How Would You Rate "The Bart Wants What it Wants" (DABF06)?

[Tomacco]

Well Canada, it's finally airing tonight!

Come back here after the episode airs to review "The Bart Wants What it Wants". Here's an episode description:

Reese Witherspoon and Wolfgang Puck are guest voices as Bart and Milhouse fight over a girl. The object of their affection---and altercation---is Greta Wolfcastle (Witherspoon), the daughter of action-film star Rainier Wolfcastle. After Bart and his slingshot rescue her backpack from bullies, Greta is immediately smitten. But her crush is unrequited, and the oblivious Bart blows off a date with her in order to harass Principal Skinner at his stand-up comedy debut. Clued to Greta's feelings, Bart breaks off the relationship---until Milhouse steps in. It's only then, in the name of love, that Bart asks his parents' help to win Greta back by following her to her dad's film set...in Toronto.

I've already seen parts of this episode, and EVERYTHING I've seen has been hilarious, so the rest of this episode would have to be the absolute worst Simpsons stuff ever to make this a remotely bad episode.

[Nasty_b]

I'm watching the episode right now and they didn't go to Canada... what up with this? The episode i'm getting is where this girl likes Bart... can anybody tell me whats going on? i was expecting the simpsons to go to canada

[Splashmore]

Originally posted by Nasty_b
I'm watching the episode right now and they didn't go to Canada... what up with this? The episode i'm getting is where this girl likes Bart... can anybody tell me whats going on? i was expecting the simpsons to go to canada

I think they are leaving for Canada in the 3rd scene.

[Nasty_b]

oh, never mind eh.. they're going

[Iris]

im watching it right now
i feel really bad for greta. she's cool. does reese witherspoon do her voice.
im surprised a girl likes bart. my spanish teacher called him ugly. how can he be ugly if he's a cartoon character?
any way. its a good episode

[Nasty_b]

heh .. i didn't find it all that good since they were only in canada for like 10 mins... i was expecting alot more from this episode. But the canada scenes WERE funny though. I give this a 3/5

[phil]

it was just okay. gave it a 3.

[Nasty_b]

i forgot to mention that i'm canadian and i would have appreciated that they would have been in toronto for atleast 2/3 of the show

[mr. broom]

<slap> Monkeys point.
Homer: Monkeys cry.

3/5. It had its moments, though the dialogue was pretty weak in places.

[Simpsonian]

It was by far the best episode of the season, and one of my favorites. It seemed so original, just like the old, glory days. Everything in it was great. Wolfcastle was hilarious everytime he spoke, Nelson beating up the butler was classic, and making fun of the Canadian basketball team, great! 5/5!!

[Tomacco]

Ugh! I knew this would happen! The media would pump up the Canada stuff and it would only end up being about 5 minutes long! I predicted it, and warned everyone, and I don't think people should review the episode based on how much or how little Canada stuff was in it, but rather on the episode itself, for what it was.
I hafta watch it again. It's somewhere from 4-5 /5 for me.

[or_smth]

I gave it a three as well. It felt like another one of those bunch of jokes wrapped around some slow moving, and rather stupid plot. Some of the jokes had me laughing a bit though, especially good ol' wolfgang puck's batman pizzas.

[Voodoo Monkey]

Just like Tomacco, I knew that very little would be shown of Toronto. No one listened to me though. This was EASILY worse than just about anything this season. Still better than Homer the Moe. Very few funny jokes.

D-

[lisa_the_greek]

I must be crazy. Everyone hated "Jaws Wired Shut", and I loved it. I thought this episode was okay at best, but I'm sure that it will be 5/5 on everybody's lists.

Overall, it just wasn't that funny. It had good parts, a strong plot, but the humor was pretty much non-existant.

[Nasty_b]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Ugh! I knew this would happen! The media would pump up the Canada stuff and it would only end up being about 5 minutes long! I predicted it, and warned everyone, and I don't think people should review the episode based on how much or how little Canada stuff was in it, but rather on the episode itself, for what it was.
I hafta watch it again. It's somewhere from 4-5 /5 for me.

You're right on that, but i still give it a 3... i only liked when they made fun of us, and a few other jokes in the begining... they could have made this ep way better

[eric]

Reese Witherspoon wants you all to rate the episode "EXCELLENT."

http://nohomers.net/staff/eric/reese.jpg

[Tomacco]

I thought the humor was actually very good in this episode, and the plot was the problem. I thought the story flow was choppy as hell.

[elbarto36]

This episode was decent. I expected more from the episode so I guess I'm a little let down. There were some great jokes but then there were some really stupid jokes. (I really hated Milhouse yelling Whassup) I have to say that it was a little above mediocre. I think the final joke bumped it up from a 3 to a 3.5. "Why do you suck?" Final Score: 3.5/5

[Nasty_b]

Originally posted by elbarto36
(I really hated Milhouse yelling Whassup)

Same here... that was lame, and old

[InanimateCarbonRod]

I gave this episode a 3. I don't really have much to say about this one, it wasn't bad, but it wasn't anything great, just a very normal episode. There weren't too many LOL jokes, and almost every joke in the first act fell flat on its face, but it picked up with acts 2 and 3. Great knocks on Canada too!

[or_smth]

I really didn't understand why they played the Seinfeld theme when principal Skinner was doing comedy.

A: Principal Skinner is not a good standup comedian like Seinfeld
B: Seinfeld featured very little of Jerry getting up on stage
C: Seinfeld is over...

Just seemed odd, since the joke they were hinting at didn't make any sense.

[Tomacco]

I liked Milhouse yelling Whassup! I think everyone's missing the point of it. I'd agree if Bart, Homer, LIsa, Greta, Wolfcastle, or ANY other character yelled it, but it's MILHOUSE! Milhouse is a dork and would completely do something like that.

[Cole]

Reese Witherspoon did an excellent job as voice, there were several laugh-out loud lines, and a fairly good story. But, this show was ruined by a choppy flow. It goes from the Olympic torch to the private school to Bart's romance to Principal Skinner's standup to Canada? It all seemed so rushed and forced, and there were several lines that fell flat, almost embarissingly so. Plus, Canada deserved an entire episode, not just a 3rd act. I voted "Not bad. Not great. Okay, I guess. Eh" -- the worst Al Jean episode this season in my opinion. 3/5 I'll have a more detailed review later.

[Le Jake]

Originally posted by Tomacco
I thought the humor was actually very good in this episode, and the plot was the problem. I thought the story flow was choppy as hell.

I agree. There were some funny jokes, like how Homer made Flanders win the 100 dollar bill, but the most of the ep was kinda lame. Out of the three shows tonight, this was the least well-done, but it wasn't by no means terrible like anything from Seasons 10 and 11.

