somewhat childish however, but atleast they were aquainted to it. Another thing is, Bart was mischief, but in too much of a chilidish way, and he didnt do things like eh usually would have. I wish they would of had Bart making pranks and such in the hotel. Probably would have made the episdoe a bit more funny. Another thing is, the writers just focus on the main characters, kind of pushing the others in the back round. they didnt do that too much in this episode, but when is the last tiem Homer actaully went to work, Marge had something better to say than about cleaning\baking, the dog and cat wore shown...(etc). I guess its an improvement for the newer seasons, but it had its disappointments. I enjoyed it though for the most part, and thats why i gave it a C. It had it's good and bads.
One question, are the Simpsons still getting that 500 channel thing, or was this it?
And, I sort of look forward to seeing Large Marge. Probably will be pretty good of an episode. I wanna see how Marge plays it off, weather she will still have self respect like she usually does, or if she will flaunt her new breasts. Hoepfully this episode, get better better as it has been going. and, lets not forget, there is more of a sub plot in the episode with Bart and Milhouse, hopefully making it better. I look forward to see improvement in this season.

[|RABiD|]

I really enjoyed this episode. Bart and Lisa were fantastic. First act was truly wonderful. Funny and great plot that sorta dragged near the end. Best ep of the season so far. 9.0/10

[|RABiD|]

Originally posted by DotheBartman

Futurama: As said in the episodes thread, this was one of the best episodes EVER of any show, PERIOD. For the first time in a long while I actually nearly cried watching a tv show. A+


HAHAHAHAHAHAH :LOL:
just kidding. Futurama was simply fantastic. Very touching, particulary at the end where Seymour continuosly waits for Fry, but it didnt have the kind of emotion like say "Lisa's Substitute" had IMO

[FlawlessFlanders]

Everybody gettin' cautious?!

[Tomacco]

Simpsons commercial scene that didn't show up in the episode:
Homer (with the family at breakfast table): We're very proud, sad, and confused about what's happened to you.

[Scratchy]

I knew it! The Simpsons are back!

This whole season's been gold so far, 5/5.

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by |RABiD|



HAHAHAHAHAHAH :LOL:
just kidding. Futurama was simply fantastic. Very touching, particulary at the end where Seymour continuosly waits for Fry, but it didnt have the kind of emotion like say "Lisa's Substitute" had IMO

It wasn't Lisa's Sub level, but nothing is anyways. Regardless, I actually think it was a better episode, including in terms of emotion, then many episodes of the first eight seasons of Simpsons. It really was that good, IMO.

[Tomacco]

I hate saying it, but so far I'm disappointed with this season. :(
I was expecting more from every single episode that's aired so far, especially tonight's. Next week's is freaking me out too, and DABF21 just sounds zany to me, plus they've made enough reality show jabs after tonight's ep.

Just bring on the EABF's already.

[Jake]

Originally posted by DotheBartman


It wasn't Lisa's Sub level, but nothing is anyways.

Luck of the Fryrish was, IMO. It's Futurama's equivalent.

Jake

[lisa_the_greek]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist


-No Miss Hoover? I guess Maggie Roswell isn't returning for good


But Marcia Mitzman was actually *good* as Ms. Hoover in Trilogy of Error. It's the one time she did a voice and I actually went, "Is that Maggie Roswell?"

By the way, the episode- 5/5. VERY well done, VERY clever.

[Andy]

I was REALLY scared when I heard a radio promo with a clip from Homer going "THEY'RE GOING TO BE IN THE SAME CLASS?! OH, THIS IS HELL!" and crying like his Scullified self. The first part was in the ep, but thankfully not the second part. It probably was just put in there by Fox.

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by Jake


Luck of the Fryrish was, IMO. It's Futurama's equivalent.

Jake

Hmm...yeah, that was pretty close too, though I'd have to see it again to evaluate it more clearly. From my standpoint it was the best Futurama ever, with "Jurassic Bark" probably coming in second (Tale of Two Santas, A Head in the Polls, and A Big Ball of Garbage are also favorites, though for different reasons).

