Okay kids, please be patient while Grampa tells you his story about renting Mortal Kombat in the '90s 🎄 (Although I realized watching this back that, aside from the radical 90s advertising stuff, a bunch of the video game retail nostalgia hits the mid-to-late 80s and 2000s too, basically the gaming era before the digital boom.)
Honestly the video game humor was ahead of its time. Like not having enough spaces for your name, how lame and unpopular sports game are, and parents not knowing the differences between games with similar titles
@@spoofy8885 not to mention, the Simpsons were really the first animated show to directly represent well known video games outside of their own official cartoons, where else in the 90's would you see Mario and Sonic animated outside of the Super Mario Bros Super show and Sonic Sat AM ?
@@da5e Yeah but the point is they are representing video games as they actually we're in those days instead of generic bleep bloop 70s Atari games which had been hilariously outdated for a decade at that point. Even to this day I can't think of too many tv shows having accurate video game references line that
I will always love this joke in the episode: "Why do you think I took you to all those Police Academy movies? For fun?! Well, I didn't hear anybody laughing! Did you?!"
Second best Police Academy joke in the series. I dunno why, but that line from The Springfield Connection about Marge joining the police academy and comparing it to the movie is pretty awesome.
Despite the fact the reference is technically outdated, it's honestly one of the best jokes for how it seamlessly moves from a tense moment to just absolutely *wrecking* those movies
The "Maybe if I stand next to the games looking sad, someone will feel sorry for me and buy me one.” line blew my mind as a child because that was exactly how I thought.
That kinda worked for me once. I was at a store, in the area between the doors while my grandpa was in the bathroom and waited by the vending machines, constantly looking at one with Pokémon figures and a nice lady gave a quarter to buy one. Your comment caused me to flashback to a great moment I haven't thought about in like 15 or 16 years.
@Kid Of flint People react to shocks differently. One instance of cold behaviour after someone commits a crime you never expected them to do, even if they regret it afterwards does not define a parent as good or bad. My mother wouldn't even talk to me all day after I missed one of her concerts.
@@strawberrysoulforever8336 actually it does determine if your good a parent or not , because even if Bart stole something it doesn’t excuse Marge’s actions because even if your angry at your child for doing something like this , it doesn’t justify you shutting them out because this happens on a daily basis in society . I am studying psychology we’ve touched on cases like this where parents do things like this , and it’s truly sad to know that these happen . Also to put A psychoanalysis in with Marge doing this , she’s only hurting Bart more because already he feels the effects of isolation in the family because you have them constantly focusing on Lisa and Maggie while leaving Bart alone , this is why he acts up so much also this has to do with homer not being a father to him . In short summary this perfectly shows Marges parenting , though it has a happy ending which I love , it shouldn’t excuse her actions at all and I’m sorry you had to go though that with your mom
@@kidofflint8812 >Also to put A psychoanalysis in with Marge doing this , she’s only hurting Bart more because already he feels the effects of isolation in the family because you have them constantly focusing on Lisa and Maggie while leaving Bart alone Tbf, this is really iffy with continuity. Just as they're stablished what you're saying (although i can't think of an in-the-text instance of that), in a lot of episodes they've stablished just the opposite, that Bart being such a troublemaker leaves Lisa unatended because she kinda takes care of herself anyway.
This episode shows that the kids are always blamed when It's the influence arround them that makes them act that way. The TV comercial, The Rich Kid treated as a King, Millhouse, Nelson and Jimbo. They all got scott free and Bart It's the only one getting punished.
That scene where Marge doesn't tuck Bart in is one of the most upsetting scenes in the entire series. There is not a single punishment that could've hurt Bart more than a simple shunning.
It layers things on interestingly because you realise as you get older that it’s actually not active shunning, just in that moment, Marge is really grappling with what exactly to do there. Like when she’s lying in bed with Homer, questioning whether she’s been mothering Bart too much and needs to take that step back. She’s passively shunning him because she actually has no idea what to do any more and has a really interesting internal conflict in this moment. She’s pulling back to even begin to understand what to do next and is really kind of coming up empty. I’ve seen a lot of criticism for Marge being cold and borderline abusive to Bart, and yeah maybe it kind of is, but it’s a passive thing that actually a lot of parents fall into when they’re disappointed, because suddenly you just don’t know what to do next. It’s a great parents as people episode where it’s a long, horrible mistake that comes out to a happy ending for them all when they grow from that mistake.
Bart is not a baby, and he didn't like his lame mom tucking him in before. But suddenly he lets his mom down and wants those things. That is emotionally childish, I am in the camp of thinking this is about him growing up. And the reality of the irreconcilable nature of Bart being a hellraiser and his mom being a naive but soft and caring person. This is an episode where worlds collide for Bart.
This episode was brutal. I've felt that way. When your mother no longer trusts you. It stays with you forever. That feeling you never want to feel again.
I legit used to skip this episode when I was younger because of how anxious that part made me. Now that I'm older I can appreciate the episode as the gem it is for so accurately depicting that feeling onscreen while still packing in plenty of great jokes
This is my favorite Marge and Bart episode. It perfectly encapsulates the crushing feeling of a son letting his mother down, and how emotionally crippling it feels.
Yeah, but it also shows that Marge doesn't understand Bart and decides to punish him too hard. He is 10, It was obvious that something happened. That stupid security Guy should have shown when Jimbo and Nelson were talking to Bart. They were the reason Bart decided to steal.
I don't have a great emotional connection with my mother, but I can say that it represents letting one's father down better than basically any Homer-Bart plots.
@@agustin12689 Marge isn't trying to punish Bart, she thinks he's growing up, and doesn't need her anymore. She isn't doing it out of malice or to teach him a lesson, it's because it's what she thinks Bart wants. Even Bart likely thinks that's what he wants, based on the tuck-in scene and whatnot, and only later realizes that he doesn't.
I’ve never realize how many good episodes are ruined by the shows reliance on negative continuity/the status que. I’ve seen many fans write off a good episode because of its ending or how it affects other episodes. I always saw this episode being remembered less fondly not because of the moralizing but because everything stated that wasn’t done in this episode are done repeatedly in lesser episodes. In fact whenever I see arguments on marges approach to bart a lot of them focus specifically only on this episode because of how much later similar plots muddy the waters. marge becomes increasingly petty until the point where she does outright disown bart for not taking her side in an argument.
She died in 1990 rest her soul she'll have to haunt Mike scully. His dad was still alive when the commentary was recorded in 2005 and was very disappointed to hear
It was such a weird experience to find out that Stephen Jay Gould was a real person, and a scientist. He's the character from "Lisa the Sceptic" who doesn't test the angel skeleton.
The bit where Don Brodka is trying to spread the cheese on the crackers is one of the funniest scenes in the show. I'll never get why they cut it out of the episode in reruns.
Commercials. It's more important to see the same bad local furniture commercial 3 more times a half hour than it is to keep the intended humor of the episode. A LOT of episodes I had to watch in local syndication and I'm always surprised when I see the uncut versions.
