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Difference between revisions of "Deep Space Homer"

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{{Infobox Simpsons episode
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{{Icons||FE}}
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| episode_name= Deep Space Homer  
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{{Tab}}
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| image= [[Image:Deep Space Homer2.png|200px]]
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{{EpisodePrevNext|Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy|Homer Loves Flanders}}
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| image_caption =Race Banyon, [[Homer Simpson|Homer]] and [[Buzz Aldrin]] approach the space shuttle
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{{for2things|the episode|the character collection in [[The Simpsons: Tapped Out]]|The Simpsons: Tapped Out characters/Deep Space Homer|the mini-event in The Simpsons: Tapped Out|The Simpsons: Tapped Out Deep Space Homer content update}}
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| episode_no=96  
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{{Quote|I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords.|[[Kent Brockman]]}}
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| prod_code=1F13  
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{{Episode
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| airdate=February 24, 1994
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|image=Deep Space Homer promo.gif
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| show runner=[[David Mirkin]]
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|number=96
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| writer=[David Mirkin]]
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|season=5
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| director=[[Carlos Baeza]]
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|snumber=15
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| couch_gag=The family runs to the couch, only to find a fat man sitting on it. They squeeze in to the left of him.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season5/page15.shtml|title=Deep Space Homer|accessdate=2007-09-26|author=Martyn, Warren; Wood, Adrian |year=2000|publisher=BBC}}</ref>
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|prodcode=1F13
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| guest_star= Buzz Aldrin as himself<br>[[James Taylor]] as himself  
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|airdate=February 24, [[1994]]
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| commentary=[[Matt Groening]]<BR>[[David Mirkin]]<BR>[[Mark Kirkland]]<BR>[[David Silverman]]
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|blackboard=
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| season=5
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|couchgag=The family runs to the couch, only to find a fat man sitting on it. They squeeze in to the left of him.
 +
|guests=[[Buzz Aldrin]] as {{Ch|Buzz Aldrin|himself}}<br>[[James Taylor]] as {{Ch|James Taylor|himself}}
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|showrunner1= David Mirkin
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|writer=[[David Mirkin]]
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|director=[[Carlos Baeza]]
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|DVD features = yes
 
}}
 
}}
  
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"'''Deep Space Homer'''" is the fifteenth episode of ''[[The Simpsons]]''<nowiki>'</nowiki> [[The Simpsons (season 5)|fifth season]] and first aired on February 24, 1994.<ref name="officialsite">{{cite web|url=http://www.thesimpsons.com/episode_guide/0515.htm|title=Deep Space Homer|accessdate=2007-09-26|publisher=The Simpsons.com}}</ref> The episode was directed by [[Carlos Baeza]] and was the only episode of ''The Simpsons'' written by [[David Mirkin]], who was also the executive producer at the time.<ref name="bbc"/> The episode follows [[Homer Simpson|Homer]] becoming an astronaut, and the ensuing chaos when the navigation system on his space shuttle is destroyed. Buzz Aldrin and James Taylor both guest starred as themselves.<ref name="officialsite"/> The critically acclaimed episode became the source of the [[The Simpsons#Idioms|Overlord meme]], and features numerous film parodies, mostly referencing ''The Right Stuff (film)|The Right Stuff'' and ''2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey''. A copy of the episode is available for astronauts to watch at the International Space Station.
+
"'''Deep Space Homer'''" is the fifteenth episode of [[Season 5]] of ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and the ninety-sixth episode overall. It originally aired on February 24, [[1994]]. The episode was written by [[David Mirkin]] and directed by [[Carlos Baeza]]. It guest stars [[Buzz Aldrin]] as {{Ch|Buzz Aldrin|himself}} and [[James Taylor]] as {{Ch|James Taylor|himself}}.
  
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==Plot==
+
== Synopsis ==
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At the [[Springfield Nuclear Power Plant]], it is time for the awarding of the "Worker of the Week" award and Homer, the only employee who has never won the award, is confident he will win. However, [[Montgomery Burns|Mr. Burns]] gives the Worker of the Week award to an Inanimate Carbon Rod. Homer  is infuriated, and starts to feel dejected that no one likes him. He turns to the TV for solace and ends up on a channel that is broadcasting a live space shuttle launch, which he finds dull and changes the channel. Meanwhile, NASA learns that its Nielsen ratings have declined, and decide to send an "average shmoe" into space after realizing the popularity of blue collar comedy programs. At that moment, Homer telephones NASA to complain about their "boring space launches", which makes NASA determine that they have found their man. But, when they arrive at [[Moe's Tavern]], and confront Homer, he thinks he is in trouble and blames [[Barney Gumble|Barney]] for making the prank call. The NASA employees ask Barney to be an astronaut, and when Homer realizes what the proposal entails, he steps in and takes credit for the call.  
+
{{Desc|After seeing their popularity decline (as reflected by lower TV ratings for shuttle launches), [[NASA]] decides to improve its public image by sending a man into space to whom the average American can relate. In this case, Joe Average is [[Homer Simpson]].}}
  