And Tomacco, I hear ya, this tv season in general has been hell save for the two Futuramas I've seen and maybe parts of tonights somewhat lackluster Simpsons. Even SNL is in the pitts in this year.

[Simpson Purist]

Marcia Mitzman-Gaven was okay as Miss Hoover, but she never got the chance to say more than two lines with her.

Large Marge seems to have the entire No Homers community in hiding (including me).

*SP prays that Large Marge will turn out decent*

[Bob Underdunk T]

A-
Highlights:
*Lion/Antelope Allience
*"Coming up on clock channel...6:00"
*Bart looses his mind
*"Haw-haw!" "You're not in this class. What are you doing here?" "Laughin' at jerks."
*The buddy system; fool-proof
*"Nobody understands you, She Bear."


Large Marge better have some funny verbel jokes, cause from the looks of the previews, it's 22 minutes of her bumping things, and being looked at.

[America: Fuck Yea!]

THANK YOU AL JEAN!!!! You have given us back our show...kudos!!! Awesome show!!!

[joe h]

The plot/story stays focus now, but that has resulted in every character either being stereotypes of themselves, or just wacky. The dialogue alone destroyed what could have been a decent episode. 2/5

As far as the hotel thing, if they really are the same, in this area almost every hotel chain and independently own hotel have gone Best Western, I am guessing it was a hidden joke. Also Brokaws soccer mom report is dead on when it comes to NBC news. Now that I think of it, they really threw in some hidden references.

[Smilin'JoeFission]

Couch Gag: its nice to see new ground to couch gags. Homer parodying the "Get Smart" opening will forver be be a classic.

First Act: Fantastic! I had a few gripes; poor-written dialouge between Homer and Flanders, some stuff with Marge, but there were some excellent moments. The "Touch the Stove" was so ridiculous, but so hilarious. The Robo Trumble- er, Robot Rumble was hilarious "Together we can defeat the human race....sucker!". But by far, Bart's TV-induced hallucinations were the best.

Second Act: Not as good as the first, but still very good. The retrn to Capital City was great with return of Tony Bennent's song, Gov. Bailey and CC Goofball, but we only got to see a few buildings. Marge telling Lisa not to touch the "free" USA Today was funny, a good example of her character. I'll agree, Bart's flag prank was indeed childish, but he is ten years old. Besides, in tonight's KOTH, Bobby was making drugs at the science fair!

Third Act: Felt very rushed, but ended well, all the same. The freaky hillbillies didn't add a whole lot, but the quip about Spy magazine was OK. Milhouse as Bart's replacement was well-done, too. I noticed Maggie hardly got any face time tonight. Willie at the Field Trip memorial wall was xcellent, was that a parody? I've seen much better Bart and Lisa episodes, but so far, I'd say this the best of the season- ESPECIALLY AFTER SEEING THE PROMO FOR NEXT WEEK'S EP.

Grade- [b]B+[b]

btw, Futurama was excellent tonight. Almost as good as "Luck of the Fryish" I loved the use of flashbacks, and how Seymour was worked in to the familiar scene first episode. Fry's father blaming everything on Y2K was funny. The ednding was incredible.

KOTH- below par. A lot seemed out of character. Also, Brittany Murphy is a regular cast member, what was all the hype on FOX tonight?

Malcom in the Middle- great! Christopher Lloyd was great as Hal's dad, and the scene with the go kart was superb

[Citizen Kang]

Originally posted by Jake
Anyone notice the rap song sounded a lot like Squad Def's "Rappers Delight"?

You mean Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight." They did it originally.

[Simpson Purist]

Originally posted by Smilin'JoeFission
Willie at the Field Trip memorial wall was xcellent, was that a parody?

Also, Brittany Murphy is a regular cast member, what was all the hype on FOX tonight?


The field trip memorial is a parody of all those scenes at the end of war films where you see a bunch of names at the war memorial and someone stands there sobbing. I'm kind of surprised they got away with that gag, it was great.