For sure. When I first started buying the DVDs, the best part was rediscovering scenes I remembered vaguely from the original airing that I felt nobody else remembered or saw.
Yeah they cut a lot of good stuff. In the episode where Marge becomes a cop, they cut out the COPS parody where she goes to Skinner and his mother's house in syndication. The part where Skinner says "I didnt agree to have my face shown!" always makes me laugh.
This was among the most painful episodes to watch as a kid. All the christmas episodes were to some extent, but this had the extra sting of Bart absolutely deserving what he was going through. Looking back at it now, it's easier to see what's going on as an understandable childhood mistake that you grow up and move past, but from a kid's perspective it felt like everything was over for him.
Going back to this episode somehow hit me way harder as an adult than it did as a kid. When Bart asks if there's anything he can do to make amends and Marge just says "I don't know" made me go buy my mom a second Christmas gift. I got her Lee Carvallo's Putting Challenge.
The thing is: Marge did make cocoa for him, she did buy him the game before Bart got her the picture, so Marge wasn't even being cruel or manipulative, she was the embodiement of "not mad, just disappointed" and Bart felt it.
I wanna say, whoever wrote Lisa's jokes this episode is a genius. The bathroom rug, the fake snow, the clutching and wheezing from an eggnog overdose followed by the innocently understated "I think I'm having chest pains" still cracks me up to this day
I always assumed it was an almost akin to an unreliable narrator type thing with this episode, as it's a child's perspective. When you're a kid everything seems magnified to be so much more dramatic, so that is why when following his perspective things seem so cold from Marge and the family. Definitely one of my favourite episodes
I don't know if anybody felt the same way, but I like how that little scene of Santa at the mall gave a small hint of commune at that place. -Ho ho hooo! Here you go, sonny! 🎅 -Not him. -Aaahhh, I see. 😠 And silently crushes the candy cane he was holding. I don't know why, but I like this part for some reason.
Lawrence Tierney was apparently supposed to be a recurring character on Seinfeld as Elaine's dad but after one episode everyone was so scared of him that they didn't want him back.
This episode legitimately made me cry as a kid because of how close to home it felt. You're absolutely spot-on about how it perfectly captures the voice of a child; the scenes with Marge shunning Bart were heartbreaking to me as a kid for that exact reason, I knew *exactly* how Bart felt in those moments, the guilt and the anxiety that comes with disappointing your parents. And the ending is so cathartic for that same reason; I still get misty-eyed when Bart gives Marge the photo he paid for. Also, I can't believe you didn't mention "Marge, is Lisa at Camp Granada?". Legit one of my most quoted lines from the show, it cracks me up every time.
This was one of those episodes that had the strongest moral impact on me as a kid....the idea of stealing/getting in big trouble and lying about it to my parents terrified me
When I was a kid I was caught shoplifting a week before Christmas. My parents did find out after the store security called them and it was a feeling that this episode conveys all too well. For years after that if this episode came on when my parents were around I would instantly change the channel because I couldn't bring myself to watch it around them.
Marge Be Not Proud truly is a time capsule of video game mania during the 90s around Christmas. Edit: Fun fact, Lego Dimensions made a Simpsons reference to the Sonic cameo
I really like how the family photo becomes a symbol for the episode's conflict. When Marge hangs it on the wall after finding out what Bart did (an action which led to the photo itself being ruined by Don Brodka's intervention), it immediately becomes tilted to represent how the entire household has been thrown off balance and that something is now terribly wrong. But when she adds Bart's framed photo at the end, even though it hasn't erased the past, the family photo returns to a level position, showing that balance has been restored.
If you're watching any movie or TV episode that has Lawrence Tierney in it, and there'd DVD commentary from the cast/crew, you NEED to listen to it. It wasn't just the Simpsons writers; EVERYONE was, in equal measure, terrified of and befuddled by that man. The Reservoir Dogs special features, in particular, are treasure trove of bizarre Tierney anecdotes.
He was clearly borderline insane. I think when shooting Reservoir Dogs he shot through his hotel wall? Great performances though, his weirdness really comes through.
Even though Homer's presence in this episode is so small, he still manages to deliver one of my favourite jokes in the whole series. "We didn't have a message when we left... How very odd."
"I've figured out the boy's punishment. First, he's grounded. No leaving the house, not even for school. Second, no eggnog. In fact, no nog, PERIOD. And third, ABSOLUTELY NO STEALING FOR THREE MONTHS."
The tragic thing about this episode is that when Marge decides to stop “mothering” Bart as much, stepping back and letting him be more independent, he just feels neglected because he interprets it as her not loving him anymore. Marge thinks she’s doing the right thing, but has no idea about the emotional pain it’s putting Bart through. Him asking Milhouse if he thinks it’s possible for parents to stop loving you always makes me cry.
I love the ending where they build it up to where the audience is expecting marge to have bought bart a copy of bone storm. Only to discover that she bought him a copy of Lee Carvallo’s putting challenge because the store clerk said it was the hot new game that every boy was after. Marge’s innocence was so believable and Bart didn’t wanna ruin the moment by being honest and actually tried to play the game even though clearly wasn’t what he wanted. Also i think the game that Bone Storm is parodying is Killer Instinct. That was the hot new mortal-kombat like game from that time which when it was red hot made MK look like old news
I remember being surprised at how much Charlie from Zombie Simpsons hated this episode. The whole "very special episode" angle never really bothered me, It's not like The Simpsons has never had saccharine episode endings before. I always loved this episode and considered it a classic too, but I might be biased because Sonic shows up.
It was interesting after they published that whole thing and the internet's response was, "Sure, we'll use the term Zombie Simpsons, but you're totally off about Marge Be Not Proud" 🤣
The contrast between Marge telling the Try N Save that her boy is not a shoplifter, and immediately getting on his case about shoplifting when he comes back with something in his jacket.
I think the bit between Bart and Lou Ann was really sweet and sad at the same time. He just wants some of the parental approval that he squandered with Marge
I’m always intrigued by Luann’s reaction in that moment, too. She seems sympathetic but also touched. We see a fair bit of Luann being quite negative, sometimes pushing nasty, towards Bart, mainly from her being quick to assume the worst of him, but her reaction to him asking to spend time with her has interesting implications. Is Milhouse actually quite distant from Luann too? Does she actually think worse of the Simpsons as a family, rather than just Bart? Does she see actually some goodness in Bart, but thinks poorly of his environment? Definitely don’t think it was intended to be that deep, but it actually raises an interesting point that could really offer some insights into the Simpsons and Van Houtens as characters.
@@hkazu63 Luanne is generally the least touched upon Van Houten but if she has the same trademark family behaviour it makes sense. They're pitiful characters that turn into ruthless weasels the instant they get a mild bit of leverage. I think it's why we usually see bitchy Luanne since she was often shown with some upper hand like during the divorce, and yet there are still hints she's as pathetic and desperate as Milhouse and Kirk, like tearfully admitting in public that she steals from the church donation box like it will get her sympathy points.