Grade: C+

Jake

BTW, Grades for:

King of the Hill: A- ... Had the funniest moment with Dale's lighting up with the Olympic torch.

Futurama: BEST OF THE NIGHT. Leela's past is finally revealed! Very moving but a bit anti-climatic. Grade: A

[Pmc325]

It had its moments.

Like the Candaian Olympic basketball team, heh heh heh.

The relationship really didn't take off into any good jokes. I thought the Canada scenes saved the show.

[Tyking]

PUH-LEAZE! That was the worst Simpsons episode I have ever seen. NO funny jokes whatsoever! The Canadian references were stupid, stereotypical, and unfunny! Why does New York get such a great episode and we get the crap?

[Rich]

Actually I really liked this one. I don't have a whole lot to say except the ending didn't seem to sudden, there were alot of great jokes, and all the McBain(spelling?) stuff was fantastic.

I especially liked Moe's impersonasion of McCaulie Culkin.

Grade: A-

[Tomacco]

Another thing I loved about this episode was ALL the characters were the way they should be. ALL OF THEM! Homer was excellent, Bart and Milhouse were exactly as they should be, Wolfcastle was good, Lenny and Carl were right on, etc etc etc..
Also, there was no un-Simpsons-like dirty humor, no over-cartoony crap, no ruining characters with gay references or anything, and overall the humor and certain parts of the episode felt very old-school. Plus, tell me you didn't find the bumpercars scene funny? I laughed as soon as I saw Bart was riding a Mercedes car.


PUH-LEAZE! That was the worst Simpsons episode I have ever seen. NO funny jokes whatsoever! The Canadian references were stupid, stereotypical, and unfunny! Why does New York get such a great episode and we get the crap?

Example #1 of a Canadian expecting an all-Canada episode, and being disappointed. A seemingly sensitive one too.

[Handsome Pete]

It was alright, I guess. No joke was really hilarious, but they weren't bad, either. Like Tomacco said, the jokes weren't really over-the-top or sick. I gave it 3/5, but it MIGHT be a 4/5, I'm not sure.

[Splashmore]

Did anyone notice that Smithers was at a table with another guy at Skinner's stand-up?

[Nasty_b]

Originally posted by TheAnswerMan
Did anyone notice that Smithers was at a table with another guy at Skinner's stand-up?

hehe .. no, i didn't notice.. i will have to watch it again

[Pmc325]

I saw Smithers there, I didn't see that guy though....

Milhouse sort've threw me off, I mean, for a kid with 'homoesexual tendencies' he really knows to pick em'

[Mr. Plow]

the first act wasmt funny at all. acts 2 & 3 had its moments. the flow of the episode want going the well and the last act was about canada. 3/5

[or_smth]

Originally posted by TheAnswerMan
Did anyone notice that Smithers was at a table with another guy at Skinner's stand-up?

I noticed that too. The only thing was that the Smithers looked strangely off-model and he was sitting with a new "extra" character.

[Splashmore]

Originally posted by or_smth


I noticed that too. The only thing was that the Smithers looked strangely off-model and he was sitting with a new "extra" character.

That guy he was sitting with looked pretty muscular.

[bartimus prime]

Well, I missed the first 10 minutes of the episode, but from what I saw this episode had it's funny moments. Not laugh out moments from what I saw. Reese Witherspoon wasn't that good as a child character, oh well.

I give this a 4/5 rating.

[Buesefus]

This episode was HORRIBLE. People complain about other episodes having certain elements, and this one had them all (people acting out of character, Homer being annoying/obnoxious, scattered plot, dumb ending, sub-plots that went nowhere). Like someone else said, the plot was incredibly choppy: you've got the Simpsons going from stealing the Olympic torch to going to a private school to Bart and Greta dating to Principal Skinner's standup, to Bart and Greta breaking up to Bart going to Canada. Almost as bad as "Kill the Aligator and Run" IMO.

Skinner had NO point in the whole episode, and it was painfully slow to watch. So was Lisa's whining while leaving the school. While in character, it lasted much too long. Milhouse was incredibly annoying. My biggest complaint about the whole episode, everything that was pointless lasted much too long. I've gotta say, I'm a proud Canadian, and we weren't given justice. Every place the Simpsons have gone to lasted much longer than 5 minutes, and weren't publicized as much. I almost thought it was a 2 part episode, because the storyline just wasn't moving. It just dragged along, and never seemed to pick up. It might have been better if Canada had never been written in, it had been a 2 part episode, or it hadn't had the publicity it had. Either way, I'm giving it a 1/5.

[James]

This episode was solidly funny but was top-heavy, focusing less on a good plot and more on related subplots, which, however hilarious they were, didn't exactly tie in with the main plot to create a single solid one. That's been a problem with alot of Jean's episodes: hilarious and satirical, but lacking a lot of solid and well-orchestrated plotting. And they just were focusing on cramming as many funny events into the episode as possible, but this thins out the main plot and gives it less time to give proper character development and for us to get used to it, and forces events to happen much more quickly, taking our enjoyment away from individual parts. This was what was exactly wrong with this episode, it's main plot is choppified under the pressure of the intro, Toronto stuff, and Skinner's stand-up act. It had alot of good points, though, especially in the humor department: "Undercover Nerd", the Curling, Toronto in Spain, "Off to the Hamptons", the Prep School Kids, The Itchy and Scratchy DVD, Wolfcastle's Gas Guzzler, Skinner's stand-up act, the Seinfeld Music, "WAZZUP", Lou leaving the force like a divorce, Milhouse never hoping for anything more than a rebound date, and Bart's bed being stuffed with hay. It also had a great characterization of Milhouse as a dorky, nerdy, hopeless, trying-to-be-cool, immature person with low self-esteem and alot of obnoxiosity. Overall, a B-/C+.

NOTE: I used two made up words in this review; they're very easy to spot.

P.S: New Jersey didn't last longer than 5. min!

[radiationdude7]

I give it a 4/5 B. Funny episode. Solid throughout. I couldn't even tell that Wolfcastle was voiced by Puck he sounded so much like whoever did it before. Great ep.

[Cole]

Originally posted by Jake


BTW, Grades for:

King of the Hill: A- ... Had the funniest moment with Dale's lighting up with the Olympic torch.

Futurama: BEST OF THE NIGHT. Leela's past is finally revealed! Very moving but a bit anti-climatic. Grade: A

King of the Hill had to be the funniest episode ever. I give it an A.

Futurama was even better, the most emotional episode since "Luck of the Fryish." I loved when Leela was going to be awarded by the orphanage and Amy said "You're parents must be so proud. . .oh. . . sorry." Jake was right about it being anti-climatic, but I still give it an A+.