Remember Brittany Murphy is a star now (Don't Say A Word, 8 Mile), why not have FOX capitalize on her newfound fame. I'm sure FOX would do the same for Hank Azaria if he was big.

[Tomacco]

Yeah, that wall that they parodied has the names of victims of WWII I believe. I know it's in Washington.

[Kalbelgarion]

'Twas a parody of the Vietnam War Memorial.

[Moose of Doom!]

Just saw the episode. Is it just me or did it have a lot of wasted potential? They could've at least shown a reaction from krabappel when Bart was dropped down.

Other than that it was good

[Old Time Bike]

4/5
pretty good. pretty good.

[BangBangBart]

Great episode, so many funny scenes. It had me cracking up throughout the whole episode 5/5.

[forgetaboutme]

The best of the three eps this season, in my humblest of opinions. While, granted, I was not a big fan of the family of wayward inbreds at the end of the third act, the rest of it seemed pretty grounded. And Bart's little hallucination during the test -- the singing of "Hava Nagila" was a nice touch -- topped off by his little giggle had me reeling.

A steady 4/5.

A note, though: The promo for 'Large Marge' has me frightened.

[davidshirt]

Great episode. It reminded me of the good old days of the Simpsons. The story stayed focused and it wasn't an over the top episode.

[*Waylon Smithers*]

5/5 A! It kicks ass that they have satellite. They could've had more scences from the third grade and did anyone catch the teacher's name? A great episode indeed.

[Max Power]

To sum it up, great episode, and that's the end of that chapter.

[Enter The Moleman]

BEST COUCH GAG EVER!

the episode was good but not great. I liked the dream sequence the best.

side note: large marge looks awful!

[Mike Scully]

I agree 100% with Tomacco's review.

[Cole]

Meh. This was a 3/5 episode for me. So many wasted opportunities. The satellite parodies could have been so much better (aside from the Japanese Friends)...so much material to work with there. And then there were the lame scenes such as the MC Safety and the Safety crew scene and the scene with the redneck family that saved Bart and Lisa. This episode was also drenched in self-referential humor which left a bad taste in my mouth. It did have it's moments, though -- such as the "Get Smart Couch Gag" which has to be my new all-time favorite. And there were some great scenes like the one where Homer and Flanders "argue" over the satellite dish. Also, Marge warning Lisa not to touch the free USA Today had me laughing out loud. That reminded me of what I consider to be the "classic Marge behavior" which we have seen less and less of in recent years. Some great gags but alot of lame jokes that really brought it down. I'm pretty disappointed with this one, as I had very high expectations for it. Still, I give it a C.

[melZets]

Agree with "good-not-great" reviews. Felt like this was made in response to all the fans who constantly cry for less Homercentric plots, no wacky stories to accomodate guest stars, and some continuity.

Copacetic!
Dogs eat barf solely on Wednesdays, Maybel.
Two for flinching!
Parentwaivesrighttosuesayswhat.

[Edgehopper]

I give it a 5/5. This was simply a wonderful episode. In general, I compare episodes to their closest companions, so in this case I'm comparing to "Secret War of Lisa Simpson," "Separate Vocations," "Lisa on Ice," "Das Bus," and all the other Bart and Lisa episodes. This episode outshines most of them, with the possible exception of Separate Vocations (one of my favorites.)

Great satire here that's been missing for a while, with the Goofball, the buddy system line, Willy's scene. Great one liners and visual gags, like Skinner's "A parent who waives the right to sue says what?" line, "Learn to Fart," the Bart dancing the horah in his mind held aloft by Bender, Dan Rather, a clown, and a clock-headed guy scene (I was in hysterics at that one--when was the last time they did anything that could be construed as Jewish humor?) Good education jokes, and overall I had nothing to complain about.

I put this over Little Girl in the Big Ten, and probably tied with Poppa's Got a Brand New Badge for best episode since S8.

Combined with tonight's Futurama and Malcolm, this may be one of the best nights of TV in a long time...

Another gag I liked (I play tenor and bari sax for the Princeton marching band) was the Maggie tossing the skateboard and saxophone in the trash scene at the end. Did anyone else notice that where Lisa usually plays the baritone sax, Maggie threw out a tiny little tenor sax? For some reason, I thought that was really funny.