It's so weird, there was so much adult content i saw growing up that didn't stick with me even though it was far beyond my demographic and probably inappropriate but i will never forget the pit in my stomach i got watching this episode as a kid, it is so well-made.
Back in my day, video games worth renting were almost as scarce as film was for taking family or school photos! They played off the "you only get one picture, don't mess it up" trope before digital cameras and I think worked well at the end with Bart's present.
I had the original Bart Wars VHS and this episode was the last episode of the tape. So it filled a certain position for me whenever it came round. It had a certain liminality to it due to it being near the boundary of the tape
This is my absolute favorite, Simpsons comfort food. The Marge/Bart stuff is just so ooey gooey and feel good Simpsons for me, like when Homer and Lisa team up. But so many great lines here, "No nog, period." And "Bada Bing Bada Boom" come to mind. I love this one so much
I think my favorite moment on Simpsons DVD audio commentary was the producers ranting about how hard Lawrence Tierney was to work with- how he didn't get most of the jokes and was just generally surly and intimidating the whole time.
I think this episode and lemon of troy are the best written childlike plots, they are SO relatable in how they portray a child's thought process and i love it every single time
When I was a kid, I got a VHS tape that had several classic Simpsons episodes on it and this one was among them. And it... it was sad to watch when I was a kid, because of how well it captures that feeling and it may be even harder to watch as a sentimental adult.
This is definitely an important episode especially for kids who need to learn sometimes its good just to get what you get even if its not what you wanted I love Barts reaction to the golf game and pan shot down to Marges face is so sweet also this and Bart sells his soul make me hate Millhouse but the scene with Bart and Luann is pretty nice.
@@MunkiZee I like how Milhouse is so easy to defeat, but give him the slightest win and he'll tear it from your grasp. Milhouse: "Finally, I'll be the dominant one!" Ralph: "Be quiet." Milhouse: "Yessir..."
i will never not love the anecdote about Lawrence Tierney not understanding the "Don brodka speaks into an answering maching but talks as if he's having an conversation" joke
I would’ve been 7 years old when this episode aired…and Marge being distant with Bart reminded me a lot of my own mother. Not necessarily because of me being mischievous, but rather she had some of her own emotional issues. For many years, I actually didn’t rewatch this episode. Once I did, the sort of painful connection I had to it went away and I found it to be one of my all time favorite episodes.
I love this episode so much. There are so many moments that are stuck in my head to this day. The schmaltz is only part of this episode's appeal. A classic holiday episode and one of the greatest Simpsons episodes in general that is worth all the praise and remembrance it can receive. It is just that good.
I watched this episode yesterday for the sake of the Christmas season, and my god, this episode is a fucking masterpiece. It has aged gracefully. I love how the writers were able to tie in a plot that in hindsight may seem mean-spirited but executed it in a way where you can tell that is has a huge heart. I love how so many season 7 episodes show Bart’s vulnerability in such a way where we see miles of character development in the process. By far my favorite Christmas episode, and actually upon my last view it’s up there in terms of my favorite episodes just in general. The writers knocked this one out of the park.
I love everything about Bonestorm's presence in the episode. I love how the add for it is not only over-the-top, but, critically, tells you nothing about the game other than the fact that you NEED to buy it. I love how Bart, like every child at some point, is completely taken in by this. Most importantly, I love how the game isn't even that great. Milhouse gives it up within a few days in favor of a cup and ball. I have a clear memory of desperately wanting a toy I had seen on tv one year. I didn't end up getting the toy, but a (much richer) friend of mine did, and it SUCKED! I asked him to show it to me (he had forgotten he had it) and I got bored of it in under a minute.
This is an all-time Top 10 episode for me because of all the reasons you mentioned. It's like The Simpsons' version of A Christmas Story - a funny, sweet, nostalgic coming-of-age story driven by a desperately wanted Christmas gift.
This is definitely the best Christmas episode the show ever produced. It also was the closest thing to a “token grounding episode” the show produced up to that time. At least until the four groundings of the apocalypse around Seasons 20-21, culminating in Postcards from the Wedge, which was the series’ first token grounding episode ever, and shattered my faith in the series as a whole.
This episode is indeed a wonderful classic! It’s a true Christmas masterpiece! Don bradka is a fantastic character too. You can certainly see why he sticks out so well. He makes a great intimidating obstacle for Bart in all his scenes.
You know I also remember hearing in the audio commentary how off putting Bill and Josh found Lawerence's attitude but yeah they not only got a good performance from the character but that actually became the basis for Gus in Mission Hill. I appreciate the commentaries for actually letting the two when it was appropriate talk about their other failed show that I doubt a lot of the people buying the DVDs would care about but for those of us who remember mission Hill (mainly those of us who saw it on Adult Swim) it's neat to hear about. I also don't know why people feel this episode has a sugary sweet disposition. I guess yeah the ending of Marge and Bart but that's like... what 30 seconds of the episode? Honestly growing up though I did see this was a good and solid episode with a lot of great zingers and bits (one of my favorite is Bart actually switching the answering machine tape with Camp Grenada and that fooling Homer and yeah as a huge Sonic the Hedgehog fan his appearance in the dream sequence is great) but especially as a kid I found it miserable. The idea of Bart failing to get this game he wanted, him being spooked and horrified by Brodka and then Marge distancing herself when she finds out. Like there is a lottttttttttttttttt of bitterness that I admit as a kid I was not down for and though did like also couldn't gel with that much. Thus why I kind of felt "Tis The 15th Season" was the best Christmas episode when I saw it for being the first major full on Christmas episode without Bart screwing up in some form and the family having to suffer through it even if it did end on a happier note. Looking back on it though probably still not my favorite I do get more the appreciation for it and how this isn't full on misery since it does have an uplifting point and view point especially with Bart and Marge's relaitonship.
Therealljim I was binge watching your season retrospective when something hit me, if you publish those retrospectives none stop till you caught The Simpsons production schedule you'd literally catch them in about 4 years. Of coarse you won't produce those retrospectives without interruption, which means The Simpsons may be in their 40 or 42 seasons (my prayers) when you catch their production schedule. I am a big fan of your work, please keep pushing onward.
I remember being absolutely stressed out by this episode because i got busted for stealing by my mom as a kid and they really got the feeling down, the sense of feeling like it changed your life permanently and the fear that it will always be that way. Great portrayal, i still skip the episode and this video whenever i binge haha
What makes this episode really great is how effortlessly it combines that realistic, down-to-earth family drama typical for the first couple seasons with the comedy-heavy style and killer jokes typical for the peak seasons. The funniest Simpsons episodes are usually not the most touching ones and vice versa but Marge Be Not Proud hits high in both fields. The episode that resembles this one most as a story is probably Bart vs. Thanksgiving which isn't even nearly as funny. Marge Be Not Proud may not be the most groundbreaking Simpsons Christmas story but who cares. If it's sitcommy, then it's a superb execution of that particular sitcom formula (and possibly strongest of the numerous classic Simpsons episodes that could be accused of being very sitcommy). (Also, this video was a very nice Christmas present for all the fans of this channel.)