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NASA takes both Homer and Barney to Cape Canaveral to train them into astronauts. They pit the two in competition against one another as they can only take one to space. Under NASA's alcohol ban, Barney quickly develops superior skills and is selected to fly with Buzz Aldrin and astronaut Race Banyon. However, when Barney toasts his victory with Champagne (wine)|champagne he reverts back to his normal alcoholic self and injures himself, although the champagne was non-alcoholic. Homer wins by default and is selected for space flight, but is very nervous about going. Just as they prepare to take off in the [[Corvair]] space shuttle, Homer runs away. He talks with [[Marge Simpson|Marge]] on the phone, and she says that he ought to take advantage of going into space. He agrees and the launch, which is also a Nielsen ratings smash, proceeds.
+
== Plot ==
 +
[[File:Deep Space Homer (Promo Picture).jpg|thumb|left|Alternate promo image for the episode]]
 +
At the [[Springfield Nuclear Power Plant]], it is time for the awarding of the "Worker of the Week" award, a chore for the other plant workers, but a great time for [[Homer]], the only employee who has never won the award (obviously). He is confident he will win after reading the employee handbook and finding out that each employee '''must''' win the award at least once regardless of incompetency. However, [[Mr. Burns]] gives the Worker of the Week award to an [[inanimate carbon rod]]. Homer is infuriated, and starts to feel dejected that no one likes him. He turns to the TV for solace and ends up on a channel that is broadcasting a live space shuttle launch, which he finds dull and changes the channel. Meanwhile, [[NASA]] learns that its {{W|Nielsen ratings}} have declined, and decide to send an "average shmoe" into space after realizing the popularity of blue collar comedy programs. At that moment, Homer telephones NASA to complain about their "boring space launches", which makes NASA determine that they have found their man. But, when [[Jack Stillwater]] and [[Dr. Babcock]] arrive at [[Moe's Tavern]], and confront Homer, he thinks he is in trouble and blames Barney for making the prank call. The NASA employees ask Barney to be an astronaut, and when Homer realizes what the proposal entails, he steps in and takes credit for the call.  
  
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When on the shuttle, Homer smuggles potato chips on board. He opens the bag, but is unaware that they will clog the instruments. His appetite seems to save the day as he floats after the chips in zero-G, but he flies into an ant farm, destroying it, and letting the ants loose in the shuttle. James Taylor comes in over the radio to sing a song, but the disaster continues on board as the ants destroy the navigation system. James Taylor suggests that they blow the bugs out the front hatch, which the astronauts do, but Homer fails to put on his "shuttle belt" and is nearly blown out of the open hatch before grabbing its handle and clinging for life. Buzz pulls him inside but due to the vacuum's sheer force, Homer breaks the hatch handle. He inadvertently uses a carbon rod to seal the door shut and they return to Earth.  
+
NASA takes both Homer and Barney to [[Cape Canaveral Air Force Station]] to train them into astronauts. They pit the two in competition against one another as they can only take one to space. Under NASA's alcohol ban, Barney quickly develops superior skills and is selected to fly with {{Ch|Buzz Aldrin}} and astronaut [[Race Banyon]]. However, when Barney toasts his victory with champagne, he reverts back to his normal alcoholic self and injures himself, although the champagne was non-alcoholic. Homer wins by default and is selected for space flight, but is very nervous about going. Just as they prepare to take off in the Corvair space shuttle, Homer runs away. He talks with [[Marge]] on the phone, and she says that he ought to take advantage of going into space. He agrees and the launch proceeds. To NASA's delight, it is a Nielsen ratings smash.
  