[*Waylon Smithers*]

Originally posted by Enter The Moleman
BEST COUCH GAG EVER!

Damn straight!

[Channel Surfer]

My opinions can be found here (http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ReviewGuide/showid-146/). Scroll to the bottom to read my opinion (or feel free to read any other review by me or my partner :) ) Ultimately, I gave it a 7.5/10, a C. It techincally rounds rounds to an 4/5 over here, but if a 3/5 is a C (and not a D-), then so be it.

[Gagnonsux]

Originally posted by Tomacco
I hate saying it, but so far I'm disappointed with this season. :(
I was expecting more from every single episode that's aired so far, especially tonight's. Next week's is freaking me out too, and DABF21 just sounds zany to me, plus they've made enough reality show jabs after tonight's ep.

Just bring on the EABF's already.

I totally agree, it seems like they save the crappy DABFs for this season. I haven't seen anything near the quality of most of season 13.

[•ºMikè~Stẕ]

I really liked it. 5/5

[kupomog]

Well, I'm pissed as ever. The station that is supposed to show the Simpsons is having "Technical Difficulties in programming" so instead of the new Simpsons, they're showing some goddamn crappy ass movie! I'm so goddamn pissed off! Grr, I'm gonna go yell at the TV some more... :angry: :angry:

[joey_jojo_jr]

I strongly disliked this episode. The story for the most part okay except for the final act, but many of the gags i just found lame and i am particularly sick of reality tv jokes, It just bugs me whenever the simpsons make jokes about pop culture, i find it very irretating. The parts i liked were Homer and Flanders conversation and the great couch gag. Then there was the rest of the episode which irritated me a lot, especially the last part. The imbred lost field trip people? Tom Brokaw is boulemic? discolored goofball? What the hell was that rapping safety thing about?! anyways, ive been pretty disapointed with all of season 14 so far, but because of the couch gag and an odd laugh her and there ill give it 2/5

[SideshowTim]

You americans are so lucky In australia we have to wait till february for season 14!

[Maddog53]

I'm agreeing with most of the people here. I actually gave this episode 3.5/5. I really enjoyed it. True some of the emotion felt a little forced and the ending could have been done a bit better but I found for the most part greatly entertained.

THINGS I LIKED:
Couch gag
The clock channel
Bart's hallucination
The rapper's
References to season 2

THINGS I DID NOT LIKE:
The barfing news anchor
The ending
Lisa choking Bart under water
The promos for Large Marge

Maddog.

[NoOneFamous]

Some people said they hated the Safety Rappers segment. I thought it was great! If you've ever been to a school where they hire lame, cheap acts like that for assembly entertainment, you'd know that those Rappers weren't really that far off. I've seen stuff thats just about as lame as them, so I thought they were a hilarious parody.

[Old Time Bike]

Originally posted by joey_jojo_jr
...It just bugs me whenever the simpsons make jokes about pop culture, i find it very irretating.

the simpsons have always made fun of pop culture, it's what they do, it's part of what makes the show so damn funny.

[Old Time Bike]

Originally posted by NoOneFamous
Some people said they hated the Safety Rappers segment. I thought it was great! If you've ever been to a school where they hire lame, cheap acts like that for assembly entertainment, you'd know that those Rappers weren't really that far off. I've seen stuff thats just about as lame as them, so I thought they were a hilarious parody.

I concour

[Toli]

Please anyone know where I can download.(Not kazaa)

[conor.]

I give it a B I expecteed much more at first then I re watched it and realized it was better than I thought.

[simplysimpsons]

Originally posted by homeyboy
Please anyone know where I can download.(Not kazaa)

Try IRC :)

[PrinceBejeeta]

Originally posted by simplysimpsons


Try IRC :)

#robotolabs...we got it on a fast xdcc

[Jake]

Originally posted by Old Time Bike


the simpsons have always made fun of pop culture, it's what they do, it's part of what makes the show so damn funny.

