Ep 3. MoneyBART
- TV-PG
- October 10, 2010
- 21 min
-
6.7 (1,396)
In "MoneyBART," the third episode of the twenty-second season of The Simpsons, Bart becomes the school's latest baseball sensation after discovering his innate talent for calling winning plays. With the help of Lisa's statistical analysis, he quickly becomes a sought-after commodity in the world of sports betting, but soon finds that his newfound success comes at a steep price.
The episode begins with Bart struggling to find his place at Springfield Elementary, where he's constantly overshadowed by his more successful classmates. When he joins the school's baseball team as a batboy, however, he discovers that he has a natural talent for predicting the outcome of each game. As his predictions become more accurate, Bart becomes a hero among his classmates and a boon to bookies across town.
Before long, Bart finds himself swept up in the world of sports betting, where his talents are in high demand. With the help of Lisa's statistical analysis skills, he's able to make increasingly accurate predictions and earn a tidy sum of money. However, his success comes at the cost of his relationships with his friends and family, who grow increasingly concerned about his obsession with gambling.
As the stakes get higher and higher, Bart begins to realize that his talent may not be as foolproof as he once thought. When Lisa discovers that his predictions are only accurate when the household cat is present, Bart's confidence takes a hit and he begins to lose faith in his abilities. It's only through a heart-to-heart talk with his father that he's able to rediscover his love of the game and find a new sense of purpose.
Throughout the episode, "MoneyBART" touches on a number of themes, from the pressures of social conformity to the dangers of gambling addiction. It also features the return of several beloved characters, including Bart's nemesis Nelson Muntz and guest star Terry Gross of NPR's "Fresh Air." With its blend of humor, heart, and social commentary, "MoneyBART" is a standout episode in the long and storied history of The Simpsons.