Bro. I got banned from a store for shoplifting once and had to go back for something weeks later and I was terrified. I legit put my hood up and walked in and avoided the cameras. Just like this episode.
Easily one of my favorite episodes. I remember watching it as a kid and feeling so bad for Bart even though I know he did the wrong thing. Now watching it as a mom and totally wondering how I'm going to handle my kids growing up and possibly making big mistakes. My kids are still very little but I have sat up at night having Marge's exact thoughts about what will happen when my kids get older and how our relationships will undoubtedly change. Not wanting to seem unsupportive but also don't want to smother them at the same time. Trying to find that perfect middle ground and letting them know I love them.
I'd love for you to elaborate on Bart being the most "closed off" member of the family. I get what you're saying, I'd just love to hear more. It's an interesting thought.
4:36 My friend had a NES with Super Mario Bros. He used to set up a two player game, only to run Luigi into a pit while he played as Mario alone. Kids are horrid.
Such an amazing episode, I'm honestly shocked you haven't done an ES on it already. The emotional beats have always hit me hard, but it feels like every time I rewatch this episode I find another thing to laugh at. I couldn't even point to any one joke and call it my favorite, because they all get me rolling. Lee Carvello's Putting Challenge, Police Academy, Thrillho, Camp Granada, every moment Don Brodka is on screen... these moments all live rent free in my head. One of the all time greats.
re the emphasis on Bart's perspective over Marge's, I think that makes the episode work amazingly. That feeling that you've hurt someone who was trusting and kind, and that now you can only hope that you'll forgive you... works so much better because we're not told or shown what Marge is thinking, only how she's expressing it. It feels very authentic, because we often really don't know how someone is feeling when they stop telling us. I think that's what hurts the most - having someone who would always tell and show him she loved him start to leave some doubt.
Not only did Jim pointed out this episodes similarity to "Bart Sells His Soul" but it made me realize how much both episodes highlight what a huge piece of shit Milhouse is when he has even the tiniest thing over someone else
@@Gojiro7 In hindsight it makes sense why Luanne is such an alpha bitch during the divorce, or why Kirk is more high and mighty and looks down on Homer in earlier appearances, the Van Houtens get completely power drunk just from the thrill of being only the SECOND biggest weenies in Springfield. As Jims once said with Kirk, they're so pathetic but always do something to make you NOT feel sorry for them.
@@e-122psi3 thats very true, though we only have that in hindsight, when this characterization was first being done, they simply just made these people really shitty without any connective dots until the big status quo change when suddenly thats what characterized them all the most. They basically took one of the laziest last minute plot points "Loser character gets drunk on power" and turned it into a lasting character trait that better defined both a character and his extended family.
@@Gojiro7 Yeah, it comes off like one of those little random bits that conviniently works with the way the later parts of the show developed, compared to other early cases which look kinda weird after they 'clicked' everything.
this has so far been my favorite observational diatribe of yours, I think you nailed everything great about this episode and didn't get over reaching about anything :3 great job Jim, ill be sure to mail you a copy of BoneStorm for Christmas ^_^
I remember watching this episode as a kid and feeling really sad about Bart being left out from making a snowman with the family, and thinking the whole family was being super unfair to Bart.
There's a constant battle in my head every year of whether this or "Simpsons Roasting" is my favorite Simpsons holiday episode... I would LOVE to see a Simpsons Showdown between those two
Okay kids, please be patient while Grampa tells you his story about renting Mortal Kombat in the '90s 🎄
(Although I realized watching this back that, aside from the radical 90s advertising stuff, a bunch of the video game retail nostalgia hits the mid-to-late 80s and 2000s too, basically the gaming era before the digital boom.)
Honestly the video game humor was ahead of its time. Like not having enough spaces for your name, how lame and unpopular sports game are, and parents not knowing the differences between games with similar titles
@@spoofy8885 not to mention, the Simpsons were really the first animated show to directly represent well known video games outside of their own official cartoons, where else in the 90's would you see Mario and Sonic animated outside of the Super Mario Bros Super show and Sonic Sat AM ?
Hey, at least you were honest enough to rent it, and not just take it. Take it, TAKE IT, TAKE IT TAKE IT!
*TAKE IT*
@@da5e Yeah but the point is they are representing video games as they actually we're in those days instead of generic bleep bloop 70s Atari games which had been hilariously outdated for a decade at that point. Even to this day I can't think of too many tv shows having accurate video game references line that
“Mom, this fake snow is making me dizzy…”
I will always love this joke in the episode: "Why do you think I took you to all those Police Academy movies? For fun?! Well, I didn't hear anybody laughing! Did you?!"
Now where was I? Oh yeah, stay outta my booze!
@@waywardlaser The trick is to say you're prejudice against all races.
"Except at that guy who made sound effects!"
Second best Police Academy joke in the series. I dunno why, but that line from The Springfield Connection about Marge joining the police academy and comparing it to the movie is pretty awesome.
Despite the fact the reference is technically outdated, it's honestly one of the best jokes for how it seamlessly moves from a tense moment to just absolutely *wrecking* those movies
The "Maybe if I stand next to the games looking sad, someone will feel sorry for me and buy me one.” line blew my mind as a child because that was exactly how I thought.
That kinda worked for me once. I was at a store, in the area between the doors while my grandpa was in the bathroom and waited by the vending machines, constantly looking at one with Pokémon figures and a nice lady gave a quarter to buy one. Your comment caused me to flashback to a great moment I haven't thought about in like 15 or 16 years.
It actually embarrassed me. As a kiddo I actually got a man in the amusement park to give me a quarter by sadly watching the roller coaster. Lame.
Same tbh
The cold delivery of; "Good night Bart" is one of the most brutal lines in the show. It still wrenches my heart.
She doesn't even say Bart's name. Makes it even colder.
@@strawberrysoulforever8336 this really shows marge as a terrible a mother in my opinion
@Kid Of flint People react to shocks differently. One instance of cold behaviour after someone commits a crime you never expected them to do, even if they regret it afterwards does not define a parent as good or bad. My mother wouldn't even talk to me all day after I missed one of her concerts.
@@strawberrysoulforever8336 actually it does determine if your good a parent or not , because even if Bart stole something it doesn’t excuse Marge’s actions because even if your angry at your child for doing something like this , it doesn’t justify you shutting them out because this happens on a daily basis in society .
I am studying psychology we’ve touched on cases like this where parents do things like this , and it’s truly sad to know that these happen .
Also to put A psychoanalysis in with Marge doing this , she’s only hurting Bart more because already he feels the effects of isolation in the family because you have them constantly focusing on Lisa and Maggie while leaving Bart alone , this is why he acts up so much also this has to do with homer not being a father to him .