Yeah, but it has to be an intelligent jab, or the humor is just as bad as what the show is trying to make fun of.

Jake

[thecapecoddah]

I agree 100% with Tomacco's review.


Heh... I need to watch this again. I'll give out some thoughts later... wasn't bad by any means, though.

[Jason]

4/5 Best Episode so far of the new season by far.

[Tirefire]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Probably a 3.5/5 for me.
The first act was outstanding, and featured more TV show parodies in 7 minutes than are usual done in an entire episode.
The second and third act somehow dragged for me. I didn't get any LOL moments, just a few chuckles.

This is spot on with how I reacted to the episode. I found myself laughing quite hard throughout the first act and then resorted to subtle chuckles the rest of the time. The other 2 guys in the room also had the same reaction. It was very similar to the THOH in that the first act saved its score: 3/5

[Tomacco]

I've actuallyfelt this way about all 3 eps this year.
The first act of each one has been golden, but the second and thirds have been mediocre. Odd. For once I wish I would see a great third act, second act, and mediocre first, just for a change. Better yet, give me a great entire episode.

[George Cauldron]

But at least the entire episodes haven't been 22 minutes of total mediocrity....

[Ignignot]

I'd give this episode a 4/5
Almost a 3 but they introduced third grade in a good way not in a dumb way like they could of since it's never been seen before.

[StrideR]

I was pleasantly surprised by this ep. After last week's "Strummer," I was expecting crap this week. Fortunately, it wasn't too bad, but it was no classic either. I think the writing in this episode is the best attempt in a while, and despite its flaws, there were a few more bright spots than average. It could have been improved with better direction and pacing. Overall, I'll give it a B-/C+.

[Matty]

The episode fell flat on it's face after walking the walk in the first act. I really was amused with the first act, especially the class scene involving Bender, Pikachu and the Bar Mitzvah. But the 2 other acts just weren't funny. Most jokes failed, like the punchbuggy thing. And I hated Goofball's orange color. A first act, a few later chuckles, the fact they bothered to reference several season 2 eps, the Willie scene and the idea bring this to a total of a mere 6/10

[Robbie]

I really liked this episode. The first act had me in stitches all the way through! The ending was kind of lame, though, but I still give it a 4/5.

[brentholomew]

I don't know what the fuck is wrong with me, I guess my snese of humor is just changing. I thought this episode started off great but got very, very boring. It would be better if they showed more in class moments and jokes from the new kids. I did like that they brought Mayor Bailey back, someone we haven't seen since Season 2.

3/5

[Eddie]

Well, as Kent Brockman once said: "Once again, I've been had."

This was actually another decent episode. I thought this was going to be a disaster. There was actually some humor, the plot was good, and the animation was fine. I absolutely LOVED the return of the Capital City Goofball and Governor Bailey! The show seems to have gotten back to, I'd say the level of Season Twelve. :) 3/5

[Simpson Purist]

:-O

The level of season 12, you mean it's back to its lowpoint?

[Dennis]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist
:-O

The level of season 12, you mean it's back to its lowpoint?

I think he means that season 12 is better than season 13.

[Mike Scully]

Originally posted by Simpson Purist
:-O

The level of season 12, you mean it's back to its lowpoint?

Well, given how this season has been going so far, I'd agree. :(

["Yes i Cannibus"]

i liked this episode, the first veiwing was kind of wired because i felt disapointed, but on the second and third viewing i discovvered a bunch of jokes i missed on the first time around

like:

Pray per view
"Walk don't run, drink juice, yeah"
Bart's way to remember things
Maggie throwing aay the skateboard and saxamaphone

over all i give it a 4/5, it loses one mark for the quick ending

by the way who voiced the main hillbilly, cause it sounded like john goodman

[Mike]

Act 1 and 2 were pretty good, but Act 3 IMO may as well have been "... and then they woke up and it was a dream."

[Rowdy]

Best Episode of the Season. I would say some interesting comments about it, but everyone's already touched on everything. Anyway,...

