At a whopping 33 years on television (and counting), The Simpsons has cemented its place in pop culture. The wholesome yellow family has been featured in theme parks, fast food restaurants and in multiple blockbuster movies, with a notable Simpsons star even appearing in Stephen King's worst film. But it's also hard to deny that the classic animated sitcom has long since passed its Golden Age. While considered by most to be the show's first nine seasons, there is still much debate about when The Simpsons' tight writing, stellar storytelling and laugh-a-minute jokes faded away, with some even crediting a Season 12 episode as the last of the show's greats.

By the time The Simpsons reached its 20th season, fans were convinced that heart-warming, family-oriented classics like Season 2's "Lisa's Substitute," Season 5's "The Last Temptation of Homer," and Season 7's "Mother Simpson" were a thing of the past. But surprisely, Season 27 managed a tightly-written, heartfelt character study inspired by the critically acclaimed drama Boyhood. In a similar vein to emotionally charged "future" stories like the Season 6 installment, "Lisa's Wedding," the episode takes a wonderfully deep look into the heart and mind of the family's favorite son.

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The Simpsons Sad Bart

Much like the film on which it's based, Season 27's ninth episode takes viewers through various points in Bart Simpson's childhood. As a very young boy, Bart quickly bonds with his grandfather, who takes an interest in what he enjoys and inspires him to follow his passions. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for Homer who, for the duration of the episode -- and subsequently, Bart's life -- finds himself in the role of the boy's disciplinarian.

In the episode, Bart displays an early aptitute for art, drawing a family race track around various points in the kitchen. The gentle and often underrated Marge notes her son's need for approval and cautions Homer to compliment the ill-concieved mural before discussing punishment. Homer -- despite his best efforts -- becomes enraged, and it becomes apparent that Lisa's academic achievements frequently overshadow Bart's talents, feelings and desire for validation.

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The Simpsons Bart Catches Homer

Viewers begin to understand that this constant competition for their father's approval is where Bart's trouble-making streak begins. In an effort to prove himself better than Lisa at something, a young Bart crashes the family car through Homer's newly painted kitchen. Later, when the family is wowed by Lisa's 'Student of the Month' bumper sticker, Bart makes his own version with several misspelled words, asking Homer to display it -- he doesn't.

Lisa's achievements continue into Bart's tween years. Even his own birthday celebration, with a now-disliked Krusty the Clown cake, is ruined by another of Lisa's announcements. While Lisa and Marge are away for a summer -- ensuring the former's success in the medical field -- a 15-year-old Bart is left to his own devices when his father (who could easily best Family Guy's Peter Griffin in a rematch) takes off to Moe's Tavern.

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The Simpsons Bart's Tribute to Lisa

When father and son finally share a touching moment, it's ultimately ruined by Homer's belief that Bart will never achieve enough to leave him. Bart's skill in the X-Games is ruined -- quite literally -- from the effects of Lisa's shadow. And while Homer does little to help his son uncover his potential, it's Lisa's faith in him that helps the bitter artist shine. The episode sees a young adult Bart running a mountain bike shop, beautifully customizing each one by way of his tremendous artistic talent.

When Lisa and Nelson (who are now dating) visit, Bart displays a beautiful mural on the shop's wall. The piece showcases highlights from the episode, as well as each member of the Simpsons family except Lisa. Offended at first, Lisa's heart melts when Bart closes up shop, revealing a second mural of her visage captioned "One of My Favorite Sisters." While the Golden Age of The Simpsons may be long over, "Barthood" proves that the later seasons are not without gems.