−
Although Buzz Aldrin declares Homer the hero, the press see the inanimate carbon rod as being the bigger hero. The rod is then featured on magazine covers with the headline "In Rod We Trust" and is given its own ticker-tape parade. Back at home, Homer is disappointed that he did not get as much respect as he had hoped, but the family still honors him for his achievement.<ref name="bbc"/><ref name=officialsite/><ref name="book">{{cite book|last=Richmond |first=Ray|coauthors=Antonia Coffman|title=[[The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to our Favorite Family]] |year=1997 |publisher=Harper Collins Publishers|id=ISBN 0-00063-8898-1}}</ref>
+
When on the shuttle, Homer smuggles potato chips on board. He opens the bag, but is unaware that they will clog the instruments. His appetite seems to save the day as he floats after the chips in zero-G, but he flies into an ant farm, destroying it, and letting the ants loose in the shuttle. {{Ch|James Taylor}} comes in over the radio to sing a song, but the disaster continues on board as the ants destroy the navigation system. James Taylor suggests that they blow the bugs out the front hatch, which the astronauts do, but Homer fails to put on his "shuttle belt" and is nearly blown out of the open hatch before grabbing its handle and clinging for life. Buzz pulls him inside but due to the vacuum's sheer force, Homer breaks the hatch handle. He inadvertently uses a carbon rod to seal the door shut and they return to Earth.
  
−
==Production==
+
Although Buzz Aldrin declares Homer the hero, the press see the inanimate carbon rod as being the bigger hero. The rod is then featured on magazine covers with the headline "In Rod We Trust" and is given its own ticker-tape parade. Back at home, Homer is disappointed that he did not get as much respect as he had hoped, but the family still honors him for his achievement.
−
[[Image:Deep Space Homer.png|thumb|left|Computer animation was used in a sequence featuring Homer eating a bag of potato chips in [[weightlessness|zero gravity]].]]
 
−
"Deep Space Homer" was written by then-executive producer [[David Mirkin]] and is his only writing credit for ''The Simpsons''. Mirkin had worked on the idea for the episode for a long time, basing the story on a NASA scheme to send normal people into space in order to spark interest amongst the general public.<ref name="Mirkin">{{cite video | people=Mirkin, David|year=2004|title=The Simpsons season 5 DVD commentary for the episode "Deep Space Homer"| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> There was some controversy amongst the show's writing staff when the episode was in production. Some of the writers felt that having Homer go into space was too "large" an idea.<ref name="Mirkin"/> [[Matt Groening]] felt that the idea was so big that it gave the writers "nowhere to go". As a result, every aspect of the show was worked on to make the concept work. Several silly gags were toned down to make the episode feel more realistic, including an idea that everyone at NASA was as stupid as Homer.<ref name="Groening">{{cite video | people=Groening, Matt|year=2004|title=The Simpsons season 5 DVD commentary for the episode "Deep Space Homer"| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> The writers focused more upon the relationship between Homer and his family and Homer's attempts to be a hero.<ref name="Mirkin"/>
 
  
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[[Buzz Aldrin]], the second man to walk on the [[Moon]], and [[James Taylor]] both guest star as themselves in this episode. Some of the writers were concerned about Aldrin's line, "second comes right after first", feeling it was insulting to Aldrin. An alternative line was written: "first to take a soil sample", but Aldrin had no problem with saying the original line.<ref name="Mirkin"/> A version of James Taylor's "[[Fire and Rain]]" was recorded specifically for the episode containing some altered lyrics. Taylor's original recording session was included as an extra on the DVD.<ref name="Mirkin"/>
+
== Production ==
 +
"Deep Space Homer" was written by then-executive producer [[David Mirkin]] and is his only writing credit for ''The Simpsons''. Mirkin had worked on the idea for the episode for a long time, basing the story on a [[NASA]] scheme to send normal people into space in order to spark interest amongst the general public.<ref name="Commentary">Commentary for "Deep Space Homer"</ref> There was some controversy amongst the show's writing staff when the episode was in production. Some of the writers felt that having [[Homer]] go into space was too "large" an idea.<ref name="Commentary"/> [[Matt Groening]] felt that the idea was so big that it gave the writers "nowhere to go". As a result, every aspect of the show was worked on to make the concept work. Several silly gags were toned down to make the episode feel more realistic, including an idea that everyone at [[NASA]] was as stupid as [[Homer]].<ref name="Commentary"/> The writers focused more upon the relationship between [[Homer]] and his family and [[Homer]]'s attempts to be a hero.<ref name="Commentary"/>  
  
−
Although the episode was directed by [[Carlos Baeza]], the potato chip sequence was directed by David Silverman. Some computer animation created using an [[Amiga]] was used in the sequence in order to make the potato chip rotation as smooth as possible.<ref name="Silverman"/>
+
[[Buzz Aldrin]], the second man to walk on the Moon, and [[James Taylor]] both guest star as themselves in this episode. Some of the writers were concerned about Aldrin's line, "second comes right after first", feeling it was insulting to Aldrin. An alternative line was written: "first to take a soil sample", but Aldrin had no problem with saying the original line.<ref name="Commentary"/> A version of James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" was recorded specifically for the episode containing some altered lyrics. Taylor's original recording session was included as an extra on the DVD.<ref name="Commentary"/>
  
