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Deep Space Homer

Deep Space Homer

Rating: 4.2 (172 votes)

Plot

NASA's ratings for space launches are at their lowest ever, so to raise public interest, they decide to find a "blue-collar slob" to go on their latest mission. NASA offer both Homer and Barney the chance to be an astronaut, and a competition ensues. Homer is the winner by default and goes into space. Out in space, Homer spills a bag of potato chips, and while trying to clear up the mess, he smashes into an ant farm. James Taylor, who has dropped by to sing for the astronauts, suggests opening the door of the spacecraft to create a vacuum. They do so, but Homer nearly gets sucked out, breaking the door handle. Homer manages to hold the door shut with an inanimate carbon rod, allowing the spacecraft to return safely to Earth.


Memorable quotes

Mr. Burns: Compadres, it is imperative that we crush the freedom fighters before the start of the rainy season. And remember, a shiny new donkey for whoever brings me the head of Colonel Montoya.

Scientist: Maybe we should finally tell them the big secret: that all the chimps we sent into space came back super-intelligent.
Chimp: No, I don't think we'll be telling them that.

Homer: The only danger is if they send us to that terrible Planet of the Apes. Wait a minute... Statue of Liberty... that was our planet! You maniacs! You blew it up! Damn you! Damn you all to hell!

Scientist: Gentlemen, I'd like you to meet the two experienced astronauts who will accompany the winner into space: Race Banyon and Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon.
Buzz Aldrin: Second comes right after first!

Homer: Default! The two sweetest words in the English language! De-fault! De-fault! De-fault!

Lisa: Come on, Dad. You can make it!
Grampa: Oh, of course he'll make it, it's TV.

Kent Brockman: Well, this reporter was... possibly a little hasty earlier and would like to reaffirm his allegiance to this country and its human president. It may not be perfect, but it's the best government we have. For now.

Homer: Yeah. Maybe I do have the right... what's that stuff?

Notes

  • The sign at NASA reads: ''Cape Canaveral; Formerly Cape Kennedy; Formerly Cape Arbuckle.''
  • Homer knows the telephone numbers for NASA and President Clinton.
  • When Barney's jet pack fails, he bounces along the roof of a pillow factory, and is then run over by a marshmellow truck.
  • The shuttle's name is ''Corvair,'' an old 60s car which was believed to be very unsafe.
  • At the press conference, Homer wears an apron reading ''Hail To The Chef''.

References

  • Homer & Barney's training regiment parodies The Right Stuff.
  • Homer's ''I Can't Stands no More!'' lie when on the centrifugal force machine mimics Popeye.
  • Homer imitates Nixon during take off a la Airplane II.
  • Itchy bursts out of Scratchy's stomach in the cartoon a la Alien.
  • When Homer realizes the ending to Planet of the Apes, he mimics a scene from the film.
  • The ending of this episode parodies 2001: A Space Odyssey.
  • The Simpson family arrive at Cape Canaveral a la The Beverly Hillbillies.