The Simpsons Finally Justified Its Longest Running Credits Gag
After 33 seasons, The Simpsons finally justified the long-running gag of Bart writing lines on a chalkboard with a cute tribute to Ms. Krabappel’s memory. A Simpsons celebrity cameo can often be bad news for the animated comedy, as in recent years, The Simpsons has come to rely on high-profile guest stars to hold on to audience interest, and the show has often failed to provide compelling storylines to accompany these big names. However, recent developments imply that The Simpsons might be improving on this front, with Kerry Washington’s role as Bart’s new teacher Rayshelle Payton showing that The Simpsons could create compelling new characters rather than relying on their famous actors' brand recognition alone.
For most of The Simpsons season 33, episode 18, “My Octopus and a Teacher,” Bart is seen in more trouble than ever in school, to the extent that even Millhouse and Nelson aren’t impressed with his clowning. His father soon teaches Bart a classic Homer Simpson life lesson when he realizes Bart is acting out even more than usual due to a crush on his new teacher. Unsurprisingly, Homer’s life advice only makes matters worse, eventually resulting in a catastrophic mess with Bart at the center and a surprisingly sweet confrontation between Bart and Ms. Peyton.
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During this conversation, Bart informs his new teacher that Ms. Krabappel controlled his outbursts by getting him to write lines on a chalkboard, adding context to the chalkboard gag that traditionally appears at the opening of every Simpsons credit sequence — and ensuring that Bart will still be writing lines for the foreseeable future. Barts' admission is also an incredibly sweet nod
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