In short summary this perfectly shows Marges parenting , though it has a happy ending which I love , it shouldn’t excuse her actions at all and I’m sorry you had to go though that with your mom
@@kidofflint8812 >Also to put A psychoanalysis in with Marge doing this , she’s only hurting Bart more because already he feels the effects of isolation in the family because you have them constantly focusing on Lisa and Maggie while leaving Bart alone
Tbf, this is really iffy with continuity. Just as they're stablished what you're saying (although i can't think of an in-the-text instance of that), in a lot of episodes they've stablished just the opposite, that Bart being such a troublemaker leaves Lisa unatended because she kinda takes care of herself anyway.
“Buy me Bonestorm or go to hell!”
“Bart!”
“Young man, in this house we use a little word called ‘please’.”
This episode shows that the kids are always blamed when It's the influence arround them that makes them act that way. The TV comercial, The Rich Kid treated as a King, Millhouse, Nelson and Jimbo. They all got scott free and Bart It's the only one getting punished.
That scene where Marge doesn't tuck Bart in is one of the most upsetting scenes in the entire series. There is not a single punishment that could've hurt Bart more than a simple shunning.
It’s doubly upsetting for those who’ve been in Bart’s position where it seems like your parents don’t care about you anymore.
It layers things on interestingly because you realise as you get older that it’s actually not active shunning, just in that moment, Marge is really grappling with what exactly to do there. Like when she’s lying in bed with Homer, questioning whether she’s been mothering Bart too much and needs to take that step back. She’s passively shunning him because she actually has no idea what to do any more and has a really interesting internal conflict in this moment. She’s pulling back to even begin to understand what to do next and is really kind of coming up empty. I’ve seen a lot of criticism for Marge being cold and borderline abusive to Bart, and yeah maybe it kind of is, but it’s a passive thing that actually a lot of parents fall into when they’re disappointed, because suddenly you just don’t know what to do next. It’s a great parents as people episode where it’s a long, horrible mistake that comes out to a happy ending for them all when they grow from that mistake.
Bart is not a baby, and he didn't like his lame mom tucking him in before. But suddenly he lets his mom down and wants those things. That is emotionally childish, I am in the camp of thinking this is about him growing up. And the reality of the irreconcilable nature of Bart being a hellraiser and his mom being a naive but soft and caring person. This is an episode where worlds collide for Bart.
i would also argue that the tuck in time was also a dagger to Marge's heart.
@@AlexG1020 of course its "emotionally childish", he's 10
This episode was brutal. I've felt that way. When your mother no longer trusts you. It stays with you forever. That feeling you never want to feel again.
I legit used to skip this episode when I was younger because of how anxious that part made me. Now that I'm older I can appreciate the episode as the gem it is for so accurately depicting that feeling onscreen while still packing in plenty of great jokes
@@jessaminemanchester I can feel that, this was definitely one of the more anxiety inducing episodes when you were in that age bracket.
A few years ago I wasn’t on speaking terms with my Mum, things have changed since then and we’re getting on better.
My mother would treat me like that whenever I brought home bad grades so the episode used to make me feel super uncomfortable. Still does.
@@thrushhattstewohlgern5006 Nah, I had to have broken the law for that treatment.
This is my favorite Marge and Bart episode. It perfectly encapsulates the crushing feeling of a son letting his mother down, and how emotionally crippling it feels.
Yeah, but it also shows that Marge doesn't understand Bart and decides to punish him too hard. He is 10, It was obvious that something happened. That stupid security Guy should have shown when Jimbo and Nelson were talking to Bart. They were the reason Bart decided to steal.
I don't have a great emotional connection with my mother, but I can say that it represents letting one's father down better than basically any Homer-Bart plots.
More like one of the only
@@agustin12689 Marge isn't trying to punish Bart, she thinks he's growing up, and doesn't need her anymore. She isn't doing it out of malice or to teach him a lesson, it's because it's what she thinks Bart wants. Even Bart likely thinks that's what he wants, based on the tuck-in scene and whatnot, and only later realizes that he doesn't.
I’ve never realize how many good episodes are ruined by the shows reliance on negative continuity/the status que. I’ve seen many fans write off a good episode because of its ending or how it affects other episodes. I always saw this episode being remembered less fondly not because of the moralizing but because everything stated that wasn’t done in this episode are done repeatedly in lesser episodes. In fact whenever I see arguments on marges approach to bart a lot of them focus specifically only on this episode because of how much later similar plots muddy the waters. marge becomes increasingly petty until the point where she does outright disown bart for not taking her side in an argument.
I loved when the commentary joked "My mom never found out about it" "Well, she will now when she listens to this commentary!"
She died in 1990 rest her soul she'll have to haunt Mike scully. His dad was still alive when the commentary was recorded in 2005 and was very disappointed to hear
@@joepittssavedmusic well, that's sad.
I'll never forget the day I learned Lee Carvallo was a real golfer and not just made up for this episode
YOU HAVE SELECTED vapor lock.
For me, the day I learned that is today.
@@rishnix same
Just wait until you realise someone made the game
It was such a weird experience to find out that Stephen Jay Gould was a real person, and a scientist. He's the character from "Lisa the Sceptic" who doesn't test the angel skeleton.
I always loved Bart’s purple hoodie in this one. I’m a sucker for alternate costumes.
The bit where Don Brodka is trying to spread the cheese on the crackers is one of the funniest scenes in the show. I'll never get why they cut it out of the episode in reruns.
Commercials. It's more important to see the same bad local furniture commercial 3 more times a half hour than it is to keep the intended humor of the episode. A LOT of episodes I had to watch in local syndication and I'm always surprised when I see the uncut versions.
For sure. When I first started buying the DVDs, the best part was rediscovering scenes I remembered vaguely from the original airing that I felt nobody else remembered or saw.
Pressure from big cheese and cracker
I guess a pretty big wheel down at the cheese and cracker factory wasn't pleased.
Yeah they cut a lot of good stuff. In the episode where Marge becomes a cop, they cut out the COPS parody where she goes to Skinner and his mother's house in syndication. The part where Skinner says "I didnt agree to have my face shown!" always makes me laugh.
This was among the most painful episodes to watch as a kid. All the christmas episodes were to some extent, but this had the extra sting of Bart absolutely deserving what he was going through. Looking back at it now, it's easier to see what's going on as an understandable childhood mistake that you grow up and move past, but from a kid's perspective it felt like everything was over for him.
Going back to this episode somehow hit me way harder as an adult than it did as a kid. When Bart asks if there's anything he can do to make amends and Marge just says "I don't know" made me go buy my mom a second Christmas gift.
I got her Lee Carvallo's Putting Challenge.
Now with scoring pencil!
"Stealing! How could you? Didn't you learn anything from that guy who gives those sermons in church? Captain What's-his-name?"
The thing is: Marge did make cocoa for him, she did buy him the game before Bart got her the picture, so Marge wasn't even being cruel or manipulative, she was the embodiement of "not mad, just disappointed" and Bart felt it.
I wanna say, whoever wrote Lisa's jokes this episode is a genius. The bathroom rug, the fake snow, the clutching and wheezing from an eggnog overdose followed by the innocently understated "I think I'm having chest pains" still cracks me up to this day
Also the “this is the worst Christmas ever” so flat and deadpan. Hilarious!
