Review: The Simpsons “The Fabulous Faker Boy”

Spoilers Below

INCREDIBLE opening intro by the Stoopid Buddy Guys!! They even worked in the Robot Chicken theme music!! Skinner recommends to Marge that Bart take on music lessons with Lisa as his teacher. After a number of different people recommend a bunch of instruments, until he meets a woman named Zhenya that offers to teach him piano lessons in exchange for Marge teaching her dad, Slava,  how to drive. Turns out, Bart is kind of smitten with his girl despite the fact that she seems a tad older.  Problem is, neither students seem to want to concentrate on their respected craft and their teachers are getting annoyed. Eventually, Bart plays a recital in front of his family and school and he sounds pretty legit. But, Lisa thinks he is up to no good, and yea she’s right! Turns out, Bart’s been playing over previously recorded music to help make his teacher look good. Problem is, Zhenya gets too busy with new business and as such is unable to teach Bart anymore. That said, Marge books a talent show for Bart where he comes clean about his farce piano playing. Later, Slava comes by and tells Marge that cheating is pretty much a Russian custom and not to worry about it,  His punishment?? Bringing Grampa a plate!

Guess what?? Homer is bald! Unfortunately, he’s not crazy about it as he thinks he’s definitely getting older.  Back at work, Homer runs into this bald Joe whom swears to teach him all about how great baldness is.  However, it was all a big deal for nothing because Marge loves him and his hair grows back anyway.

Justin Bieber got all of the press this week for the guest star (and the way the writers introduced the cameo is where babies come from), but Jane Krakowski and Bill Hader deserve the recognition because they stole the show. As per anything Justin Bieber, his cameo went over like a fart in church. Jane Krakowski as Zhenya was very, very good and I thought she played off of Bart rather well. Bill Hader continues to solidify himself as a guest star that should probably be starring in his own animated series at this point. Having done stops in shows like South Park and Bob’s Burgers, his take as Slava was particularly entertaining and both actors showed incredible depth with their Russian accents. And how about the fact that they both live on Plympton Street!!!  There were other great moments to be had in the episode, too like when Bart goes through the town’s instrumentalists. I also LOVED the piano montage as it was produced beautifully. Homer’s plot had no bearing this week (despite Patrick Stewart’s guest spot) unfortunately and we probably could have done without.  Also, BIG shout out to the Robot Chicken guys being the first Adult Swim show to invade The Simpsons and show exactly what they are made of. This would’ve been a 10 had it not been for the Homer plot…and I ain’t fakin’ it.