Dancin' Homer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"Dancin' Homer" is the fifth episode of The Simpsons' second season. The episode aired on November 8, 1990.
Contents |
[edit] Synopsis
One night at Moe's Tavern, Homer tells everyone "the story of how he became a loser."
It's Nuclear Plant Employee, Spouses and No More than Three Children Night at the Springfield Isotopes baseball game at Springfield Stadium.
Mr. Burns throws the first ball, Bleeding Gums Murphy sings a 26 minute version of "The Star Spangled Banner", and Bart (with Marge's help) gets a baseball signed by Flash Baylor. At the game, Mr. Burns sits with Homer, taunting the Isotopes, which are expected to lose their 27th consecutive game, reportedly the longest in professional baseball. But when Homer fires up the crowd to the tune of "Baby Elephant Walk", the Isotopes win a game thanks to a home run by Bill McCloskey.
Because of this, Homer is made the Springfield Isotopes mascot, "Dancin' Homer". Thanks to his spirit, the Isotopes win more games until one night, when after the Isotopes lose, Homer is promoted by Antoine "Tex" O'Hara to the team in Capitol City. The Simpsons drive to Capitol City, to the tune of Tony Bennett singing a song about Capitol City, and Homer becomes a new mascot for the team, joining the Capitol City Goofball. But when "Dancin' Homer" does his act in Capitol City, he is booed and fired from the team, ending Homer's story. The people at the bar suggest that Homer tell it again.
[edit] Trivia
- This is the first episode to feature the Springfield Isotopes baseball team.
- The beer at Springfield War Memorial Stadium comes in 72 oz tubs which cost $1.25 each.
- Mr. Burns also mistook the name "Bart" for "Brat" in a previous episode ("There's No Disgrace Like Home").
- When Marge goes to Flash Baylor to get a baseball signed for Bart he writes on it, "Springfield Kozy Kort Motel room 26 how bout it? Flash."
- Bleeding Gums Murphy's performance of the National Anthem starts at 7:30 and ends at 7:56.
- Bleeding Gums Murphy's voice is somewhat higher in this episode. He usually has a low, deep baritone voice. This is because he is voiced by Daryl L. Coley, as opposed to his usual actor Ron Taylor.
- Ken Levine, who wrote the episode and also played the Isotopes' announcer, was a play-by-play announcer for the Seattle Mariners.
- This was the first time the word ass was used in the show.
- The number 26 was featured prominently in the first act of the episode. Flash Baylor's hotel room is #26; Bleeding Gums Murphy's rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" is 26 minutes long; the Springfield Isotopes' losing streak was 26 games; and it took 26 outs for them to break this streak (they won the game in the bottom of the ninth inning with two out).
[edit] Cultural references
- The Capitol City Goofball is a spoof of The Phillie Phanatic.
- The speech Homer gives when leaving the Capitol City team is based on the one given by Lou Gehrig.
- Homer's role as Dancin' Homer may be based on the New York Knicks mascot Dancing Harry.
- Mr. Burns walks down the stairs in the stadium just like Charlie Chaplin.
[edit] External links
- "Dancin' Homer" episode capsule at The Simpsons Archive
- "Dancin' Homer" at the Internet Movie Database
