The Simpsons Season 7 Episode 18: The Day the Violence Died

Bart and Lisa watch an Itchy and Scratchy marathon, and the next day there is an Itchy and Scratchy parade. Homer and the kids stake out spots on the sidewalk, but Bart gets away from them and meets up with a bum, Chester J. Lampwick, who claims to have created Itchy. Bart believes him and they watch his old film, but it burns up after the viewing, leaving no proof.

Bart wants to get the bum the celebrity status that he deserves, so first Bart brings him home with him. They both go to Roger Meyers, the presumed creator and ask him for all the money he is owed, which is $800,000,000. They are kicked out of the office, but Homer and Marge agree to help them out by paying for a lawyer, Lionel Hutz.

Unfortunately, the case is not going well, so Bart gets a drawing from the comic book store to prove that the bum is the creator. The court finds in his favor due to plagiarism, so every cent Itchy and Scratchy makes now goes to the bum. However, because of this ruling, Itchy and Scratchy Studios have to close for good.

Bart feels badly about what he did, especially since now a stupid educational cartoon has replaced it. Bart has to come up with a plan; after all, he and Lisa had done it so many times before. When they figure out how to do it, they discover that Lester and Eliza, lookalikes of Bart, have already solved the problem. It looks like Bart and Lisa have a little competition.

My thoughts:

How many time have I watched it: Just today.

Storyline: It's a good episode, even though the plot has some problems and it's quite unbelievable. Really though, the bum just appears from nowhere and says he was Itchy and Scratchy's creator. The ending is questionable, I did not like the Lester and Eliza scene. It was bland but it was unexpected. The plot was also slow as it took over the whole episode with no side-plots. Also, How pointless was Bart and Lisa helping Krusty with his problems from recent episodes (Bart the Fink), and then he forgets who they are?


Was this funny? Yea.. sort of, but other episodes from this season dominate this one in the laugh department. Itchy and Scratchy cartoon early on in the episode was great. Chester asking 800 million dollars in claim at court was funny but absurd. And after Bart watches the old 1919 movie to have Chester win the claim, the movie catches fire. Lionel Hutz's business card was hilarious.

Overall, a interesting episode, but below average for season 7.

My grade: C+