The Simpsons was an average episode that couldn't seem to stay on track. Reese Witherspoon saves this one from mediocrity but it is hard to look good coming off of a great episode like "Half-Decent Proposal" (which I gave an A+). Tonight's comes in 3rd with a B.



Originally posted by radiationdude7
I give it a 4/5 B. Funny episode. Solid throughout. I couldn't even tell that Wolfcastle was voiced by Puck he sounded so much like whoever did it before. Great ep.

He wasn't voiced by Puck. That was just a rumor, right?

[Mr. Rogers]

Great episode 5/5

[or_smth]

You would think that Wolfgang Puck would do Wolfgang Puck's voice, wouldn't you?

[Pmc325]

I thought Futurama wasn't as funny, but really more of a drama, which was pretty cool. It really opens questions at the end, like what happens now?

[|RABiD|]

Im kinda shocked to see negative reviews for this episode! I knew most people would judge the episode on the Toronto bit. They were expecting the family to go to toronto possibly in the first act or second. People that THIS was the main plot but it wasnt. It was about the relationship between Bart and Greta! I thought this was THE funniest episode this season! Tons of laughs! The canada bit was also excellent! One of my fav parts was this:

Bart: You don't seem so tough in the movies!
Rainier: If you dont shut your yap I will rip off your face and use it as a napkin.......Hahahahahah!
<Bart, Rainier, & Greta laugh>
Rainer: Laughing time is OVER!

and then he drives over the wall! LOL! CLASSIC!

this episode deserves the same mark as Half-Decent Proposal. Which is.......9.5/10! Al Jean kicks ass everyone! ADMIT IT!!

[Le Jake]

Originally posted by Pmc325
I thought Futurama wasn't as funny, but really more of a drama, which was pretty cool. It really opens questions at the end, like what happens now?

The best dramady on TV get cancelled by a retarded network? :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Kalbelgarion]

This was a very good showing. It's seems like it's been a while since we had a "Bart has a crush" episode (Even though this time it wasn't Bart that had the crush). The first two acts were 3/5, but the Canuckian references, jokes, and jabs were 5+/5; some of the BEST material the Simpsons have had in a long time. :)

B+, 4/5 from me.

(And NO ONE should grade this episode on the lack of time the Simpsons spent in Canada. No one promised that they would spend more time there than they did. Plus we've know for over a week that it would only include the third act.)

[Jessica Lovejoy]

I liked this episode, however I thought it was pretty average when comparing it to the rest of season thirteen. A lot of the elements in tonight's storyline had already been done before, such as Bart having a girlfriend (Jessica Lovejoy, Laura Powers) and the family taking a vacation to another country/state (Africa, Australia, Florida, Hollywood... need I go on?). I actually liked the fact that the episode focused on Bart and Greta's relationship instead of the whole Canada thing because even though I live in Canada myself, I'm pretty darn sick of seeing episodes where Homer screams out "The Simpsons are going to ___________!!!!" and the family then proceeds to takes a crazy trip. Anyway, is it just me or did Greta seem a lot like Alex Whitney from "Lard of the Dance"? Maybe it's just the blonde thing that they both have going on, heh... Overall I'd say it's a 3.5/5 or a B-. Not bad but not great either.

[Zjraus]

Not bad.

Atleast it didn't suck. (I seem to say that kind of thing a lot, now that I think about it. Must...say it...at all times possible...)

[skittlebrau]

This episode is so-so. I don't know why people touted the Toronto reference so much. It only lasted 27 seconds. The first act didn't emit a single laugh from me, being that there wasn't any hidden satire or obvious jokes. It picked up in the second act with an Itchy and Scratchy DVD, the hopelessly lost nerd Milhouse tring to fit in to the "cool" class by saying "WHASSSUUUPPP!", Principal Skinner's bigtime bomb as a standup comic, and Wiggum begging Lou not to quit the force. The third act kind of slowed down again with the short Canadian trip. Really nothing here either. All in all, I give it a 3/5. I was very disillusioned with this episode, being that all of the new episodes have been so great. By the way, Wolfgang Puck voiced himself, although his presence in the show was not needed.

[Kalbelgarion]

Originally posted by |RABiD|
this episode deserves the same mark as Half-Decent Proposal.

No it doesn't. Tonight's show was better. ;)

[Tomacco]

I just rewatched (well, sorta skimmed through the scenes) the episode, and it was BETTER! The choppiness kinda disappeared and I really noticed how FUNNY it was!! Full review here:

www.thespringfieldshopper.com/reviewdabf06.htm

Maybe my review will make some of you realize its better than you thought. :bart:

[eric]

Between 3/5 and 4/5

Not bad. I loved Rainier's role during the entire episode (he's always been one of my favorite characters), and I also thought that Witherspoon did a great job. Puck's small role was amusing as well.

There were a few dull moments in the episode with Bart & Greta, but I guess they were necessary for the character to convey her feelings for him, so I can't really complain there. All of the Canada jokes were humorous, but they were awkwardly crammed in at the end. Milhouse's "Whaaassaaap?!" came a year too late IMO, but maybe that made it funny for some people.

Fairly good overall, though.

[Kalbelgarion]

*low whistle*

Wow, a 5/5 from Tomacco. Now that's a quality episode. :D

[Tomacco]

What's that suppose to mean, Kalbelgarion? Somehow I have a feeling I won't appreciate it.

[rossjman1]

I missed it and I don't know why I'm replying to this post.

[eric]

barneybeergumble also missed it while downloading porn from Morpheus.

[Kalbelgarion]

Originally posted by Tomacco
What's that suppose to mean, Kalbelgarion? Somehow I have a feeling I won't appreciate it.

Nah, don't worry. I almost always agree with your reviews. I'm glad that some Canadian could see through the CBC hype and enjoy the episode. :)

Gosh, darnit! I saw that I clicked on that wrong emoticon. Sorry!

[Tomacco]

Thanks, K. I hated all the hype. It made me mad how the media was screwing over the canadian fans. I knew about the Toronto part's shortness, so I was happy with it in the end.

[Robbie]

Let me clarify something for everyone here:

EVERYONE SAID THE FREAKIN' EPISODE WOULD ONLY HAVE FIVE MINUTES OF CANADA, SO DEAL WITH IT, OKAY?!?

Sorry for the hostiltity, but it's the only way you'll learn.

On the episode: great! The humor was awesome (favorite gag: Canadian graffiti: OBEY THE RULES), and though the plot was kinda rushed, I didn't mind...best of the season so far, 5/5!

FlandersEVIL, your made-up words were "choppified" and "obnoxiosity." :LOL:

[Tomacco]

Good job, Robbie, good job. Me and you seem to be on the exact same page this week.