I always assumed it was an almost akin to an unreliable narrator type thing with this episode, as it's a child's perspective. When you're a kid everything seems magnified to be so much more dramatic, so that is why when following his perspective things seem so cold from Marge and the family. Definitely one of my favourite episodes
‘THRILLHO’ is one of my fav Simpsons visual gags
It's another wonderfully observed bit
I have been using this name in video games for decades. DECADES.
I love that "Milhouse" would fit perfectly.
I don't know if anybody felt the same way, but I like how that little scene of Santa at the mall gave a small hint of commune at that place.
-Ho ho hooo! Here you go, sonny! 🎅
-Not him.
-Aaahhh, I see. 😠
And silently crushes the candy cane he was holding.
I don't know why, but I like this part for some reason.
Lawrence Tierney was apparently supposed to be a recurring character on Seinfeld as Elaine's dad but after one episode everyone was so scared of him that they didn't want him back.
This episode legitimately made me cry as a kid because of how close to home it felt. You're absolutely spot-on about how it perfectly captures the voice of a child; the scenes with Marge shunning Bart were heartbreaking to me as a kid for that exact reason, I knew *exactly* how Bart felt in those moments, the guilt and the anxiety that comes with disappointing your parents. And the ending is so cathartic for that same reason; I still get misty-eyed when Bart gives Marge the photo he paid for.
Also, I can't believe you didn't mention "Marge, is Lisa at Camp Granada?". Legit one of my most quoted lines from the show, it cracks me up every time.
And this made me tear up a few minutes ago when Marge freezes out Bart at tuck-in time.
This was one of those episodes that had the strongest moral impact on me as a kid....the idea of stealing/getting in big trouble and lying about it to my parents terrified me
When I was a kid I was caught shoplifting a week before Christmas. My parents did find out after the store security called them and it was a feeling that this episode conveys all too well. For years after that if this episode came on when my parents were around I would instantly change the channel because I couldn't bring myself to watch it around them.
Marge Be Not Proud truly is a time capsule of video game mania during the 90s around Christmas.
Edit: Fun fact, Lego Dimensions made a Simpsons reference to the Sonic cameo
I really like how the family photo becomes a symbol for the episode's conflict. When Marge hangs it on the wall after finding out what Bart did (an action which led to the photo itself being ruined by Don Brodka's intervention), it immediately becomes tilted to represent how the entire household has been thrown off balance and that something is now terribly wrong. But when she adds Bart's framed photo at the end, even though it hasn't erased the past, the family photo returns to a level position, showing that balance has been restored.
Apparently, Try n Save doesn’t offer retouching services.
If you're watching any movie or TV episode that has Lawrence Tierney in it, and there'd DVD commentary from the cast/crew, you NEED to listen to it. It wasn't just the Simpsons writers; EVERYONE was, in equal measure, terrified of and befuddled by that man. The Reservoir Dogs special features, in particular, are treasure trove of bizarre Tierney anecdotes.
He was clearly borderline insane. I think when shooting Reservoir Dogs he shot through his hotel wall? Great performances though, his weirdness really comes through.
Man I wish they did commentaries for Star Trek, I wanna hear about his appearances there
He stole a kitchen knife from the set of Seinfeld
Even though Homer's presence in this episode is so small, he still manages to deliver one of my favourite jokes in the whole series.
"We didn't have a message when we left... How very odd."
“Marge, did Lisa go to Camp Granada?”
"I've figured out the boy's punishment. First, he's grounded. No leaving the house, not even for school. Second, no eggnog. In fact, no nog, PERIOD. And third, ABSOLUTELY NO STEALING FOR THREE MONTHS."
@@DasNordlicht91that line is just so funny to me
Homer's funniest moments are when he's a side character or in a subplot. See the sugar scheme in Lisa's Rival.
The tragic thing about this episode is that when Marge decides to stop “mothering” Bart as much, stepping back and letting him be more independent, he just feels neglected because he interprets it as her not loving him anymore. Marge thinks she’s doing the right thing, but has no idea about the emotional pain it’s putting Bart through.
Him asking Milhouse if he thinks it’s possible for parents to stop loving you always makes me cry.
Um, at 10:34 you claim Marge hands Bart a BOX of marshmallows, but in all actuality it's a BAG
I really hope someone gets fired for that blunder
Worst. Episode. Ever.
exactly!! when do marsh mellows ever even come in a box? just neglegent
A wizard did it.
@@ColinElkin-ce1337 for glavin’ out loud…
I mean, what are those? Magic marshmallows?
"Really, Milhouse? You're gonna tattle to your mom? Really?"
Well, to be fair, this is Milhouse we're talking about...
Unrelated but my friends and I as kids always joked about “what kind of name is Milhouse”
I love the ending where they build it up to where the audience is expecting marge to have bought bart a copy of bone storm. Only to discover that she bought him a copy of Lee Carvallo’s putting challenge because the store clerk said it was the hot new game that every boy was after. Marge’s innocence was so believable and Bart didn’t wanna ruin the moment by being honest and actually tried to play the game even though clearly wasn’t what he wanted.
Also i think the game that Bone Storm is parodying is Killer Instinct. That was the hot new mortal-kombat like game from that time which when it was red hot made MK look like old news
I remember being surprised at how much Charlie from Zombie Simpsons hated this episode. The whole "very special episode" angle never really bothered me, It's not like The Simpsons has never had saccharine episode endings before. I always loved this episode and considered it a classic too, but I might be biased because Sonic shows up.
It was interesting after they published that whole thing and the internet's response was, "Sure, we'll use the term Zombie Simpsons, but you're totally off about Marge Be Not Proud" 🤣
i'd like to see this. searched on youtube but couldnt find anything. where can i find their review?
@@FatherAxeKeeperis a site,it's called dead Homer society if im not wrong
The Lee Carvalho’s Putting Challenge credits might be the best credits joke in the entire series.
“You have selected POWER DRIVE!”
“Your ball is in the parking lot!”
This episode is so grounded it feels like it could fit into king of the hi. And thats not a bad thing, this episode is quintessential
This feels warm during the worst blizzard in years here
Season 7 is my favorite season and this episode is one of the reasons why.
I always get the line “captain whatshisname” in my head
The contrast between Marge telling the Try N Save that her boy is not a shoplifter, and immediately getting on his case about shoplifting when he comes back with something in his jacket.
I think the bit between Bart and Lou Ann was really sweet and sad at the same time. He just wants some of the parental approval that he squandered with Marge
I’m always intrigued by Luann’s reaction in that moment, too. She seems sympathetic but also touched. We see a fair bit of Luann being quite negative, sometimes pushing nasty, towards Bart, mainly from her being quick to assume the worst of him, but her reaction to him asking to spend time with her has interesting implications. Is Milhouse actually quite distant from Luann too? Does she actually think worse of the Simpsons as a family, rather than just Bart? Does she see actually some goodness in Bart, but thinks poorly of his environment?
