[The long of it]
"Pranksta Rap" is without doubt 95% of a great episode, spending nearly half an hour weaving a hilarious web of deceit. Unfortunately, the writers apparently couldn't think of a way to extricate themselves from that web, so they don't. Instead, they opt for a non-ending "ending" that's strongly reminiscent of "The Great Money Caper (CABF03)." Too bad, because up until then, "Pranksta Rap" is one helluva fun trip.
Despite what the promotions led me to believe, neither gangsta rap nor hip-hop in general is the main thrust of "Pranksta Rap." The music and culture are featured mainly in the first act (but does make a reprise in the third), and the writers score some good laughs with it. After seeing some rap artists on TV, Bart tries to impress Lisa with his mastery of the lingo -- but he uses words that are years out of date. (Even Marge picks up on this!) Bart desperately wants to attend the "Murder 4 Life" show, but Marge refuses to let him go, even though the boy spent his own $50 on a ticket. His parents explain why in a horrifyingly unhip parental rap. Real-life rapper 50 Cent is on hand. His fans might be annoyed that he doesn't get much screen time (about a minute or so), but it's quality time with some genuinely funny lines.
The real story begins when Homer and Marge discover Bart has snuck out to attend the concert. Bart decides to cover his tracks by faking his own kidnapping, a set up that leads to interesting plot twists and funny scenes. Bart needs a place to hide out, so Milhouse offers to let him stay in his father's apartment. Meanwhile, Chief Wiggum has a moment of self-realization: As a cop, he's not exactly Colombo. Or even one of the Keystone Kops, for that matter. His way of responding to the challenge shows this old character in a new light. Along the way, there's plenty to laugh at, like Kent Brockman's brutally insensitive reporting. (He asks Marge if she's so sad, she wished Bart had never been born at all.) Kirk's pathetic home life is good for a few laughs, as always. So is what happens to him once Wiggum gets on the clue trail. A dream scene (I presume it was a dream anyway) where Barney Fife confronts Wiggum at a low moment ends well. A cover-up in the third act is creative and amusing.
"Pranksta Rap" also has good characterization of the kids, something of a hallmark for a Matt Selman-led episode. Bart's conflict between the pragmatic need to maintain the lie and his conscience telling him to come clean is nicely handled. Lisa's reaction is also right in character for her, and she comes off as upright (perhaps even a little too upright, not that I'm complaining) without being shrill. The voice work is particularly good, too. When Bart's parents forbid him from going to the show, for instance, Nancy Cartwright conveys a fine sense of betrayal.
The rest of the episode is so good that it's all the more the shame that the writers couldn't devise an equally smart ending. As it is, the end comes abruptly, like someone pulling the plug on a DJ in mid- song. "Pranksta Rap" is a fine show -- maybe in the remix, they'll get a chance to finish it.
[The short of it]
This is about 95% of a great episode -- to bad they never got around to finishing it. Hip-hop culture is parodied in several funny scenes, like Bart's attempt to use "street" lingo, but the real focus is on what happens when Bart fakes his own kidnapping. The resulting web of deceit is a hoot, and Bart's actions have surprising and funny consequences, including a cool cover-up. Good characterization and voice work also boost this episode. The ending is way too much of a kiss-off -- or maybe it just seems that way because the show up to that point was so clever. Oh, well, maybe in the remix, they'll get a chance to finish it. (A-)
[DYNs]
... Homer checks his butt cleavage for the remote? ... after Marge takes away her bottle, Maggie fishes around in her baggie for a pacifier? (Not a huge DYN, but I like the expression on her face when she found one) ... Kirk doesn't think it's strange that there's a freshly-popped tin of popcorn on his stove when he gets home from work? ... after Kirk's eye is injured, he's shown with his eye patch for the rest of the episode? ... credit for the hip-hop songs is given to Boots Riley of The Coup for the music, and Matt Selman for the lyrics?
