than live action sitcoms. We identify with the characters but at the same time we feel are at a safe distance because they are made out of ink.In a little over a month, “The Simpsons” made it's debut as a weekly show, "Bart the Genius" was the first regular episode. In the middle of a feared assessment test, Bart switches his test with the completed one of Nelson Prince, Class Nerd. Bart and his parents are called into Principal Seymour Skinner's office where they are told that Bart has a 216 IQ. (Homer thought is was 912.) Skinner requests that Bart attends The “Enriched Learning Center for Children.” Suddenly, Homer takes a liking to his son. They joke together, play ball together, and embarrass Marge at an opera together. ("Toreador, oh don't spit on the floor. Use the cuspidor. That's what it's for." Bart sings along with the opera Carmen.) Soon at Bart's old school, Springfield Elementary School, Bart's graffiti is roped off and tagged, "The Principal. By Bart Simpson, IQ216." Bart's friend no longer like him, they refer to him as Poindexter. The kids at his new school trick him into giving up his lunch. To put it simply, Bart is miserable. Then, after turning himself green in an uneducated science experiment, Bart reveals to his new principal that he cheated on the test. That night, as Homer is helping Bart cleans himself off, Bart tells Homer the same. Homer instantly transforms into a murderous rampage again. The episode ends with Bart locking himself in his room and Homer trying to knock down the door so he can tear Bart into pieces. (Vitti) “The Simpsons” audience went teenagers to full fledged adults in a matter of weeks. I doubt that there is a father alive that can’t relate to what Homer is feeling at the end of "Bart the Genius." “The Simpsons” had something for every one. And everyone wanted something of “The Simpsons”.Soon, Simpsons merchandise was a...