Definitely don’t think it was intended to be that deep, but it actually raises an interesting point that could really offer some insights into the Simpsons and Van Houtens as characters.
@@hkazu63 Luanne is generally the least touched upon Van Houten but if she has the same trademark family behaviour it makes sense. They're pitiful characters that turn into ruthless weasels the instant they get a mild bit of leverage. I think it's why we usually see bitchy Luanne since she was often shown with some upper hand like during the divorce, and yet there are still hints she's as pathetic and desperate as Milhouse and Kirk, like tearfully admitting in public that she steals from the church donation box like it will get her sympathy points.
It's so weird, there was so much adult content i saw growing up that didn't stick with me even though it was far beyond my demographic and probably inappropriate but i will never forget the pit in my stomach i got watching this episode as a kid, it is so well-made.
This is one of my favorite episodes of all time, and truly makes a grand spot for my top 5. It's also one of my favorite Christmas specials too.
Personally, Homer's Police Academy joke is one of my favorite comedic moments from the show. It destroys me every time.
Aunt Selma actually likes those movies.
Back in my day, video games worth renting were almost as scarce as film was for taking family or school photos! They played off the "you only get one picture, don't mess it up" trope before digital cameras and I think worked well at the end with Bart's present.
The line that still hits me from personal experience is Bart's heart lifting with "It's Mom! She's happy again! "
When you have the opportunity to showcase the best Christmas episode on Christmas weekend, just TAKE IT! TAKE IT TAKE IT TAKE IT!
The fact that it's not the usual Simpsons-type episode is why it stands out so well. It's the kind of episode that anyone can relate to.
I had the original Bart Wars VHS and this episode was the last episode of the tape.
So it filled a certain position for me whenever it came round. It had a certain liminality to it due to it being near the boundary of the tape
I remember the first time seeing this one it was a gut punch because it came across as so real compared to other episodes with more Whacky stuff
This is my absolute favorite, Simpsons comfort food. The Marge/Bart stuff is just so ooey gooey and feel good Simpsons for me, like when Homer and Lisa team up. But so many great lines here, "No nog, period." And "Bada Bing Bada Boom" come to mind. I love this one so much
I think my favorite moment on Simpsons DVD audio commentary was the producers ranting about how hard Lawrence Tierney was to work with- how he didn't get most of the jokes and was just generally surly and intimidating the whole time.
The best credit joke is the one about the producers being greedy immediately before the credits come up. The timing is just so perfect.
This is a certified Christmas classic.
I think this episode and lemon of troy are the best written childlike plots, they are SO relatable in how they portray a child's thought process and i love it every single time
TheRealJims just turned against us by even suggesting we watch Miracle on Evergreen Terrace, how could you
When I was a kid, I got a VHS tape that had several classic Simpsons episodes on it and this one was among them. And it... it was sad to watch when I was a kid, because of how well it captures that feeling and it may be even harder to watch as a sentimental adult.
Now she'll really be surprised when she opens that ironing board cover!
This is definitely an important episode especially for kids who need to learn sometimes its good just to get what you get even if its not what you wanted I love Barts reaction to the golf game and pan shot down to Marges face is so sweet also this and Bart sells his soul make me hate Millhouse but the scene with Bart and Luann is pretty nice.
Yeah there's a few episodes that really help reinforce the idea that he kinda gets what he deserves from Bart in the rest of the episodes lol
@@MunkiZee I like how Milhouse is so easy to defeat, but give him the slightest win and he'll tear it from your grasp.
Milhouse: "Finally, I'll be the dominant one!"
Ralph: "Be quiet."
Milhouse: "Yessir..."
i will never not love the anecdote about Lawrence Tierney not understanding the "Don brodka speaks into an answering maching but talks as if he's having an conversation" joke
I would’ve been 7 years old when this episode aired…and Marge being distant with Bart reminded me a lot of my own mother. Not necessarily because of me being mischievous, but rather she had some of her own emotional issues.
For many years, I actually didn’t rewatch this episode. Once I did, the sort of painful connection I had to it went away and I found it to be one of my all time favorite episodes.
I find it interesting that they wrote so much hesitation into Bart deciding to shoplift,
When he was able to do it no problem in a Tracy Ulman short.
I love this episode so much. There are so many moments that are stuck in my head to this day. The schmaltz is only part of this episode's appeal. A classic holiday episode and one of the greatest Simpsons episodes in general that is worth all the praise and remembrance it can receive. It is just that good.
I love the Sonic line. The fact Roger Craig Smith said it in Lego Dimensions makes it even funnier
I watched this episode yesterday for the sake of the Christmas season, and my god, this episode is a fucking masterpiece. It has aged gracefully. I love how the writers were able to tie in a plot that in hindsight may seem mean-spirited but executed it in a way where you can tell that is has a huge heart. I love how so many season 7 episodes show Bart’s vulnerability in such a way where we see miles of character development in the process. By far my favorite Christmas episode, and actually upon my last view it’s up there in terms of my favorite episodes just in general. The writers knocked this one out of the park.
I love everything about Bonestorm's presence in the episode. I love how the add for it is not only over-the-top, but, critically, tells you nothing about the game other than the fact that you NEED to buy it. I love how Bart, like every child at some point, is completely taken in by this. Most importantly, I love how the game isn't even that great. Milhouse gives it up within a few days in favor of a cup and ball. I have a clear memory of desperately wanting a toy I had seen on tv one year. I didn't end up getting the toy, but a (much richer) friend of mine did, and it SUCKED! I asked him to show it to me (he had forgotten he had it) and I got bored of it in under a minute.
I always get a little uneasy watching this episode because it feels too real and personal.
This is an all-time Top 10 episode for me because of all the reasons you mentioned. It's like The Simpsons' version of A Christmas Story - a funny, sweet, nostalgic coming-of-age story driven by a desperately wanted Christmas gift.
This is probably one of my favourite Christmas episodes, up there with Skinner's sense of snow
Tried to insert a kristi yamaguchi joke but just couldn’t make it work
This is definitely the best Christmas episode the show ever produced. It also was the closest thing to a “token grounding episode” the show produced up to that time. At least until the four groundings of the apocalypse around Seasons 20-21, culminating in Postcards from the Wedge, which was the series’ first token grounding episode ever, and shattered my faith in the series as a whole.
Homer's boss-eyed reaction to there being an answer phone message is always one of my favourite Homer moments.
This episode is indeed a wonderful classic! It’s a true Christmas masterpiece! Don bradka is a fantastic character too. You can certainly see why he sticks out so well. He makes a great intimidating obstacle for Bart in all his scenes.
You know I also remember hearing in the audio commentary how off putting Bill and Josh found Lawerence's attitude but yeah they not only got a good performance from the character but that actually became the basis for Gus in Mission Hill. I appreciate the commentaries for actually letting the two when it was appropriate talk about their other failed show that I doubt a lot of the people buying the DVDs would care about but for those of us who remember mission Hill (mainly those of us who saw it on Adult Swim) it's neat to hear about.