[References]
gangsta rap (musical genre) - episode title a spoof
Seminole (the football team, not the tribe) war chant - Homer applies new words -- "cover the point spread" -- to the old rhythm - he also makes the chopping motion with his right arm
~cell phone commercial - dog swallows working cell phone (cf. SLH eating the remote control)
"The Passion of the Christ" (movie) Veggie Tales (series of religious cartoons) - a religious network broadcasts "Salad of the Christ," which shows Veggie Tales-like characters in a "Passion of the Christ"- like situation
Alcatraz (federal prison, and later federal park) - main draw of the concert is Alcatraaaz
Jiffy Pop (stovetop popcorn) - Wiggum and Kirk favor similar but cheaper product, Chintzy-Pop
Patty Hearst (kidnapping victim) - Wiggum calls Bart, "Bratty Hearst" - he suggests Bart may have sympathized with his captors; Hearst may have been brainwashed into doing the same thing
[Previous Episode References]
[GABF02] "The Passion of the Christ" parodied
[8F08] A Simpson family member given an involuntary makeover
[7F06] In his room, Bart has a picture of Homer falling down the
cliff (Boy, the family sure likes to relive this moment)[FFF]
Pieces in the couch gag's chess set:
Homer: King
Marge: Queen
Lisa: Knight
Maggie: Pawn
Bart: RookMusic news graphic:
HIP-
HOPPENINGSGravy magazine:
Gravy
Aficionado THE NEW
BROWNS
ARE INBart's concert ticket:
+-----------------------+
| ROW | row |
| A | murder A |
| | |
| Seat | 4 life seat |
| 7 | 7 |
+-----------------------+Bart's hip-hip lyrics:
You CAn Trace
my reMorse to its
supersized sourceConcert sign:
SPRINGFIELD COLISEUM
MURDER 4 LIFE
BENEFIT NO GANG COLORS
(EXCEPT RED)Mobile fright museum sign:
HOUSE OF WAX
Bart's ersatz kidnap note:
We have
kidnapped
your son
Follow
instructions
and Bart
will not be
harmedKirk's apartment:
BACHELOR
ARMS SWIMMING POOL
NOW CORPSE-FREEChief Wiggum in the news:
WIGGUM SLEEPS TOP COP
THROUGH RIOT SURRENDERS TO
BACKFIRING CAR FIREMEN RESCUE COMMISSION:
POLICE CHIEF WIGGUM SUCKS
FROM TREEAnother Shopper headline:
HAIL DROUGHT CONTINUES
TIN ROOFS UNDENTEDKirk's hand-held electronic poker game:
Pocket Poker
Sign by Milhouse's room:
MILHOUSE'S ROOM --
EVERY WEDNESDAY
AND ALTERNATE
SATURDAYBart's headstone:
[ Bart's ]
[headshot] SON,
BROTHER,
'D' STUDENTYet another headline:
WIGGUM RESCUES BOY
NO, REALLYBart's sash:
KIDNAPEE
Kirk's jailhouse admirers:
{From left to right)
Lurleen Lumpkin, Agnes Skinner, Cookie Kwan, a new gal,
Lindsey Naegle, Ruth Powers, another new lady, and
Elizabeth HooverJailhouse admirer signs:
I Love You KIRK
[heart] Kirk [heart] MAKE ME
AN OFFERCover-up jackets:
[Wiggum] [Kirk]
COVER-UP
--------
2005[Homer] [Bart]
[Personal Comments and Observations]
The Simpsons jump into the couch opening dressed as chess pieces. In real life, you can buy a "Simpsons"-themed chess set. Not only that, but the characters play the same roles in the chess set as they do in the couch gag.
Both Alcatraaaz and 50 Cent take to the streets in stretched Hummer H1 limousines.
The Shopper's riot coverage includes a pictures of rioters circling an overturned VW Old Beetle.
At the house party, a yellow Hummer H1 and two Rolls Royce Silver Clouds -- or possibly Phantom Vs -- (one pink, and one white) are doing the low-rider jumping move.