Bart vs. Lisa vs. The Third Grade: A
(rock n' roll episode, I've been away from the web for a few weeks and can't remember the name.....): B
Treehouse of Horror XIII: C

[mintjellyonthelam]

I watched it again and I wish I could push my grade up to a B. MY favorite bit being the state pasta:Bowtie!
I liked it because there were no bad jokes-as in stupid. This season's going fine:)

Treehouse:C+
Strummer:B+
Third Grade:B

[Tomacco]

Season 12 actually had the best start in my opinion, out seasons 10-14:

Season 10:

Lard of the Dance: 4/5
Wizard of Evergreen Terrace: 3/5
Bart the Mother: 1/5

Season 11:

Beyond Blunderdome: 4/5
Brother's Little Helper: 2/5
Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner?: 4/5

Season 12:

THOH XI: 4/5
Tale of Two Springfields: 4/5
Insane Clown Poppy: 3.5/5

Season 13:

THOH XII: 3.5/5
Parent Rap: 3/5
Homer the Moe: 3/5

Season 14:

THOH XIII: 3.5/5
How I Spent my Strummer Vacation: 3/5
Bart vs Lisa vs 3rd Grade: 3.5/5

[Mike Scully]

For me, season 10 started out best.

season 10
Wizard of Evergreen Terrace (C)
Bart the Mother (B)
THOH9 (B)

season 11
Beyond Blunderdome (C)
Brother's Little Helper (C+)
Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner (C)

season 12
THOH11 (B)
A Tale of Two Springfields (D+)
Insane Clown Poppy (C+)

season 13
THOH12 (B)
The Parent Rap (C)
Homer the Moe (D+)

season 14
THOH13 (C-)
How I Spent My Strummer Vacation (C+)
Bart vs Lisa vs 3rd Grade (C+)

God, the things I do when procrastinating.

[Munkybutt]

It was nice to see an ep. with an actual story line again instead of just a bunch of inane stuff that happens without any rhyme or reason.

[Jake]

For me, also, ten started out the best.

season 10
Wizard of Evergreen Terrace (C-)
Bart the Mother (B+)
THOH9 (A)

season 11
Beyond Blunderdome (F)
Brother's Little Helper (D)
Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner (D)

season 12
THOH11 (B-)
A Tale of Two Springfields (F)
Insane Clown Poppy (A-)

season 13
THOH12 (B-)

The Parent Rap (D+)The "plus" is for not having a stupid guest playing themself.

Homer the Moe (D+)

season 14
THOH13 (C+)
How I Spent My Strummer Vacation (D-)
Bart vs Lisa vs 3rd Grade (C+)

[Matty]

Originally posted by Jake

The Parent Rap (D+)The "plus" is for not having a stupid guest playing themself.

Homer the Moe (D+)


Shouldnt Homer the Moe get a D then? :p


Season 10:
Wizard of Evergreen Terrace: 7,5/10
Bart the Mother: 6/10
THOH 9: 10/10

Season 11:

Beyond Blunderdome: 8/10
Brother's Little Helper: 4/10
Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner?: 9/10

Season 12:

THOH XI: 7,5/10
Tale of Two Springfields: 6-/10
Insane Clown Poppy: 7/10

Season 13:

THOH XII: 6,5/10
Parent Rap: 4/10
Homer the Moe: 2/10

Season 14:

THOH XIII: 7/10
How I Spent my Strummer Vacation: 6,5/10
Bart vs Lisa vs 3rd Grade: 6/10

I guess 10 wins this round
Interesting how season 13 started out the worst, yet is the best season of ' em at the moment

[wee raging wilie]

i did not get to see it thanx to my fox showing a movie.. a long kiss goonight or something.. Man i hate them..

[Kamikaze_chimp]

I had high hopes for this ep, the idea for bart and lisa both in the same grade was great. But the fact that most of the ep didn't focus on bart being smarter than lisa like i had hoped. Most of it focused on bart and lisa fighting instead. They also didn't build the plot much. I would have loved more classroom seens from 3rd grade. Plus other than the tv show parodies and MC Safety and the caution crew it was'nt that funny to me. I chuckled some but there werent too many lol hilarious moment. Also the ending was very abrupt, i was expecting a few more minutes but it just ended there.

