Mmmm, fun. Nicely paced and enjoyable to watch. Both plots felt pretty original, too - OK, so Bart's dealt with Nelson many times before. Homer's had marital problems too, but the interesting thing is that the story didn't really develop from it. It also had an interesting similarity to JABF20 (Homer's alternate workdays), but in a much different direction. (By the way, am I the only one who thought Bart would be inspired to make a documentary about bullies, rather than what he did? Maybe the recent South Park episode steered me that way.)
DYN: ..Bryan Cranston finally guest stars, after already being on (I believe) all 3 MacFarlane shows, including tonight's The Cleveland Show (Flush of Genius, 3APS19)? ...a 4th grader excitedly shoots a gun in the air on movie day (not long after the metal detector was installed!)? ...Lenny calls his workplace "the SNPP" (if not an intentional reference to snpp.com then at least helpful in making the connection)? ...there were *two* incredibly short acts, thanks to the 9+ minute act 2? ...Homer likes Clippy, the retired MS Office helper?
Previous episode stuff 9F21: Stradivarius (Homer has no trouble with the name now) EABF12: Moleman's gay-pride roller skating outfit a lot like Smithers' see also below
Goof When Homer throws his shoes away, they seem to hit Flanders, despite his house being on the other side. (Maybe Ned was on a walk, but...)
Other
Stradivarius Cain will return in "Lisa Gets a B+". Modeled after the episode naming structure of several episodes, naturally: 7F03: Bart Gets an F 7F14: Bart's Dog Gets an F AABF03: Lisa Gets an A LABF15: Bart Gets a Z Why this wasn't the actual last scene of the episode I do not know. Also, I think it would have been more clever as a bit of text in the credits, especially since Fox does run them full screen now, perhaps right before the Gracie logo, in the same font so you have to be paying some attention.
Lisa plays one of her opening sax solos in the episode itself (the end of act 1, during the commotion); I believe it's #29 but I'd have to double-check. See also MABF05.
I meant to mention this last week, but I am a little surprised broadcasting legend and Simpsons guest star (BABF01) Dick Clark didn't get an episode dedication. Last week (PABF12) was the first new episode since his death. Of course, the Sunday between those, there was only the repeat of 7G08, which had its own extra message. So, bad timing may be to blame...