Radioactive Man (The Simpsons episode)
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"Radioactive Man" is the second episode of The Simpsons' seventh season which originally aired September 24, 1995.[1] It was written by John Swartzwelder,[1] and directed by Susie Dietter.[1] Mickey Rooney guest starred as himself.[1] The episode sees the film version of the comic book Radioactive Man set up production in Springfield.
It was also the first episode to be digitally colored. The duties of that task went to U.S. Animation, Inc., who also worked on "The Simpsons 138th Episode Spectacular". Digital coloring wouldn't be attempted again until season 12's "Tennis the Menace", and again when the show permanently switched to digital coloring in season 14 with "The Great Louse Detective".
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[edit] Synopsis
Bart and Milhouse are thrilled to hear that a film version of their favorite comic book, Radioactive Man, is in production. Rainier Wolfcastle, the star of the McBain films, is chosen to play Radioactive Man, and even more excitingly for the Springfield Elementary School children, the production moves to their town, after seeing a small poorly spelt ad in Variety magazine. A search is launched for a young actor to play Radioactive Man's sidekick Fallout Boy, and Bart auditions. Bart does well, but is rejected because he is an inch too short. Bart leaves and acquires high shoes and a vertical stripe suit (among other attempts to look taller), but by this point Milhouse has already taken the part, albeit reluctantly.
A despondent Bart is told by Lisa that he is still needed as a star's friend and confidant, and Bart eagerly accepts this new role. However, Milhouse finds his own job intolerable and disappears, right during the filming of the most expensive scene in the movie. The firm is suspended while the townspeople search for Milhouse. Eventually Bart finds him in the treehouse, but despite encouragement from former child star Mickey Rooney, Milhouse gives up on his acting career. All production on the film is aborted, with the project bankrupt, thanks to price gouging and other unscrupulous conduct by the people of Springfield. The directors return to Hollywood, "where people treat each other right."
[edit] Cultural references
Radioactive Man, the "campy 70's version" in particular, is largely a parody of the Batman series,[2] with "The Scoutmaster" being based on Paul Lynde.[2] The film executives wanting to pick seventy two year old Dirk Richter to play Radioactive Man is a reference to the then-60-year-old Adam West's well-publicized insistence that he reprise his role as Batman for the 1989 film adaptation. The end song is "Lean on Me" by Bill Withers.[2]
[edit] Reception
Rainier Wolfcastle's line "My eyes! The goggles do nothing!" is among Matt Groening's favorite lines from the entire series.[3]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e Richmond, Ray; Antonia Coffman (1997). The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to our Favorite Family. Harper Collins Publishers, p. 182. ISBN 0-00063-8898-1.
- ^ a b c d Martyn, Warren; Wood, Adrian (2000). Radioactive Man. BBC. Retrieved on February 27, 2007.
- ^ In Matt Groening's season 7 DVD introduction
[edit] External links
- "Radioactive Man" episode capsule at The Simpsons Archive