All in all a decent ep, but not as good as last Strummer in my opinion. 5.5/10(voting for a generous 3/5)

[Lance_Murdock]

This episode blew chunks like last week's "Strummer."

'nuf said.

[Lady2Hotty]

It was good to see the full opening again, it felt like forever since I saw the entire thing. Kind of gave me the hope that the ep would center around the family again instead of just Homer. I was pleased with this episode for that reason, I give it a 4/5 or maybe a 5/5, I havent decided yet.

[Nasty_b]

Good episode.

[Jamie]

Plot: OK. 3/5

Characterization: 5/5 Bart assumes the role as big brother, seemingly a first; Lisa is a small child and not the incredible braniac in other episodes; Skinner is his usual bland self. Good usage of second-season characters.

Layouts: 3/5. Nothing too fancy. Nice scene with Bart's test turning into a remote.

Voicework: 4/5. Smith managed to make Lisa a vulnerable and innocent little girl. Very nice work from whoever did the voice of the clown.

Best Lines: "This Confederate flag is an embarrasment, particularly as we are technically a Northern state." "It's finally happened, Bart. You've lost your mind."

Best Scenes: Bart losing his mind while taking a test, MC Safety and the Caution Crew

Worst Scene: The Field Trip Memorial scene seemed pointless and rather kind of violent.

Overall: Nothing really bad, but not all that memorable either. More of a "normal" episode. 4/5.

Afterthoughts:Excellent "state" jokes. The promos for "Large Marge" scare me.


Futurama: 5/5
Home Movies: 5/5
Saddle Rash: 3/5
Sealab 2021: 4/5
Aqua Teen Hunger Force: 4/5
The Brak Show: 5/5
Space Ghost: 4/5

[Brian S.]

a good episode, i throughly enjoyed thee.

4/5.

[Jessfrogger88]

I really liked this episode it was by no means perfect. The first act was preety flawless. I loved the japanesse friends, animal survivor, bart's hallucinations. Act 2 was ok but i didn't like there new teacher she had a real fake unlike simpsonlike quality about her. the thrid act wasn't that good but overall i enjoyed it. 7/10

[I Am Lion-O]

its gets a passing B, so far thi season is better than last.

[Urts]

Seeing as how many others have been comparing the first three episodes of the last few seasons, I guess I'll do the same.

Season 10:
Wizard of Evergreen Terrace: 4/5
Bart the Mother: 3.5/5
THOH 9: 4/5

Season 11:
Beyond Blunderdome: 3.5/5(Yes, I can actually stand this episode.)
Brother's Little Helper: 4/5
Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner?: 4/5

Season 12:
THOH XI: 4/5
Tale of Two Springfields: 3/5
Insane Clown Poppy: 3.5/5

Season 13:
THOH XII: 4/5
The Parent Rap: 3/5
Homer the Moe: 2.5/5

Season 14:
THOH XIII: 4/5
How I Spent My Strummer Vacation: 4/5
Bart vs. Lisa vs. the Third Grade: 4/5

[DotheBartman]

Season 10:
Wizard of Evergreen Terrace: D
Bart the Mother: B
THOH IX: B+/A-

Season 11:
Beyond Blunderdome: D-
Brother's Little Helper: B-/C+
Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner: D

Season 12
THOH XI: B/B-
Tale of Two Springfields: D (I liked it at the time for some reason, but in retrospect I'd hate it if I watched it again)
Insane Clown Poppy: D+/C-

Season 13
THOH XII: C+
The Parent Rap: C+
Homer the Moe: F (fifth worst episode yet)

Season 14
THOH XIII: D
How I Spent My...: D/D- (not in the top five, but one of the worst yet)
Bart vs. Lisa...: C+

Season 10 started out the best, since it actually had two out of three episodes that were pretty enjoyable, rather then just one or none at all (the "C" range ones indicate a mediocre and largely forgettable experience)

[tim_duncan2000]

I just saw this episode, and I didn't think it was that bad at all. Sure, it wasn't great, but it wasn't as bad as a lot of other episodes from the past few seasons. I liked how Bart got the questions right because he'd taken the test before and I didn't think Bart's flag prank was too bad. I'd give it a 4/5.

