Springfield Up
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| The Simpsons episode | |
| "Springfield Up" | |
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|---|---|
| Episode no. | 391 |
| Prod. code | JABF07 |
| Orig. Airdate | February 18, 2007 |
| Written by | Matt Warburton |
| Directed by | Chuck Sheetz |
| Couch gag | The family members all have the bodies of cockroaches, and they scuttle off of the couch (except Maggie, who hides behind the couch).1 |
| Guest star | Eric Idle as Declan Desmond |
| Season 18 September 10, 2006 – May 20, 2007 |
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*Not yet aired episode scheduled to air in the future. Episode order may change. |
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| List of all Simpsons episodes... | |
"Springfield Up" is the thirteenth episode of the eighteenth season of The Simpsons, which originally aired on February 18, 2007.
Contents |
[edit] Synopsis
Eccentric documentary filmmaker Declan Desmond offers an inside look at his work chronicling some of Springfield's finest for his documentary. Titled "Growing Up Springfield," his film follows the lives of several Springfield residents, returning to them after eight-year intervals to examine how their lives have changed. Clips from the film show a young Homer dreaming of growing up to be rich and famous. Eight years later, Homer is dating Marge but dreaming of being a rock star. After the next eight year interval, Homer has given up on his dreams of fame and fortune to support his growing family. However, when Declan Desmond returns in the present day, he discovers that Homer has become extraordinarily wealthy, and the family is living in a mansion.
Homer explains that his newfound wealth is due to an invention called the Condiment pen, which dispenses condiments in the same manner as a writing pen dispenses ink. Declan interviews Marge about her family's unexpected success, but she is unable to explain why the mansion's medicine cabinet is filled with "old man ointments." Suddenly, Mr. Burns bursts into the house, demanding to know what the Simpsons are doing in his summer home.
Homer confesses that his story of wealth and success was a lie. Declan begins to follow him around, wanting to find out why Homer felt the need to lie. When he finally gets Homer on camera, Homer explains that he wanted to feel like a success instead of "the guy who makes everyone else look good." Marge tells Declan off for hurting Homer's feelings and orders him to stay away. Declan suddenly begins to feel sorry for Homer and decides to make a new movie. He puts together footage of Homer's friends and family talking about what a good friend, husband and father he is. Homer sees the new movie and realizes that he is successful after all.
[edit] Material cut for original American airing
Due to the fact that a new trailer for The Simpsons Movie aired during the original American broadcast, several scenes were cut from the episode that aired on FOX:
- The opening credits and couch gag were cut. The American version started with Declan Desmond's introduction, and the usual "created by Matt Groening" credits were shown over a shot of a playground.
- In the first airing, the final minute of the episode was cut, ending after Marge and Homer hugged. The extended ending featured Homer and Desmond singing a duet.
- The TV Guide mistakeningly rated the episode TV-14L.
[edit] Cultural references
- Declan Desmond's documentary project parallels Michael Apted's Up series.
- A parody of artist Andrew Wyeth's painting Christina's World, with Burns in the place of Christina, is visible after Burns pulls down another painting.
- Frink's time machine is nearly identical to the time machine in the film The Time Machine
- Homer calls the British narrator Declan Desmond (voiced by Eric Idle) "Doctor Who"; Idle was among a long list of actors considered for the role of the Eighth Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who television movie.[1]
[edit] External links
