Great episodes of The Simpsons: Bart’s Girlfriend

 Bart getting a crush on Reverend Lovejoy’s daughter Jessica is a classic episode of The Simpsons.

Plot: The Simpsons go to church one morning where Bart sees Reverend Lovejoy’s daughter and is immediately smitten. While she initially resists his attempts to get to know her, Jessica Lovejoy warms up to him when she finds out he is a troublemaker.

Why is it a great episode? It’s a rare opportunity where Bart actually finds someone who’s his equal in the trouble making department. The fact that it’s Reverend Lovejoy’s daughter (a play on the partying minister’s daughter trope) makes it even more entertaining.

In fact, Jessica Lovejoy is a far bigger a troublemaker than  even Bart is. The main difference between the two of them is that Bart never pretends to be anything but himself. He knows who he is and the other characters on The Simpsons are well aware of it. Jessica on the other hand puts up an elaborate façade and pretends to be so sweet. That’s why she is not just Bart’s equal, but his superior in causing mischief.

It’s important to mention that this episode also features one of The Simpsons all time greatest guest stars, as Jessica is voiced by the legendary Meryl Streep. As one of the greatest actresses to ever set foot in front of a camera, she makes you forget about the actress and focus on her character. Streep’s voice lends Jessica a sense of wicked fun, making Revered Lovejoy’s daughter a mean girl and proud of it.

This episode accomplishes another rare feat because it makes the viewer actually feel bad for Bart. Aside from the fact that Bart has to play the whole secret boyfriend and gets a taste of how bitter school age crushes can be, we know that everyone will believe that Bart took the money from the Church collection plate. But in a great moment of sibling support, Lisa goes out and proves to everyone that it was actually Jessica who took the money.