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==Cultural references==
+
Although the episode was directed by [[Carlos Baeza]], the potato chip sequence was directed by [[David Silverman]]. Some computer animation created using an Amiga was used in the sequence in order to make the potato chip rotation as smooth as possible.<ref name="Commentary"/>
−
[[Image:Deep Space Homer1f13.jpg|thumb|Homer as the "Star Child"]]
 
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The two Blue-collar worker|blue collar TV shows the people at NASA watch are ''Home Improvement'' and ''Married... with Children''.<ref name=bbc/> In the scene where the family arrives at Cape Canaveral, the car is a parody of ''The Beverly Hillbillie]'', with Marge sitting in Granny's position.<ref name="Mirkin"/> Homer and Barney's duel  is a reference to the classic ''Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek'' episode "The Gamesters of Triskelion", complete with one of ''Star Trek'''s fight themes (originally from the episode "[[Amok Time]]") and the NASA administrators betting on the combatants in "quatloos".<ref name=bbc/> Homer running while lying on the floor and trying to read the back of his head is an homage to the [[Three Stooges]], particularly [[Curly Howard|Curly]]. The TV anchor is a parody of [[Tom Brokaw]], and is voiced by [[Harry Shearer]]. A lot of words containing the letter L were intentionally written into the dialogue because the writers "enjoy the way Tom says them."<ref name="Mirkin"/>
 
  
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The music at the start of the episode of the ''[[The Itchy & Scratchy Show|Itchy & Scratchy]]'' cartoon parodies the theme from the original ''[[Star Trek: The Original Series|Star Trek]]'' series. Itchy bursts out of Scratchy's stomach in a parody of the [[Xenomorph (Alien)|alien]] from the film series of the [[Alien (film series)|same name]]. Itchy comes out to torture Scratchy in an [[Extra-vehicular activity|EVA]] pod much like those aboard the ''[[Discovery One|Discovery]]''.<ref name="Mirkin"/> Homer hopes that his crew will not be sent to "that terrible ''[[Planet of the Apes (1968 film)|Planet of the Apes]]''", only to suddenly figure out the film's ending; he then performs [[Charlton Heston]]'s final scene in the film.<ref name=empire/> Much of the episode parodies ''[[The Right Stuff (film)|The Right Stuff]]'', with sequences such as Barney and Homer's training, Homer's walk to the shuttle and the shuttle's re-entry paying homage to the film.<ref name="Mirkin"/>
+
<gallery>
 +
File:1F13 Script.jpg
 +
</gallery>
  
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The episode contains numerous references to [[Stanley Kubrick]]´s 1968 film ''[[2001: A Space Odyssey (film)|2001: A Space Odyssey]]''. In the space shuttle, Homer floats in zero gravity, eating potato chips. This echoes the docking scene in ''2001'', with the use of the music piece ''[[The Blue Danube]]''. At the end of the episode, Bart throws a marker into the air; in slow motion it rotates in mid-air, before a [[match cut]] replaces it with a cylindrical satellite. This parodies a similar transition scene between "The Dawn of Man" and the future sequence in the film, including the use of the famous [[Richard Strauss]] piece ''[[Also sprach Zarathustra (Richard Strauss)|Also sprach Zarathustra]]''.<ref name=empire/>
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== Reception ==
 +
[[NASA]] loved the episode, and astronaut Edward Lu asked for a copy of it to be sent on a supply ship to the International Space Station. The DVD remains there for astronauts to view.<ref name="Commentary"/> "Deep Space Homer" is ''MSNBC'''s fourth favorite episode, citing [[Homer]]'s realization that ''Planet of the Apes'' is set on Earth as "pure genius."<ref>[http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19916798/page/2/ D'Oh! The top 10 'Simpsons' episodes ever] at [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/ MSNBC]</ref> ''Empire'' magazine named it a "contender for greatest ever episode", and listed it as the third best movie parody in the show.<ref>The Ten Best Movie Gags In ''The Simpsons'', {{W2|Empire|magazine}} September 2004</ref> In his book, ''[[Planet Simpson]]'', Chris Turner names the episode as being one of his five favorites, saying it is "second to none," despite listing "[[Last Exit to Springfield]]" as his favorite episode. He described the long sequence that begins with [[Homer]] eating potato chips in the space shuttle and ends with Kent Brockman's dramatic speech as being "simply among the finest comedic moments in the history of television".<ref name="Planet Simpson">''[[Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation]]''</ref> ''{{W|The Daily Telegraph}}'' also named the episode among their ten favorites.<ref>The 10 Best Simpsons TV Episodes (In Chronological Order), {{W|The Daily Telegraph}} July 21, [[2007]]</ref>
  
