Don't Fear the Roofer/References

Cultural references

 * The title of this episode is a spoof on the rock hit "(Don't Fear) The Reaper" by the band Blue Öyster Cult.
 * Professor says that he has bought a  restaurant in Springfield.Ironically, in a Futurama episode, a simulation of Hawking in a pizzeria is dismissed as ludicrous
 * "Knockers" is an obvious spoof of "", even using lettering with the same color and font style.

Trivia

 * This is the 350th episode (despite being the 351st to air). Originally The Heartbroke Kid was meant to be the 350th, but they were switched.
 * This episode aired the same year that guest star Ray Romano's own television series Everybody Loves Raymond had its series finale which Ray mentions during a confusing argument.
 * Marge is taking Bart to the doctor for a circumcision.
 * The Gracie Films logo for this episode has Stephen Hawking saying "Badabing, Badaboom, And we're done." instead of the shush sound and the 9 note jingle.
 * Homer was previously in a mental hospital in "Stark Raving Dad".
 * The Calmwood Mental Hospital from "Hurricane Neddy" is seen again.

Continuity

 * A picture of Bea Simmons is seen in the retirement home. "Old Money"

Goofs

 * When Marge says "You're drooling on my goodwill pile", the dialogue doesn't match her mouth's movements.
 * There are two mistakes when Homer sits on a "bar-stool" which is actually Lenny's cake -- 1) some of the frosting appears to be in mid-air. 2) the frosting should have slid down.