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Bart's Inner Child

 Brad Goodman is an extraordinary creation, a masterwork from the greatest "Simpsons" writer, George Meyer.


Goodman, a self-help guru who makes me think of Mel Robbins ("Let Them"), decides that the world needs to purchase a book of his thoughts--entitled "Adjusting Your Self-O-Stat." To the extent that the book has a thesis, it's this: "You can avoid conflict by paraphrasing your partner's comments--rather than immediately reacting." (Not bad advice--but it's unclear that anyone ought to spend *cash* on this advice.)

Goodman's ambitions grow, and he soon claims to be capable of curing *all* psychological ailments. The key to life is to listen to your inner child. If you deny that child's voice, then you waste your time scurrying around, trying to please others. You become a human DOING, rather than a human BEING--and how dreary is that?

Brad's last great act is to "diagnose" Marge. She is a narcissist with a "bizarre" hairstyle--clearly "chosen for shock value."

Brad is a villain in disguise; his brief visit to Springfield almost results in the total destruction of the town, neighborhood by neighborhood by neighborhood. Like all other great villains, Brad feels he is working on behalf of an important cause.

It's Lisa who defeats Brad--through careful observation and elegant reasoning. Her final remarks are an ideal end for this classic episode; the remarks are surprising and inevitable.

"Bart's Inner Child" is a work of art.
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