The Blue and the Gray/References

Cultural references

 * The title is a reference to the song "".
 * In the beginning of the episode, Homer is tied at the bed. He tries to chew off his leg and says that it will be over in 127 Hours, which is reference to the movie  starring.
 * 127 Hours is parodied in "Treehouse of Horror XXII".
 * The song played at the start is "" sung by Dean Martin.
 * The song played when Marge and Homer kiss at the end is an instrumental version of "L'amour est bleu", originally recorded by Greek singer in 1967.
 * Homer also compares himself with of Star Wars.

Trivia

 * This episode reveals that Patty and Selma's hair is only gray due to ash and smoke and that Patty is a redhead, while Selma is a blond.
 * Homer and Bart's superhero alter-egos Pie Man and the Cupcake Kid appear in the title screen gag.
 * This episode reveals that the Simpsons are related to Jessica Simpson.
 * Up until this point, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie finally realize that their hair doesn't have a borderline. Their hair always look like it's fused to their head.

Goofs

 * Though in the episode it was revealed that Marge had been gray for years without her knowing, the error in continuity lies in the knowledge: according to "Helter Shelter" and "Secrets of a Successful Marriage" (when Homer told his Learning Annex class that Marge has been gray as a mule since she was 17), Homer and Marge had both already known of Marge's "hair troubles". The 1991 book "The Simpsons Family Album" also includes what is apparently Marge's first gray hair.
 * When Homer says "Drive my kids to school?!", the dialogue doesn't match his mouth's movements.
 * In all shots from the back of the seminar, Hans Moleman has Jasper Beardsley's colors.
 * Additionally, Groundskeeper Willie is no where in sight until he stands and speaks.