[phil]

'Twas Global doing the hyping. made it seem like the WHOLE EPISODE would revolve around Toronto.
Of course this was done to get ratings.

[Kalbelgarion]

For the Gas-guzzler joke, I was expecting something along the lines of "It gets 8 gallons to the mile" or some such. But the joke they supplied worked, too.

[Robbie]

I also liked how the Canadian jokes were simple and easy for yanks like me to get, and funny for Canadians too, like Paramountie Studios, for example. :LOL:

[bartron]

Average episode, but this Rush fan was LOVING "Take Off". Sounded like a cover though.

[Le Jake]

Originally posted by Tomacco
Maybe my review will make some of you realize its better than you thought. :bart:

No. Still the same. The extra five minutes on the stove didn't take out the lumps.

I'll probably watch the episode later when I'm not so drunk off my ass.

Jake

[Le Jake]

Originally posted by Number One
Milhouse's "Whaaassaaap?!" came a year too late IMO, but maybe that made it funny for some people.

Milhouse is always a year too late.

[phil]

I loved the "Take Off" part by Rush. I have the original from the 'Great White North' album on vinyl.

[Tomacco]

You can't judge anything fairly while drunk. Heheh.

[Robbie]

Originally posted by Tomacco
You can't judge anything fairly while drunk. Heheh.

What about the level of drunkenness you're at?

Drunk-O-Meter
Boris Yelstin <------------------------------- Jake's level
Stinkin'
Soused
Tipsy

[Smilin'JoeFission]

It wasn't too bad of an episode. The first act was gut-wrenchingly horrible. It really picked up in the following acts, however. The fuuniest part[of the first act]was "Monkeys point", "Monkeys cry". i don't know why, but the way Homer said it; hilarious.

The second act was by far the best. All of Rainere Wolfcastle's lines were great; especially when he was talking to the pie. Lenny using the ab machine bacwards was the best sight gag of the entire episode. I couldn't stop laughing when Milhouse was yelling "Whasssup????", probably because he was so late to catch on(I know people still saying "you are the weakest link, good-bye!") The Itchy and Scratchy DVD was great too. And let's not forget Moe's Maculey Culkin impersonation.

The third act, like always was pretty rushed. I don't understand why some people (*cough* *Tomacco*) gave it great reviews due to the fact that the Simpsons went to Canada. Oh well. I liked the gag about going "first class", complete with Bigfoot getting off the bus.

Overall, this episode gets a B-, for the terrible first act, and choosing a voice actress that doesn't even sound like a little kid.

[Tomacco]

I'm Canadian, Smilin'Joe. That should be explanation enough. :D

[Robbie]

Originally posted by Smilin'JoeFission
choosing a voice actress that doesn't even sound like a little kid.

Yeah, it seems like most of the time they don't even try to make characters voiced by guest stars sound like kids, but that doesn't really bother me.

[skittlebrau]

Originally posted by Smilin'JoeFission
And let's not forget Moe's Maculey Culkin impersonation.
Egads! I forgot about that part. The strongest joke in the whole episode in my opinion. :)

[DotheBartman]

First of all, even as a United States citizen, the Toronto hype REALLY started to get old. At any rate, here's my review of the episode itself.

This one started out pretty well, with the whole torch thing. I specifically liked this scene because of Homer's reason for stealing it, being angry about his shows getting pre-empted. We've all had to go through this before (this season starting late, Futurama almost never airing). When they got to the private school carnival, the jokes really started to show. Skinner's "Dick Cheney's America" line was great, and the bumper car sequence was classic. The end of the act also included what would turn out to be a great twist, Ranier Wolfcastle happening to be Bart's new "friend's" father.

The second act definetely improved over the first. Wolfcastle was great as usual, the q-tip gag was pretty funny, and the Itchy and Scratchy sequence was HILARIOUS! Did anyone catch who Scratchy claimed was the director? (I think it might have been a Simpsons director) It was also great to see so much Bart, after having so few Bart episodes the last few seasons. Chief Wiggum was also hilarious in the end of the act.

The third act was especially good. Milhouse really cracked me up, and the "first class bus line" thing was also great. The Canada sequences were also short, but definetely sweet. "Canadian Graffiti", the "eh, B" thing, Homer getting free health care....everything had me laughing. Homer was also classic in one particular scene "I give up. There's no convincing you. I'm gonna take a nap". The ending seemed a bit abrupt, but not too much, and Bart and Milhouse in the Canadian basketball team "Its just that easy" was hilarious. The Seinfeld thing at the end was also great.

Overall: An episode that was done better then I expected. The Canada thing wasn't as random as I thought it would be, and the episode was funny througout Wolfgang Puck wasn't needed, but at least he didn't detract from the episode (he was only in the episode for a few seconds anyway).

Grade: A-

Seasons Grades thus far:
THOH XII: B
The Parent Rap: B
Homer the Moe: D-
Hunka Hunka Burns in Love: B+
The Blunder Years: B
She of Little Faith: A
Brawl in the Family: B+
Sweets and Sour Marge: B+
Jaws Wired Shut: B-
Half Decent Proposal: A
The Bart Wants What it Wants: A-

[Printipal Skipster]

Okay... I liked the episode. However my favorite quote was when they were on the set of Ranier Wolfcastle's movie:

Milhouse: You can't have her! She's with "The 'House" now!!!

Gotta love Milhouse!!!

[Robbie]

Originally posted by DotheBartman
the Itchy and Scratchy sequence was HILARIOUS! Did anyone catch who Scratchy claimed was the director? (I think it might have been a Simpsons director

Scratchy claimed the director was Steven Soderberg, who directed "Erin Brockovich", I think.

[Richiewhiteboy]

Definitely one of the better eps of season 13. I enjoyed the use of Ranier Wolfcastle. Many humorous moments topped off with a great Canada spoof.

The first act was so-so. The torch scene at the beginning seemed a little unnecesary as did all the time spent at the school fair despite some decent jokes. Wolfgang Puck's appearance was as unfunny as it was useless. I liked Skinner's "Welcome to Dick Cheaney's America" and did anyone notice the poster in the classroom was the same one that Bart used to memorize the solar system in 'Homer vs. Dignity'? I also laughed at Flanders winning the hundred dolar bill. Overall an adequate start.

The second act was a little more plot oriented. McBain made a good appearance and was funny as usual. "Remember when I said I was going to eat you last? I lied." was a quote taken straight out of 'Commando' I was also impressed by the mileage on his Humvee. I think Itchy and Scratchy are starting to lose their zing a little as I probably would have laughed at their appearance a few season ago but I was less appreciative of it tonight. And what the hell was that thing with Lenny's back. Skinner's sad attempt to be a comedian mad me chuckle. Especially when he gave Willie directions starting from the Simpsons house. This act also contained the best quote of the episode "Girls are easy, state capitals are hard." A good act that sustained the episode for a great act three.

