Bart Gets Hit by a Car

Bart Gets Hit by a Car is the tenth episode of the second season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 10, 1991. The episode was written by John Swartzwelder and directed by Mark Kirkland.

Plot[edit | edit source]

The episode begins with Bart skateboarding down the street when he is hit by a car driven by Mr. Burns. Bart is taken to the hospital, where Dr. Hibbert examines him and finds no serious injuries. However, Homer sees an opportunity to sue Mr. Burns for a large sum of money. He hires the unscrupulous lawyer Lionel Hutz to represent them in court.

Hutz advises the Simpsons to exaggerate Bart's injuries to increase the settlement amount. Marge is uncomfortable with this dishonesty but reluctantly goes along with it. During the trial, Mr. Burns' lawyer, the Blue-haired lawyer, attempts to discredit Bart's testimony by showing a video of Bart skateboarding recklessly.

Marge is called to the stand and, unable to lie, tells the truth about Bart's condition and the events leading up to the accident. Her honesty leads the jury to rule in favor of Mr. Burns, and the Simpsons receive no compensation. Homer is initially angry with Marge but eventually realizes that her integrity is more important than money.

Production[edit | edit source]

"Bart Gets Hit by a Car" was written by John Swartzwelder, one of the most prolific writers on The Simpsons. The episode was directed by Mark Kirkland, who has directed many episodes of the series. The episode features guest appearances by Phil Hartman as Lionel Hutz and Harry Shearer as Mr. Burns and Dr. Hibbert.

Reception[edit | edit source]

The episode received generally positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its satirical take on the American legal system and the moral dilemmas faced by the characters. The episode's humor and character development were also highlighted as strong points.

Cultural References[edit | edit source]

The episode contains several cultural references, including a parody of the Perry Mason television series and a reference to the Three Stooges.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

"Bart Gets Hit by a Car" is considered one of the classic episodes of The Simpsons and is often cited as an example of the show's ability to blend humor with social commentary.