(Short one tonight.) This episode did not wow me. Given the premise of the restraining order (itself stretched a little from reality), I was expecting it to develop differently, and maybe the way it did turn out shows how some ideas can go either way (good or bad). The idea of feral Bart (though something similar worked out well in 7G09) seemed to avoid any sort of meaningful resolution, and it as well as other events were just a little too wacky for my tastes. The only problem with the premise is that the logistics really are too prohibitive, as seen most obviously in the school scenes (besides, 20 feet would be doable at SES). Transplanted into a Family Guy episode, this would have worked much better - and then I probably would have enjoyed it more. But I think the Simpsons can do better. (The quickly touched-upon idea that the family is happy to see Bart gone could have made for a better episode if it was explored along the lines of 3F07.) On the plus side, the setup with the Bart/Lisa dynamic was pretty fun (and isolated bits of the following plot were good as well), and the Sprawl-Mart subplot was decent even if it's another "job for Homer" story. Next time I watch this, I'll try to focus on the fun stuff, but the sheer absurdity (not the good social satire kind) made it hard for me to get into it. B-, shows promise but needs more effort.
DYN: ...the couch gag's tag has changed from "wow" to "cool" (same animation though), and new sounds for Kang and Kodos too? ...Marge is happily washing potatoes?
Previous episode references: 2F19: Field trip waivers factor in EABF19: Grampa working as a greeter at Sprawl-Mart CABF22: Measures to deal with the restraining order a little like the tether here BABF22: Person walks in on his/her own effigy MG46: Bart with the tie reminiscent of this
Goofs: I'm pretty sure Homer worked all night in 8F06 at least a few times before ending up dozing off. Also, Bart has done many nice things for Lisa. The first one to spring to mind is 8F15 (taking the rap); also consider the flashbacks in 2F05, or the yearbook signing in 3F22, or (in the make-up department) 7F24 and 7F07.
Meta-reference corner Bart saying that if you've been in the "biz" as long as he has, you're bound to repeat yourself: probably a reference to some familiar plotlines the show has reused. Lisa and Homer also discuss his catch phrases later in the show.