The Simpsons - Lisa - Perfect Child, Almost

Anyone who watches the Simpsons regularly knows that Lisa is a lot more than a straight-A student. She is a political activist, knows almost too much sometimes, and isn't afraid to speak her mind. In addition, she is a great antagonist to her brother. She makes it her business to ensure that Bart gets what is coming to him. Her innate sense of fairness even makes her an accomplice sometimes.

Unfortunately for Springfield, Lisa's political leanings often cause her to become an instigator. In the past, she has lobbied for a total ban on guns, ethical treatment of animals, and against all forms of corruption. Springfield's government and police force, the most corrupt ever, stand no chance against her. Her enthusiasm and idealism are contagious and becoming of an eight-year old child. Even though she has experienced her share of disappointments, she hasn't yet lost her innocence.

As for her more mischievous side, it is usually shown when interacting with Bart. While it is true that Bart and Lisa have been enemies at times, they've worked together just as often. Normally, Lisa doesn't approve of whatever scheme Bart is dreaming up next. However, there have been times when Lisa has joined Bart's cause in order to exact revenge, usually against one of their classmates (most often, Millhouse).

When Bart and Lisa join forces, watch out. Things can get interesting. Lisa's intellect with Bart's active imagination makes for a powerful combination. Lisa, as sweet as she may appear, doesn't always know the proper way to use her vast knowledge. In many respects, she has many things to learn regarding not using her intellect for her own selfish purposes.

Throughout the series, Lisa's morality usually wins out, even if Bart can get her to use her knowledge for selfish gains once in a while. She is quick to come to her senses and make things right in the end. If she lacks in judgment, it isn't for long. It is this ability to quickly clearly see what needs to be done, along with her academic standing, which gives people the perception that she is the perfect child.

In reality, she is as much of a child as Bart. She loves her cartoons, playing with her Malibu Stacie dolls, and her cat. She may outperform many in her class academically, but she is still just a child. In fact, I believe that her political naiveté wouldn't come off nearly as well if she were portrayed as an adult; she'd come off as preachy. Instead, her political will comes across as the childish idealism that it is. That having been said, I would rather have kids follow in Lisa's shoes rather than most politicians today.

In the end, Lisa is a much more complex character than most people realize, as are most of the Simpsons characters. It isn't simply a matter of Lisa being the academic and Bart the prankster. Both have depths to their personality that will surprise you, especially if you haven't watched the Simpsons long.