[7.8/10] For a long time, this was the show's only Thanksgiving episode, and it's not hard to see why they never tried to top it. It has the more down to earth, wry observational style of early Simpsons, which is still a bit of a readjustment, but it also has a nice balance of low-key comedy, character growth, and heart.
It's funny to think how quietly cynical the show feels here. Lisa saying "stuff like that always seems to happen in this family" and Marge responding, "I noticed that too" is a funny but sad exchange, and Kent Brockman's blowhard routine at the rescue mission is a subtly scathing take on the way local news exploits the less fortunate in a completely mercenary fashion, even when it's nominally shining a spotlight on their plight and others' hypocrisy. At the same time, there's some slightly cheesy sitcom humor here, like Patti & Selma causing an issue by bringing alternate dishes, or Mrs. Bouvier complaining about everything.
But there's some really great comedy too. Homer ending his plea to god with "Are we the worst family on Earth" followed by an "amen" and "worst prayer yet" is brilliant. And the sequence where Bart imagines himself forced to apologize for everything has some really creative designs and music cues.
But the real strength of this episode is the character and heart. Bart has a tidy little arc here, feeling affronted that his bad behavior isn't rewarded, but quietly realizing how lucky he is to have his family, and finding a reason to apologize to his sister in a well-dramatized but still relatable fashion. Their fight at Thanksgiving dinner feels all too real as uncomfortable holiday drama, but that just means it feels earned when Lisa is despondent, but also eventually persuasive and forgiving of her brother.
Thanking the lord for "one more crack at togetherness" over turkey sandwiches is the perfect way to end the episode, and goes out on a note of warmth for an episode that gets surprisingly dark and cynical. An instant classic, and a great contribution from the show to the Turkey Day season.
Bart is kind of a piece of shit.
Shout by Mista LukaBlockedParent2022-01-05T11:40:14Z
“Bart vs. Thanksgiving” is a fairly decent episode. I liked the way Bart develops in this one, showing in the end that he does care about Lisa deep down and is empathetic towards her. However, I wish this episode had been funnier and slightly better paced. There are some boring scenes in this one for sure.
Overall, a fair Thanksgiving special.