The third act was the best in my opinion. The story took a back seat for some hilarious Canada spoofs. (Dodgers of foreign wars, Homer taking advantage of free health care, etc.) Other laugh out loud hilarity included Wolfcastle's movie scene and the curling send-up. The funniest line in the show for me was Milhouse's "I can't believe I have to give her half my stuff."

The third best of this season for me after 'Brawl in the Family' and 'Half Decent Proposal
B

[Richiewhiteboy]

Originally posted by Robbie


Scratchy claimed the director was Steven Soderberg, who directed "Erin Brockovich", I think.

Soderberg directed Erin Brockovich, Traffic, Oceans 11, Out of Sight, and Sex Lies & Video Tape. He was nominated for two Oscars last year and is one of the most accomplished directors in hollywood.

[DotheBartman]

Originally posted by Richiewhiteboy


Soderberg directed Erin Brockovich, Traffic, Oceans 11, Out of Sight, and Sex Lies & Video Tape. He was nominated for two Oscars last year and is one of the most accomplished directors in hollywood.

I knew I recognized the name somewhere. Thanks Robbie and Richiewhiteboy.

[Datoupee]

Another 5 out of 5 episode this season. That is what I have rated every episode so far. All of them have made me laugh. And all of them are better then any show on tv these days.

As for Futurama ....That was a great great great episode. I really hope they don't do away with this fantastic show.

[Bart Skateboarder]

5 words: Great but not that great.

[Splashmore]

Eh, she was too good for Bart.

[Buesefus]

I watched it again, but I still think the episode was under par, especially following "Half Decent Proposal."

The first act, as usual, went on too long and had almost nothing to do with the plot. I find it a little odd that people seemed to love the helicopter chase, I get the feeling that is Mike Scully had done it, people would complain it was too "out there." Anyways, dispite some decent jokes, I thought the first act went on far too long.

The second act picked up a lot, and the characters acted more normal. Moe's impression was great, and "Wolfy" had a lot of great lines. Reese Witherspoon did a great job, and Bart said a classic line "Girls are easy, state capitals are hard." The entire second half was plot-oriented, which was good.

The third act went downhill again. The Canada trip was very rushed, as I said before it was a little annoying that it was shown for a few minutes, and not halfway through the second act. The plot would have worked better, or at least the same, had the movie been shot in Springfield, or Shelbyville, or...anywhere, really. Canada worked, but the writers seemed to try and combine all the shots at Canada (which were great), with tying up the plot, and it kind of fell flat. It all could have tied up nicer had some things been cut (Lisa's whining, Skinner's comedy act), and more time spent on making everything fit together better.

I'll raise my mark to 2-2.5/5, because some jokes worked better the second time around. But It still wasn't that great (too many low moments: wacky helicopter chase, choppy plot, to much time spent on Skinner's comedy act and Lisa at the school).

[bart van dam]

it was pretty good eps and reese did a great job and milhouse wassup is annoying and lame

[Silent_G]

This episode had a lot of good moments. Most of them were meantioned already.
One that no one meantioned was the scene with Bart, Lisa and Maggie with the ball.
Lisa: See how Maggie isn't playing with this ball...but watch when I take it..
*Maggie reaching for the ball*
Lisa: See..
Bart(also reaches for the ball): Gimme the ball..

Milhouse saying "Wasssuuuupp!" cracked me up becuase he probably just now heard of it. Just like his line "They have chocolate milk now?"

Also, anyone else notice how everytime Bart and Milhouse get in a fight, they always play that same music! Classic! That music dates back to season 3's "Bart's Friend Falls in Love" when they fight about Samantha.

[irv]

Holy God. That was a damn good episode. I think I liked it even better than last week's episode. All the stuff with McBain was fucking hilarious. The writing was awesome. The plot was incredibly solid, the humor was dead on, both incredibly self referential/depricating, and the Canada stuff was brilliant. Easy 5/5 here.

Al Jean has turned the show around.

[irv]

Hey retards, the whole point of Milhouse saying "Whassup" was to be incredibly lame. If you figured otherwise, then the whole gag was wasted on you. It was intentional.

[VileHomer]

Maybe it's the beer talking, but you got a butt that won't quit. They got these big, chewy pretzels here andIdonaawannassfora Five dollars? Get outta here!...

[Nivrad]

The episode was a good one. The Toronto part, however, was a bit disappointing. Still, a great show. :bart:

[pigvomit]

Originally posted by Smilin'JoeFission
... and choosing a voice actress that doesn't even sound like a little kid.

There are *professional* voice actresses who can sound like kids convincingly, i.e, Kath Souci. But big-name non-voice actresses are used to draw in the ratings. Meryl Streep is one of the few big-names who didn't use her own voice, i.e., Jessica Lovejoy.

[MarkM]

It sucked because it was a copy of New Kid on The Block, and the one with Samatha Stanky.

[volcom]

i laughed alot but none of them were out loud. They were more :) rather than :LOL:

3/5

The canada part & the olypic thing were the best part though

[eric]

Originally posted by jesus plays his hits
Hey retards, the whole point of Milhouse saying "Whassup" was to be incredibly lame. If you figured otherwise, then the whole gag was wasted on you. It was intentional.

Him saying it the first time made me laugh, hearing it a second time and in the credits made me groan.

More reviews: http://www.nohomers.net/interactive/reviews/DABF06.shtml

The one by "FOX Lawyer" is amusing.

[J.Re*]

Originally posted by Nasty_b


Originally posted by elbarto36
(I really hated Milhouse yelling Whassup)

Same here... that was lame, and old
It was supposed to be, to get the point across on how nerdy Milhouse is, I thought the humor was hilarious throughout and thought the ending was weird but funny as hell("It's just that easy"). It was so hilarious and I'm not even Canadian so I probably missed some of the best references.
5/5

[J.Re*]

Originally posted by Number One
The one by "FOX Lawyer" is amusing.
:LOL:

"I, a FOX Lawyer (hereinafter "I"), would like to publicly state my affection for the "The Simpsons" episode #DABF06, also known as "The Bart Wants It That Way" (hereinafter "The Bart Wants What It Wants"), which aired last Sunday February 17, 2002 on a local Fox Broadcasting affilitate (hereinafter "FOX") between the times of 8:00 PM to 8:30 PM. I found "The Bart Wants It That Way" to be of good hilarity, although the episode which aired from 8:01 - 8:02 PM PST (hereinafter "Act 1") seemed a distraction from the rest of the episode (8:10-8:30 PM PST [hereinafter Acts 2 +3]), somewhat similar to that of episodes airing in the 1999-2001 seasons (hereinafter Seasons 11 + 12).
I would like to state that this review is merely an opinion and should have no affect on the reader's opinion of this particular episode ("The Bart Wants What It Wants").