I also don't know why people feel this episode has a sugary sweet disposition. I guess yeah the ending of Marge and Bart but that's like... what 30 seconds of the episode? Honestly growing up though I did see this was a good and solid episode with a lot of great zingers and bits (one of my favorite is Bart actually switching the answering machine tape with Camp Grenada and that fooling Homer and yeah as a huge Sonic the Hedgehog fan his appearance in the dream sequence is great) but especially as a kid I found it miserable. The idea of Bart failing to get this game he wanted, him being spooked and horrified by Brodka and then Marge distancing herself when she finds out. Like there is a lottttttttttttttttt of bitterness that I admit as a kid I was not down for and though did like also couldn't gel with that much. Thus why I kind of felt "Tis The 15th Season" was the best Christmas episode when I saw it for being the first major full on Christmas episode without Bart screwing up in some form and the family having to suffer through it even if it did end on a happier note. Looking back on it though probably still not my favorite I do get more the appreciation for it and how this isn't full on misery since it does have an uplifting point and view point especially with Bart and Marge's relaitonship.
Therealljim I was binge watching your season retrospective when something hit me, if you publish those retrospectives none stop till you caught The Simpsons production schedule you'd literally catch them in about 4 years. Of coarse you won't produce those retrospectives without interruption, which means The Simpsons may be in their 40 or 42 seasons (my prayers) when you catch their production schedule. I am a big fan of your work, please keep pushing onward.
Easily my favourite episode saw it on a Simpsons Star Wars dvd I rented and I loved it immediately really hit close to home.
I remember being absolutely stressed out by this episode because i got busted for stealing by my mom as a kid and they really got the feeling down, the sense of feeling like it changed your life permanently and the fear that it will always be that way. Great portrayal, i still skip the episode and this video whenever i binge haha
What makes this episode really great is how effortlessly it combines that realistic, down-to-earth family drama typical for the first couple seasons with the comedy-heavy style and killer jokes typical for the peak seasons. The funniest Simpsons episodes are usually not the most touching ones and vice versa but Marge Be Not Proud hits high in both fields. The episode that resembles this one most as a story is probably Bart vs. Thanksgiving which isn't even nearly as funny.
Marge Be Not Proud may not be the most groundbreaking Simpsons Christmas story but who cares. If it's sitcommy, then it's a superb execution of that particular sitcom formula (and possibly strongest of the numerous classic Simpsons episodes that could be accused of being very sitcommy).
(Also, this video was a very nice Christmas present for all the fans of this channel.)
Bro. I got banned from a store for shoplifting once and had to go back for something weeks later and I was terrified. I legit put my hood up and walked in and avoided the cameras. Just like this episode.
I also love this episode. One of my go to things to watch each December. Great job as always Jim.
Huge episode. My dad still calls spoilt children ‘bonestorm kids’ in reference to the boy at the beginning who’s shopping with his mum
Easily one of my favorite episodes. I remember watching it as a kid and feeling so bad for Bart even though I know he did the wrong thing. Now watching it as a mom and totally wondering how I'm going to handle my kids growing up and possibly making big mistakes.
My kids are still very little but I have sat up at night having Marge's exact thoughts about what will happen when my kids get older and how our relationships will undoubtedly change. Not wanting to seem unsupportive but also don't want to smother them at the same time. Trying to find that perfect middle ground and letting them know I love them.
You have selected: POWERDRIVE
Well, that's to expect for the son of Max Power. Got to do things the wrong way, but faster.
This is one of my favorite episodes, I'm glad you like it as well
I'd love for you to elaborate on Bart being the most "closed off" member of the family. I get what you're saying, I'd just love to hear more. It's an interesting thought.
4:36
My friend had a NES with Super Mario Bros. He used to set up a two player game, only to run Luigi into a pit while he played as Mario alone. Kids are horrid.
This video is the best christmas present!!
I love homer saying “get him ma”
Such an amazing episode, I'm honestly shocked you haven't done an ES on it already. The emotional beats have always hit me hard, but it feels like every time I rewatch this episode I find another thing to laugh at. I couldn't even point to any one joke and call it my favorite, because they all get me rolling. Lee Carvello's Putting Challenge, Police Academy, Thrillho, Camp Granada, every moment Don Brodka is on screen... these moments all live rent free in my head. One of the all time greats.
re the emphasis on Bart's perspective over Marge's, I think that makes the episode work amazingly. That feeling that you've hurt someone who was trusting and kind, and that now you can only hope that you'll forgive you... works so much better because we're not told or shown what Marge is thinking, only how she's expressing it. It feels very authentic, because we often really don't know how someone is feeling when they stop telling us. I think that's what hurts the most - having someone who would always tell and show him she loved him start to leave some doubt.
Thank you Jims! This is one of my favorite episodes. Merry Christmas! 🎄🥰
One of my favourite episodes!! Thanks for covering!
You have entered POWER DRIVE!
Not only did Jim pointed out this episodes similarity to "Bart Sells His Soul" but it made me realize how much both episodes highlight what a huge piece of shit Milhouse is when he has even the tiniest thing over someone else
Makes more sense after seeing what his parents evolved into.
@@e-122psi3 Tru dat
@@Gojiro7 In hindsight it makes sense why Luanne is such an alpha bitch during the divorce, or why Kirk is more high and mighty and looks down on Homer in earlier appearances, the Van Houtens get completely power drunk just from the thrill of being only the SECOND biggest weenies in Springfield. As Jims once said with Kirk, they're so pathetic but always do something to make you NOT feel sorry for them.
@@e-122psi3 thats very true, though we only have that in hindsight, when this characterization was first being done, they simply just made these people really shitty without any connective dots until the big status quo change when suddenly thats what characterized them all the most. They basically took one of the laziest last minute plot points "Loser character gets drunk on power" and turned it into a lasting character trait that better defined both a character and his extended family.
@@Gojiro7 Yeah, it comes off like one of those little random bits that conviniently works with the way the later parts of the show developed, compared to other early cases which look kinda weird after they 'clicked' everything.
Im not mistaken somebody actually went to made that Lee Carvallo golf game. It think you can play it on PC
I loved how that Sonic cameo was referenced decades later in LEGO Dimensions
this has so far been my favorite observational diatribe of yours, I think you nailed everything great about this episode and didn't get over reaching about anything :3 great job Jim, ill be sure to mail you a copy of BoneStorm for Christmas ^_^
thanks for this
it improved my day immeasurably
I remember watching this episode as a kid and feeling really sad about Bart being left out from making a snowman with the family, and thinking the whole family was being super unfair to Bart.
I watch this every year with my daughter .
Cat feesh
I just showed this episode to a friend a couple weeks ago. It's one of my favorites, and I had a great time showing it to her.
Great video as always!
There's a constant battle in my head every year of whether this or "Simpsons Roasting" is my favorite Simpsons holiday episode... I would LOVE to see a Simpsons Showdown between those two
This is one of my all time favourite episodes! Whenever it was on the tube, I was glued!