 Since airing , the episode has received many positive reviews from fans and television critics . Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood , the authors of the book I Can 't Believe It 's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide , said : " Poor Bart gets picked on very cruelly by Jessica in a cleverly drawn study of pre @-@ pubescent love . We 're very fond of the scene in which Bart leaps out of the window at the church , after which Homer cries : He 's heading for the window ! " Colin Jacobson at DVD Movie Guide said in a review of the sixth season DVD : " We don ’ t often see Bart in a sympathetic light , so shows like this one are fun . " Girlfriend " reminds me of Season Four ’ s " New Kid on the Block " since it also featured Bart in love , though the programs differ since here the girl reciprocates . Streep does nicely as the bad kid and we get many fine moments in this memorable program . " TV Squad 's Adam Finley said : " Homer and Marge remained in the background for most of this episode , with Bart and Lisa becoming the main focus . Earlier episodes seemed to focus more on the dynamics between the two siblings , and it 's always a nice change of pace when the show examines their love for one another as opposed to constant rivalries . Lisa really wants to help Bart in this episode , and it 's actually quite touching . " 