"The Simpsons" and all related materials are T and ©2002 20th Century Fox. This opinion is in no way endorsed by Fox or any of its related companies. All rights reserved.

P.S. Eric, I am watching you through a camera. So don't try anything funny. Grade: A-"

:LOL:

[IcE]

meh, I liked it, all my friends here in Toronto, hated it....I dunno, I thought the jokes were great, "Obey The Rules", heh. If it wasnt for the canadian conetnt, the ep woulda sucked...and I heard the only added canada as the destination in the rewrites. Had to give it a four since I'm living in Toronto!

[SNUH]

An average episode...rates a "C."

This season just doesn't seem to be on the cutting edge of social commentary re: family values, education, politics, etc.

Think about it: if THIS season were the FIRST season, do you think the show would garner this kind of devotion among its viewers (as evident in this god-forsaken "club")? I don't think so. Instead, it would just be a some-what entertaining cartoon on Sunday nights.

Hey...remember when Sat Nt Live slipped...and then came back? Perhaps that'll happen w/the Simpsons. I can only hope.

[Kalbelgarion]

Originally posted by Number One
More reviews: http://www.nohomers.net/interactive/reviews/DABF06.shtml

Seems like the only people who hated this episode were complaining about their lack of time in Canada. Ignorant fools. :)

[jackscab]

The episode wasn't terrible, but I don't think that it was great either. The story was weak and kinda rehashed from earlier Bart/Milhouse love interest shows. As a Canadian, I liked the Toronto bits, although jokes with mounties are a bit tired and obvious. I was hoping for more of a lampooning like the Australian visit. Some great lines though.

[Cole]

I just finished watching this episode again, and I liked it much better this time. Earlier I complained about much of the randomness of the episode. For example, the whole Olympic torch thing at the beginning, but watching it again I realized that it wrapped up with the Olympics (Bart and Millhouse on the Canadian basketball team) making the beginning more relevent. The trip to Canada still didn't have a very good explanation other than the family just going because Bart's girlfriend was there. There were some other lines though that I liked that I didn't catch the first time. The Scrabble game where Bart spells oblivious :LOL:. And this time I found Homer coming home late from the cockfight much more funny. The bumper car scene at the private school was pretty funny as well, as were all the scenes involving McBain's Hummer. So, upon a third viewing, I think I will raise my score from a B to a B+ And I wish I would have voted 4/5 instead of 3/5. In the future, I need to wait till several viewings to vote. Overall, I rate this episode as the 5th Best of the Season. Falling behind Half Decent Proposal, Brawl in the Family, Sweets and Sour Marge, and Hunka Hunka Burns In Love.

[Prof. Frink13]

I gave the episode a 4/5. I thought the episode had a great plot and some really funny lines. I like how Bart was completely oblivious to the fact Greta liked him especially when she held his hand and he thought she wanted to get in a thumb war. I liked Itchy and Scratchy especially the commentary.The only reason I didn't give it a 5/5 was because the ending seemed rushed and I thought it ended to quickly. I think it owuld have been better as an hour long show. The best part of the episode was when they were trying to get Lisa to leave the school though.

[Tomacco]

Can someone do me a favor and post 5 or 6 framegrabs so I can do my double-page for this episode? Thanks! ;)

[Rowdy]

It was alright. Too many throwaway gags though. In fact, if it wasn't for Milhouse, the whole thing would have drowned.

Grade: C- or 3/5

First Eleven Episodes of Season 12: 36/55
First Eleven Episodes of Season 13: 39/55

With this not-so-great episode. I've brought back the Season 12 vs. 13 thing because I'm starting to have my doubts that Season 13 may be better than 12, which I consider to be the worst season. Al Jean is doing a good job, and if I was only comparing his episodes from 13 to Season 12, then Season 13 would be miles ahead. However, the not so great Scully episodes from the start of the year is what's bringing 13 down for the most part.

BTW, here's something that's kind of sad. The last two episodes produced weren't all that great and the next one doesn't look too amazing. Maybe Mr. Jean worked really hard on the first four and let the rest kind of float along.

DABF05 Jaws Wired Shut
DABF06 The Bart Wants What It Wants
DABF07 The Latest Gun in the West

[PinHead_Larry]

I didn't get to see this one. I was looking forward to another Al Jean episode but my recording on tivo got canceled.(By the way, tivo is very cool ;) )By the looks of it the episode wasn't top notch, but I still would have liked to see it.

[Bill Mcneal]

i'm going off topic but in the tv guide preview, it said that wolfgang puck is doing the voice of rainier wolfcastle

[Mike Scully]

There were a lot of hilarious moments. The Olympic torch going out (even funnier after watching King of the Hill), Lisa's demonstration with the ball, Lou leaving the force, Skinner's standup routine (well, his mom's reaction ws hilarious), all of the Canada jokes, and best of all, every line by Rainier Wolfcastle had me LOL.

But I was disappointed witht the overall episode. Many scenes seemed to be like filler, stretched out too long. Despite some good character moments like Lisa telling Bart about the relationship he's in, the story is unoriginal and superficial. No real emotional connection to Bart and what he's going through, very little insight or development of Bart's (and Milhouse's) relationship, forced conflict. There's simply no room in an episode that has so many unrelated jokes.

I'd give it a C+. The episode is pretty funny but it could have been a lot more.

[Splashmore]

Originally posted by The Jolly Bengali
No real emotional connection to Bart and what he's going through, very little insight or development of Bart's (and Milhouse's) relationship, forced conflict...

...but it could have been a lot more.

Highly agree.

[PinHead_Larry]

That's another thing...I missed King of the Hill too! It's recording also got canceled.

[Richiewhiteboy]

Aftee watching the episode a few more times I think that this is the best of season 13 along with 'Brawl in the Family.' I think the review on the springfield shopper says it all. The show seems to be getting better every episode.

[Richiewhiteboy]

Did anyone notice the poster in the prep school classroom was the same one Bart used to memorize the solar system in 'Homer vs Dignity'?

[Tomacco]

Just lettin' y'all know, I'm completely finished my double-page for the episode, and I just need some framegrabs to post it, making this is a new record in guide speed! Must have grabs! Thanks! :D

[Smilin'JoeFission]

Can't wait, Tomacco.

[Bart Skateboarder]

SOMEONE GET THE KID SOME FREAKING FRAME GRABS!

