The SimpsonÃÂs episode ÃÂBart the MurdererÃÂ iconoclastically attacks many elements of western society; however makes elaborated social comment on the recurrent themes of parental inadequacy, incompetence of law enforcement officers and greed. The episode follows the events of a unfortunate day for the protagonist, Bart Simpson, as he misses out on an ideal field trip to the chocolate factory after forgetting his permission slip. Instead, he is forced to lick envelopes all day for Principal Skinner. Whilst skateboarding home, Bart inadvertently finds himself at the Legitimate BusinessmanÃÂs Social Club, the hideout of the Springfield Mafia. He is hired by the leader, Fat Tony, as a bartender, and gradually acquires more of the traits of those surrounding him. BartÃÂs father, Homer, approves of his sonÃÂs employers; however Principal Skinner goes missing soon after making Bart late for work. Police and the general public suspect that Bart and the mafia are responsible, as indicated by the rumour that ÃÂBart had Skinner killed by gangstersÃÂ.
Fat TonyÃÂs gang uses Bart as a scapegoat, claiming him as Don. Skinner emerges just before sentencing, however, claiming that Bart and the Mobsters didnÃÂt do anything to him, resulting in their release.
The theme of parental inadequacy is explored in this episode through the character of Homer. Homer is stereotyped to be an unintelligent American father with the ironic inversion of parent-child roles due to HomerÃÂs immature behavior. This becomes evident as Bart childishly hunts through a cereal box saying ÃÂlooks like I've got me a genuine glow-in-the-dark police badge! Hey, it's not in here. You stole it!ÃÂ Lisa claims that no one wants his ÃÂstupidÃÂ police badge, juxtaposed with HomerÃÂs entrance and announcement of ÃÂHey, look what I got! A genuine official police badge!ÃÂ Ironically, Homer laughs to himself as he says "Calling...