[tim_duncan2000]

Originally posted by SideshowTim
You americans are so lucky In australia we have to wait till february for season 14!
If you know how to get on IRC, you can download them there. I'm sorry if you don't know how to do it, because you now will have to wait until February.

[Simpson Purist]

Bumped for Cheesemonkey and the people on other side of the pond :).

[snrub]

Thanks Simpson Purist!

I'm giving this ep 4/5 as it was an alround good ep with a strong start, and a suprisingly good rest of the show!

[George Cauldron]

I give it 4/5 too. I thought this was a particularly good episode, like others have stated, it's better than Treehouse of Horror XIII, but not as good as How I Spent My Strummer Vacation. I also agree that the hilbillies were a little unnecessary, but I liked some references to past episodes, such as Tony Bennett singing the Capital City song, although I didn't really care much for Mary Bailey's reappearance. Her crying was too out of character, and lasted far too long. Ms McConnell was quite good for what is probably a one-time appearance for a character.

[BloodE]

4/5
This episode had....a brilliant couch gag for it was homer in a spy themed lobby dropping down onto the couch with a somewhat,smart look on his face.
Its hillarious when bart watches the TV on the sattelite aswell as its funny when he is imagining stuff in class and it has that retarded pikachu,and when they like pick him up and....yeha.
When milhouse is made the class clown when they get lost its just funny cus he sucks at it so much....
I'm not the best reviewer.....

[Jens. E]

4/5 - B-
A good episode, the plot was pretty good, with the Lisa/Bart story, the first act was best,

[Rest your giant head]

It's an OK episode. The first act was flawless,absolutely hilarious. The rest,however,is nothing special at all. I hate the way this episode ended. 3/5

[coltonwiggum]

I give this episode a 2.5/5, rounded up to a 3/5 (ie, 60%). I just don't see what everyone else likes in this episode. A large disappointment.

EDIT: I'm dropping that down to a 2/5 on rewatch. A really shaky episode, I'm totally unimpressed. Didn't make me laugh, and the new teacher character [I found to be] irritating.

[TheForbiddenDonut]

It's actually quite funny, but the Bart/Lisa conflict isn't all that interesting and is very poorly resolved. Same goes for the redneck ending. However, Skinner's, "Now that's just sad" is one of my favorite Jean era quotes. So, it's about average. 3/5.

[-Bart-]

Bart and lisa episodes and this one was no exeption. but this episode gets a bit boring after some time but still great so 4/5

["El Barto"]

4/5 a pretty good episode.

[Rococo Fox]

A solid, enjoyable episode with a nostalgic albeit slightly redundant plot. Several well-crafted jokes, a slightly new take on the Bart/Lisa relationship, and some nice callbacks to earlier episodes (Mary Bailey, the Goofball, et cetera). 4/5

[Moe Nopoly]

It's a good episode for me. The story with Bart and Lisa is entertaining and mostly funny. 3.5/5

[Green_Peaness]

This is a very underrated episode. The main plot of Bart and Lisa ending up together in the third grade is sitcommy and contrived (especially Skinner announcing to an auditorium that Bart is being held back), but that's not the focus of the episode. That is only a setup to force Bart and Lisa together in school to show their relationship. Dare I say that this is a very funny episode :-O

The satellite tv setpiece is fantastic. "Damn your sparkling wordplay!" is one of the best lines of the season. Milhouse filling in for Bart is also just perfect. I could go on listing stuff. What's really important is that Bart and Lisa feel real enough for us to relate and therefore find them funny and interesting...in fact, Bart was still his classic self without any hint of the bland characterization that would be just around the corner.

[Dave Shutton]

Whatever happened to the 3rd grade teacher? i am really surprised we have never ever seen her again, not even in like the teachers lounge or anything.

[Shadow The Hedgehog]

I'll give it a 4/5.