[James]

Another thing I noticed about the posters in the prep school classroom were the periodic tables. I guess from that minimum assistance grant they could only get something with a few true elements to replace the Oscar Meyer promotional ones.

[Le Jake]

Originally posted by FlandersEVIL
Another thing I noticed about the posters in the prep school classroom were the periodic tables. I guess from that minimum assistance grant they could only get something with a few true elements to replace the Oscar Meyer promotional ones.

That's a bunch of bolonium!

[Wavy Gravy]

Come on, someone give Tomacco those framegrabs! AnswerMan, you sould be able to!

Well, I saw the episode, but thanks to my Olympics-happy family, I had to watch on a fuzzy mini-TV and I couldn't tape it. :mad: It was still a good episode. The plot was an interesting idea - we haven't had a "Bart gets a girlfriend" plot in a while. I loved Nelson's lines "Hey butler, stop butling yourself!" and "Why do you suck?", the thumb war between Greta and Bart, Homer taknig a nap after telling Bart not to give up, the Itchy and Scratchy DVD, Milhouse's constant "wazzup", the different Toronto stuff, and Skinner's attempt at standup comedy. But what REALLY cracked me up were the torch scene at the beginning (my family shoulda seen that) and Homer referring to Canada as "America Junior".

Overall, a pretty good episode, I give it 4/5.

[Greg Durand]

This episode was spectacular. Absolutely hilarious. Just as good if not better than last week's. Just not much Toronto.
9/10, A-.

[Discokev]

Me , my bro and my mom watched it and after all that stuff about canada , my mom said " How can you still like this show "

I think they culd have layed off Canada , but than it wouldn't be funny!

[Tomacco]

Yeah, I really don't wanna nag or annoy anyone, but I'll be away from home from 7pm Wednesday until Sunday, so I'm gonna need some grabs by tomorrow, or I won't be able to post the guide til Sunday night at least.

[Tomacco]

Yeah, I really don't wanna nag or annoy anyone, but I'll be away from home from 7pm Wednesday until Sunday, so I'm gonna need some grabs by tomorrow, or I won't be able to post the guide til Sunday night at least. If anyone can link to a download of the episode, I could make my own grabs, by the way.

[Wiggle Puppy]

Laughing the whole episode.

[apeever]

Oh Crap. I tried to tape "The bart wants what it wants episode" but i messed up on the VCR programmin and now i am without seeing the episode. If ANYONE has this episode in a video format on your PC,
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE contact me viaEmail Me (apeever@hotmail.com) .
If you can help me PLEASE DO SO. Im in my time of need.


PEACE

[Tirefire]

Well I finally got to see the episode after a lengthy amount of time till I was able to finally get a download of it.

Anyways, I gave the ep a 3/5. I'm never much of a atickler for plot, but the sheer reason for them going to Toronto was kind of stupid to me, but when Maggie popped the Canadian flag up, that was funny enough. The episode was full of very nice slapstick stuff, which is really what saved it for me. The part where Homer said monkeys cry was funny. That's really the one outstanding part of the episode to me. I really need to watch it again, as I tend to ctach more of the really in depth, in the background kind of jokes. Oh yeah, the part where Moe said, "People say I look like McCaully Caulken" and smiled like him, that was nice. Not as bad a few others eps in the season, but for now I hold a 3/5. Often, I won't go up more than .5 in a second viewing.

[Robbie]

On some of the reviews I've seen, there were people complaining about the Dodgers of Foreign Wars sign...the writers weren't saying that Canadians dodged wars; the joke was that many people who didn't want to fight in the Vietnam War fled to Canada from the U.S. so they wouldn't have to.

[Tirefire]

Originally posted by Robbie
On some of the reviews I've seen, there were people complaining about the Dodgers of Foreign Wars sign...the writers weren't saying that Canadians dodged wars; the joke was that many people who didn't want to fight in the Vietnam War fled to Canada from the U.S. so they wouldn't have to.

You're exactly right, hope that people get that.

[Tomacco]

With the help of Friz, I was able to get framegrabs and upload the guide before I leave til Sunday. Since its a double i wont post it right here, but click on the below link to go see it. I'll post a thumbnail tho.

http://www.thespringfieldshopper.com/miniBARTWANTS.gif
http://www.thespringfiedshopper.com/guidedabf06.htm

[Handsome Pete]

Uh, the link you posted for it on the boards isn't working. Luckily, you can still reach it by going to Tomacco's site...and nice job as usual on the guide, Tomacco.

[Kalbelgarion]

He needs an "l" in the link name.

Click here for the wonderfuly done double pager (http://www.thespringfieldshopper.com/guidedabf06.htm)

Nice job! :)

[The Sweetling]

So, now everybody is pissed off because there wasn't enough Canada in it? What is the world coming to?

[James]

Best linework you've done this season, Tomacco, particularly on Bart on the bench! :)

[H0MER]

It's okay... better than a lot of other ones.

[Wavy Gravy]

All right, Tomacco! Great page! I'll have to print it out the next chance I get. (The computer I'm on now is hooked up to a dead printer.)

[Smilin'JoeFission]

As, always, excellent guide page. It seems like your graphics are getting better abd better, Tomacco.

[Splashmore]

Once again, great work!

[Friz]

Yes, T'was me that helped Jonah's search for Grabs! It wasn't a hard task or anything, but it was my duty to-

::Friz gets hit with a very small hammer::

[Mafia]

Great episode. I think it is the best episode of the season. I woulda liked it better had it been years earlier.

[eric]

Oh my, check out the silly (final) reviews at the bottom of this page from angry Canadians: http://nohomers.net/interactive/reviews/DABF06.shtml

I'm amazed at how many people thought the "dodger of foreign wars" joke was a jab at Canadians nowadays.

[Cole]

Great job Tomacco. Terrific work on Bart on the bench.

Oh, and here is a quote from the review site:


Review from The Lady Simpson

I AM CANADIAN

~I DO NOT SUCK AT BASKETBALL~(It's actually a canadian game)

~I DO NOT DODGE WARS~

~I DO NOT TREAT AN AMERICAN DOLLAR AS IF IT IS GOD~

This episode would have been pretty good if not for the derogatory Canadian part. Greta was cool and the part with Milhouse's"WAZZUP!" was actually amusing. But I think conciencious Americans will realize how derogatory the FOX writers were toward Canada. So I urge you all to write letters of complaint toward FOX or if you wish, send me an email at simpsons_fanfiction@hotmail.com. If I get enough I may think of circulating a petition. Grade: D
Geez, talk about getting upset over nothing. And no one said you 'dodged wars' you fool. The joke was about Americans who went to Canada to avoid the draft. Oh, and how in the world could you find the American dollar joke insulting? Take a step down from your high Canadian horse and get a life.

