Here we have a match-up in which both episodes see drastic changes to the programming on Bart’s beloved Krusty The Clown Show. In one, Sideshow Bob takes over as host and gives the show an educational, intellectual makeover, while in the other a group of angry parents’ protests lead to Itchy & Scratchy being declawed, spayed & neutered of all their edge.
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Episode: Krusty Gets Busted
Airdate: April 29, 1990
Writers: Jay Kogen & Wallace Wolodarsky
WOO-HOO’S! (the positives)
- First thing that needs to be said about this episode is the terrific animation during the scene where Bart mourns his role model’s fall from grace alone in his room. I especially love the poster of a smiling Krusty looking over a depressed Bart in the last shot.
- The episode is also a pretty well crafted mystery. I love all the little clues they drop along the way to help us solve the mystery along with Bart and Lisa, even if once Bob takes over as host of the show it’s pretty clear he’s the culprit behind framing Krusty.
- The reveal at the end where Bart confronts Bob on the set of his talk show is one of the best scenes in the entire series. There’s something about that line, “Big shoes to fill” echoing throughout Bart’s mind that is just so damn effective.
- Great line from Chief Wiggum: “Krusty the clown, you are under arrest for armed robbery. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say blah blah blah blah.”
- Homer: “Earth to Marge. I was there. The clown is G-I-L-L-T-Y.
- I believe this is the first episode in which we hear the Itchy & Scratchy theme
- I also liked seeing Krusty without makeup for the first time. I think this may be the only episode, other than his stint as Rory B. Bellows in a future season, where we see Krusty’s real face. Although, in future seasons were told he doesn’t wear makeup. But here he does. His sad demeanour when walking into the court room really gives the sense that he is a defeated man, not to mention how his voice sounds when he tells the crowd, “I didn’t do it.” To which the crowd breaks out in laughter, except for Bart.
- Another great animation moment is how crazed Bob looked cuffed and sprawled in the back of the police wagon. His bulging eyes and dilated pupils shows us the true face of the psychotic maniac that’s been bubbling beneath the surface of the seemingly calm and gentle Bob Terwilliger . We don’t see many off model shots like that anymore.
D’OH’s! (Negatives)
- The only blemish in this otherwise flawless classic, is that Bob looks TOO MUCH like Krusty when he robs the Kwik-E-Mart. What happened to his big hair? And why did he sound exactly like Krusty too? They could have at least let Kelsey Grammar do his best Krusty impersonation instead of Dan providing the voice of Bob as Krusty.
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Episode: Itchy & Scratchy & Marge
Airdate: December 20, 1990
Writer: John Swartzwelder
WOO-HOO’s!
- Picture perfect Psycho parody
- S.N.U.H: Springfieldians for Nonviolence, Understanding, and Helping. Doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. I prefer Bender’s advocacy group, “F.A.R.T: Fathers Against Rude Television”.
- Another great scene is when Roger Meyers is in his office late at night reading all the angry letters from concerned parents. Then we see the lineup of trucks pulling in to the studio all filled with more angry mail.
- Homer has the funniest line in this one while talking on the phone. “You heard me. I won’t be in for the rest of the week. (listens) I told you. My baby beat me up.”
- New Itchy & Scratchy theme: They love, they share/ they share & love & share/ Love, love, love/ Share, share, share/ The Itchy & Scratchy Showwwwwwwwwwww
VERDICT:
As much as I loved the Psycho spoof in “Itchy & Scratchy & Marge”, the Psycho that shines brightest here is Sideshow Bob in “Krusty Gets Busted”. It’s a pivotal episode in the series that establishes the relationship between Bart and Krusty, and the rivalry between Bart and Sideshow Bob. “Krusty Gets Busted” is G-I-L-L-T-Y of advancing to Round 2.
TRAMAMPOLINE! TRABOPOLINE! 