Barthood

I'm not nearly as harsh on the newer episodes of The Simpson's as most people are, but I will happily admit that there have been some absolutely terrible episodes in season 27. This, however, is not one of them. Barthood is probably one of the best episodes in the last five years. While there are some iffy plot points that don't match up with classic Simpson's, Bart's never before seen relationship with his grandfather, for example, that's OK. The Simpson's needs some change. That said, the Simpson's also needs tradition and this episode provides it.

Barthood is different from the other future episodes (the most notable of which probably being Lisa's Wedding) in that it doesn't focus all of its humor on the future. The fate of each of the characters is not particularly ingenious as one might expect from a comedy show, rather it is drawn form the same mix of realism and serendipity that made Boyhood so lifelike. In that way, though the episode does not exactly mirror Boyhood, it is a wonderful adaptation.

Then there's the humor. This is one of the funnier episodes from the last few seasons and it delivers with the same mix of wit, slapstick, and allusion that all of the best classic episodes do.

On the whole, Barthood is the blueprint for what a modern Simpson's episode should be. The story is touching and humorous like the Simpson's should be, but is also profoundly different from the episodes that came before it.

The Simpsons have been inconsistent for the last few years. I can't imagine any show lasting this long and acing each episode but lately I've only watched episodes if I'm getting a real case of nostalgia. With that said I was in for a real treat with the BartHood episode. It starts off with a cool rotoscope introduction that isn't recycled from past seasons(at least from what I've seen).

We get that it's a takeoff on Boyhood but like the episodes it quickly becomes something better. I personally love episodes where we get to see The Simpsons age. So Bart goes from seven to somewhere I think in his early 20s(they don't specify). Yes, Bart and Lisa compete for their parents recognition throughout their formative years but then it becomes about how they connect.

When The Simpsons works it always come back to how they look out for each other but sill make jokes at each others expense. This episode NEVER gets cheesy. Cool to see Bart interact with his grandpa and witness Homer when he was not a complete buffoon. Even better is that you get to see what all the regulars in Bart and Lisa's classes are up to when they "come of age"

This rates up there with the best episodes since it:

1.) Contains subversive satire 2.) Winks at its own ridiculousness 3.) It's full of surprises and isn't predictable 4.) Has A lot of great one liners. Funny dialogue.

Be sure to watch through the end credits since the best dialogue in the pops up there.

Barthood (Season 27, Episode 9), is a spoof of Boyhood (2014) which follows Bart from age 5 to his early twenties. The episode is extremely funny with a lot of heart, and it is my favorite 'look-into-the-future' episode. This is because I have a big problem with how the previous episodes of this type normally put a year on each story, so they become irrelevant down the line. This episode, however, puts no dates on Bart's life, so it can be universal. Also, technology is not a major feature of the episode, so it can't become obsolete.

Now, to the content of the episode. The idea is a much-needed breath of fresh air to the modern-era Simpsons. This episode joins the likes of Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind (Season 19, Episode 9) and Holidays of Future Passed (Season 23, Episode 9) as one of the best modern Simpsons episodes.

With it's heart and great humor, Barthood is one of the best episodes, not only of modern Simpsons, but of The Simpsons as a whole.

10/10

Barthood is a fantastic Simpsons episode with a very well developed storyline and loads of very funny scenes, as well as a lot of heart. It serves as a very clever, well constructed parody of the Oscar winning Boyhood, which originally dosen't sound like a very fun idea for a Simpsons episode, but it manages to sustain a storyline and never feels messy, even if it's covering over twenty years of Bart's life. What makes this episode, as well as Halloween of Horror, such an enjoyable one, is that the characters are so human in it, Bart is very relatable throughout, whether it be seeing him feel useless, unwanted and as if he has no talent, these are all emotions we've felt before and because of that we sympathise for Bart to a degree that is probably higher than any other episode. It is quite hard to believe just how much they managed to put in to this twenty minute show, while it has a lot of heart and great moments for Bart, it also never forgets to be funny, I was in stitches for many scenes, such as certain quotes from Homer and Grampa, as well as a fun parody on Apple, this episode is consistently funny. Though it may be early in the season, I feel Barthood will very likely be the best episode of the twenty seventh season, a heartwarming and hilarious Simpsons episode.

Bart goes from boy to adult, following him from a young boy to an accomplished young man.

This is a very special episode, and a true gem in and amongst the newer era of Simpsons seasons.

This is a great episode because it shows the life progression of one of the shows most beloved, if not most beloved character Bart and as stated in another review, this is not a goofy view of his future where the main humour is derived from the novelty of a futuristic environment, this is all about Bart.

This episode makes an emotional connection with anyone who has invested time into The Simpsons at any point over the last thirty years, and it does so without sacrificing comedy. I found myself laughing more during this episode than I did during most of the previous episodes combined in season 27.

I was curious to watch this episode when I saw the stand out rating, and it really is deserving of the praise. When the Simpsons eventually does finish, this one will live long in the memory for sure. And it's good to know that our favourite ten year old actually ends up alright.