[Robbie]

Originally posted by Cloud_Cole
The joke was about Americans who went to Canada to avoid the draft.

That's exactly what I said a few posts back.

[Cosmo Kramer]

4/5.

Best season 13 so far!!!!

[Cosmo Kramer]

Originally posted by Tomacco
With the help of Friz, I was able to get framegrabs and upload the guide before I leave til Sunday. Since its a double i wont post it right here, but click on the below link to go see it. I'll post a thumbnail tho.

http://www.thespringfieldshopper.com/miniBARTWANTS.gif
http://www.thespringfiedshopper.com/guidedabf06.htm

Great double page :D

[Andy]

This ep was okay, but it just showed how little the writers know about other countries. Wow, we could just call season 13 the 'Let's Piss Off Other Countries' season, now could we? Canada got 5 minutes, and it was all stereotypes. Sad.

The hype killed it. Period.

[Dr Zaius]

yeah, the simps werent in canada for that long.
rainer wolfcaste was the highlight of the show

[Robbie]

Originally posted by PsycheEnFuego
This ep was okay, but it just showed how little the writers know about other countries. Wow, we could just call season 13 the 'Let's Piss Off Other Countries' season, now could we? Canada got 5 minutes, and it was all stereotypes. Sad.

There are Canadian writers on the staff, therefore I think that they didn't think the stereotypes were really true, they were just making fun of them (if that made sense).

[Cole]

Originally posted by Robbie


There are Canadian writers on the staff, therefore I think that they didn't think the stereotypes were really true, they were just making fun of them (if that made sense).
It did make sense. The writers were poking fun of stereotypes placed on Canada (such as the "Dodgers of Foreign Wars" building) :LOL:

[Van]

I think this was (and still is) one of my favourites from season 13. After a pretty terrible opening scene with the olympic torch things really picked up. Greta was an interesting one-time character although I'm still unsure if she was meant to be Bart's age or not. They did make a make a cute couple even if Bart was oblivious to it. Mihouse was pretty annoying and the Canada part of the episode was weird. I didn't get a lot of the jokes first time around but now they're all amusing. There were some pretty funny site gags throughout I like how Rainier keeps blurring the line between his movie characters and himself. 4.5/5

[Fox Executive]

It's one of my favourite episodes of season 13. The only complain I have is that Greta seems a bit too grown-up (going out with your ex-boyfriend's friend is not very kid-like), but overall a great episode. A-

[ThatAsianGuy]

eh, the ballot was confusing.

[Granto]

Its an alright episode. Not very funny with an OK storyline.

Bart having a girl friend has been done better before

2.5/5

rounded to a 3

[Moe Nopoly]

Eh.. Meh. for me.
Not really interested in the story. The episode itself had some funny moments,
but overall not more than average.

2/5

[zitro]

Poor Bart, but he deserved it.

Greta was an interesting grown up girl but her father (Wolfcastle) was probably the highlight of the episode. He was hilarious and the writers developed him quite a bit as well.

The jokes didn't always work and it has only a few hilarious moments, like Homer guiltily saying "cockfight" to Lisa or Skinner doing stand-up comedy. The Toronto jokes were good, but not as funny as New York or Tokyo.

3.5/5

[Nauru-1]

A mediocre episode. It'll have a special place because it's one of the earliest I know I recorded on tape from its first airing. Some funny bits here and there and not without its charm, but it's also very unusual with its third act. 3/5

[bartyboy]

Recycled plot. When they recycled it again in Season 20, it was a little better than this, but the Bart's Girlfriend is 5/5 material, this is 2.5/5.

[jbauer]

Classic season 13 winner. Not quite as good as Half-Decent Proposal, but it came close. Part of the excellent opening string of episodes that began Al Jean's post-Mike Scully era.

Reese Witherspoon did a very nice job as Greta Wolfcastle. But to me, what made the episode tick with me was Milhouse's introductory line, WHASSUUUUUUUUP!

Also, Bart had one of the best lines: "Women are easy, state capitals are hard".

4/5

[tom cody]

3/5. I've always enjoyed this episode.

[Financial Panther]

It's an adequate episode, but I think it gets weaker near the end. 3/5.

[Oh, that's raspberry!]

Season 13 continues with another Bart gets a girlfriend episode! I think this was actually only the second time the show had done this though, but don't remember for sure. Anyway this time it is Greta Wolfcastle, daughter of action film star Rainier. Bart meets her when the family goes to a private school carnival. He goes over her house and is wowed by all the cool stuff she has. He invites her and her father to dinner, they attend a basketball game together, and do other stuff. All the time Greta is hinting she may be seeing Bart as more than just a friend but he never catches on. He eventually finds out from Lisa how she really feels and he breaks up with her. He later finds her dating Milhouse and wants her back because of it. He and Milhouse fight over her in Canada but she dumps them both. They still manage to make the Canadian Olympic Basketball team though as we end the episode.

I have always liked this one, but as a Bart's girlfriend episode it isn't as strong as several others. I definitely prefer the Wandering Juvie and Good, Sad, and the Drugly. I still enjoy this though and like the idea of Bart not noticing how the girl in his life feels until it is too late. I think it is an interesting and fairly different way to take the story from the ones where he just outright notices. But then maybe they've already done this before? As I said the only other Bart gets a girlfriend episode I actually know came before this one was Reverend Lovejoy's daughter in Season 6, but I haven't actually watched that episode in well over 3 years so I don't remember. Even if they took that approach there I still like it here too.

Another thing I like here which I wish was followed up is Rainier as a dad. I think it adds a nice level of depth to his character and I enjoyed every scene he had with his daughter, including the deleted ones. Of course this will never be commented on again as the girls in Bart's life are always doomed to vanish but oh well. I also enjoyed him hanging around with Homer and at the Simpson house. That pie line was made extra hilarious when I actually got the Schwarzenegger reference.

Milhouse is used well here too, and refreshingly different from in Good, Sad, and Drugly. I actually liked him better in that episode which is why I still prefer it to this one, at least partially, but I definitely liked him here as well. Many of the jokes hit, including just about everything involving Skinner and his stand-up routine including the callback to end the episode. I also enjoyed Bart and Milhouse as starters for Canada's Basketball team. The episode isn't perfect of course, the pacing is kinda shaky and the start with the Olympic torch is Scully-level wacky, but overall I still found much to enjoy from this one and have no problem giving it a 4/5.

[Blobulle]

Very good episode, one of my favorites of the season 13. A- 8.5/10
But I prefer Milhouse in The Good, the Sad, and the Drugly.