What is the plot?

The episode "Bartless" begins with Bart Simpson reading a storybook to Riley in the Springfield library. As he narrates a humorous story about where milk comes from, Bart draws in the book. Other children copy him and start drawing in several library books, causing damage. Marge and Homer take turns scolding Bart for being an unbearable kid.

Next, Marge and Homer visit Springfield Elementary School, where they encounter angry parents upset about Bart's prank. However, the school principal reveals that Bart's prank has actually made the kids more engaged and participative in class. This revelation causes Marge and Homer to feel guilty and wish they could have a normal relationship with Bart, as if he were never part of their family.

Suddenly, their wish is mysteriously granted. They wake up in a fancy house where Bart does not exist. In this alternate reality, Marge is a busy doctor and Homer works as the Jumbotron operator at the Springfield Isotopes baseball stadium. While driving home, the Simpsons encounter a boy who looks like Bart but has no memory of being their son.

The Simpsons decide to take this amnesiac Bart into their home. Bart, who is not originally part of their family in this reality, enjoys spending time with them. His presence begins to change the lives of the Simpsons for the better, bringing new dynamics and experiences to the family.

Throughout the episode, the story follows the interactions between the Simpsons and this version of Bart, showing how their lives differ without the original Bart and how the new Bart influences them. The episode includes various comedic and chaotic moments typical of the series, but it maintains a focus on the emotional and relational changes caused by Bart's absence and return.

The episode concludes with the family coming to terms with their feelings about Bart and their relationship with him, though the detailed final resolution and any specific closing scenes are not explicitly described in the available summaries. The overall narrative explores the impact of Bart's character on the family and Springfield, framed by the fantasy of a world without him and the eventual acceptance of his role in their lives.

What is the ending?

At the end of "Bartless," Homer and Marge find themselves in a reality where Bart was never born. They discover an amnesiac Bart living separately, and when they bring him into their family, his presence positively changes their lives. The episode closes with the Simpsons reunited, having gained a new appreciation for Bart's impact on their family.

Expanded narrative of the ending scene by scene:

The episode culminates with Homer and Marge waking up in an alternate reality where Bart does not exist. In this world, Marge is a busy doctor, and Homer works as a Jumbotron operator at the Isotope Stadium. They live in a fancy house but feel something is missing.

While driving home, they encounter a boy named Bart who has no memory of being part of their family. This Bart is unaware of his true identity and background. The Simpsons decide to take him home, welcoming him into their family despite the strangeness of the situation.

Bart, now living with the Simpsons, begins to enjoy his new life with them. His presence brings unexpected joy and liveliness to the household, which had felt dull and disconnected without him.

Throughout these final moments, the episode shows how Bart's mischievous and spirited nature, though challenging at times, is integral to the family's dynamic and happiness.

The episode closes with the family reunited, highlighting that despite Bart's pranks and troublemaking, he is a vital and beloved member of the Simpsons. Homer and Marge's journey through the alternate reality leads them to a renewed appreciation for their son and the unique role he plays in their lives.

In terms of character fate at the end:

  • Bart is reintegrated into the family, his amnesia resolved by their acceptance and care.

  • Homer and Marge return to their original lives, now with a deeper understanding and affection for Bart.

  • Other family members, such as Lisa and Maggie, remain part of the household, implicitly unchanged but benefiting from the restored family unity.

This ending emphasizes the importance of family bonds and accepting each member's quirks, showing that even a "Bartless" life lacks the fullness that Bart brings to the Simpsons household.

Is there a post-credit scene?

The Simpsons Season 34, Episode 15 titled "Bartless" (2023) does not have any information or mention of a post-credit scene in the available sources. The episode focuses on Homer and Marge imagining a world where Bart was never a Simpson, exploring the consequences of his absence on their lives and Springfield, but no post-credit or after-credits scene is noted in the summaries, reviews, or episode details from Wikipedia, Collider, Simpsons Wiki, or IMDb.

Therefore, it can be concluded that "Bartless" does not include a post-credit scene.

What prank does Bart pull at Springfield Elementary that causes chaos?

Bart draws in several library books while reading a storybook to Riley and other kids, which leads to the kids copying him and ruining more books. This prank causes chaos at Springfield Elementary and prompts Marge and Homer to reflect on their relationship with Bart.

How do Marge and Homer’s lives change in the alternate reality where Bart was never a Simpson?

In the alternate reality, Marge is a busy doctor and Homer works as the Jumbotron operator at Isotope Stadium. They live in a fancy house without Bart, and their lives are notably different, lacking the usual family dynamics with their son.

Who is Riley and what role does she play in the episode?

Riley is a girl at Springfield Elementary who is paired with Bart for reading. She is initially disinterested in the book Bart reads to her, which leads Bart to create his own stories and drawings, sparking the prank that drives the episode's plot.

How does the Simpsons family find and interact with Bart in the alternate reality?

In the alternate reality, the Simpsons encounter Bart, who has no memory of being part of their family. They decide to take care of him, and Bart enjoys being with the Simpsons, which positively changes their lives despite the unusual circumstances.

What emotional impact does the episode explore regarding Marge and Homer’s relationship with Bart?

The episode explores Marge and Homer's feelings of guilt and longing for a normal relationship with Bart after his prank causes chaos. Their wish to have a life without Bart ironically leads them to appreciate him more when they meet him as an amnesiac in the alternate reality.

Is this family friendly?

The Simpsons Season 34, Episode 15 "Bartless" is generally considered family-friendly but carries a TV-PG rating, indicating some content may not be suitable for very young or sensitive children. The episode includes mild sexual content (such as Homer and Marge making out in the shower with nudity obscured by steam, and two men kissing at a baseball park), moderate violence and chaos related to Bart's prank, mild profanity (including words like "hell" and "OMG"), and mild alcohol use (Homer drinking beer and Homer and Marge drinking wine). There are also moderate frightening or intense scenes connected to the prank's consequences.

Potentially objectionable or upsetting aspects for children or sensitive viewers include: - Moderate violence and chaotic scenes stemming from Bart's prank - Mild sexual references and brief nudity (covered by steam) - Mild profanity and language - Mild alcohol consumption shown - Moderate intensity or frightening moments related to the episode's conflict

Overall, while the episode is suitable for older children and general audiences, parents of younger or sensitive children may want to be aware of these elements before viewing.