One of the few Christmas Simpsons episodes to surpass the original, Marge Be Not Proud came in the seventh season, and was only the second Simpsons episode with a Christmas theme. That's right - after the pilot Simpsons Roasting On An Open Fire the show didn't revisit the season for over six years (there are actually seventeen episodes considered Christmas Simpsons episodes, but several of them have only the most tenuous links to the holiday). In any case, the wait was worth it. Marge Be Not Proud is the story of a conflicted Bart, a mother's trust, disappointment, and love, and a look at the Simpson family at a time when Bart was still evolving. His delinquency wasn't taken for granted, but seen as something that could be prevented, and he still frequently showed more heart than he ever would in later seasons. The plot has Bart busted for shoplifting a video game Marge won't buy him for Chrismas, letting down his mother, and ruining a family photo at the local mall. Throughout the episode, Bart, fearing his mom no longer loves him, works to regain her trust, and we get one of the sweetest mother-son moments the show has ever provided. This is an episode from a show that has found its footing, which is why it's ahead of the pilot. Also, Bart winding up with a terrible golf game at the end is just classic.
Primarily covering the sport of MMA from Ontario, Canada, Jay Anderson has been writing for various publications covering sports, technology, and pop culture since 2001. Jay holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of Guelph, and a Certificate in Leadership Skills from Humber College.