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==Reception==
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Both [[Buzz Aldrin]] and [[James Taylor]] received praise for their guest performances. ''{{W|IGN}}'' ranked [[James Taylor]] as being the twenty-first best guest appearance in the show's history.<ref>[http://tv.ign.com/articles/730/730566p1.html Top 25 Simpsons Guest Appearances] at [http://www.ign.com IGN]</ref> The Phoenix.com published their own list of "Top 20 guest stars" and [[James Taylor|Taylor]] placed eighteenth.<ref>[http://www.thephoenix.com/Article.aspx?id=7123&page=2 The Simpsons 20 best guest voices of all time] at [http://www.thephoenix.com The Phoenix.com]</ref> Among ''The Simpsons'' staff, the episode is a favorite of [[David Silverman]].<ref name="Commentary"/> On the other hand it also contains one of [[Matt Groening]]'s least favorite jokes, when [[Homer]]'s face changes into [[Popeye]] and [[Richard Nixon]] while exposed to G-force.<ref name="Commentary"/>
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[[Image:Aldrin.jpg|thumb|[[Buzz Aldrin]] guest starred in the episode.]]
 
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NASA loved the episode, and astronaut Ed Lu|Edward Lu asked for a copy of it to be sent on a supply ship to the[International Space Station. The DVD remains there for astronauts to view.<ref name="Mirkin"/> "Deep Space Homer" is ''MSNBC'''s fourth favorite episode, citing Homer's realization that ''Planet of the Apes'' is set on Earth as "pure genius."<ref>{{cite news | author = Patrick Enwright | title = D’Oh! The top 10 ‘Simpsons’ episodes ever | publisher = [[MSNBC]] | date = [[2007-07-31]] | url = http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19916798/page/2/ | accessdate=2007-10-08}}</ref> ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' magazine named it a "contender for greatest ever episode", and listed it as the third best movie parody in the show.<ref name=empire>{{cite news | author = Colin Kennedy | title = The Ten Best Movie Gags In ''The Simpsons'' | publisher = ''[[Empire (magazine)|Empire]]'' | date = September 2004 | pages = 76}}</ref> In his book, ''[[Planet Simpson]]'', Chris Turner names the episode as being one of his five favorites, saying it is "second to none," despite listing "[[Last Exit to Springfield]]" as his favorite episode. He described the long sequence that begins with Homer eating potato chips in the space shuttle and ends with Kent Brockman's dramatic speech as being "simply among the finest comedic moments in the history of television".<ref name="Turner">{{cite book| last = Turner| first = Chris| title =[[Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation]]| pages =69–70| id = ISBN 0-679-31318-4}}</ref>  ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' also named the episode among their ten favorites.<ref>{{cite news  | last =Walton | first =James | coauthors = | title =The 10 Best Simpsons TV Episodes (In Chronological Order) | work =[[The Daily Telegraph]] | pages =Page 3  | language =  | publisher =  | date =July 21, 2007  | url =  | accessdate =  }}</ref>
 
  
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Both Buzz Aldrin and James Taylor received praise for their guest performances. ''[[IGN]]'' ranked James Taylor as being the twenty-first best guest appearance in the show's history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/730/730566p1.html|title=Top 25 Simpsons Guest Appearances|accessdate=2007-10-19|author=Goldman, Eric; Iverson, Dan; Zoromski, Brian|publisher=IGN}}</ref> The Phoenix.com published their own list of "Top 20 guest stars" and Taylor placed eighteenth.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thephoenix.com/Article.aspx?id=7123&page=2|title=The Simpsons 20 best guest voices of all time|date=2006-03-29|accessdate=2007-08-03|publisher=The Phoenix.com}}</ref> Among ''The Simpsons'' staff, the episode is a favorite of [[David Silverman]].<ref name="Silverman">{{cite video | people=Silverman, David|year=2004|title=The Simpsons season 5 DVD commentary for the episode "Deep Space Homer"| medium=DVD||publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> On the other hand it also contains one of Matt Groening's least favorite jokes, when Homer's face changes into [[Popeye]] and [[Richard Nixon]] while exposed to [[G-force]].<ref name="Groening"/>
+
"Deep Space Homer" is the source of the "Overlord meme", which is lifted from [[Kent Brockman]]'s line "And I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords" and is commonly used on internet forums when a "participant vastly overstates the degree of oppression or social control expected to arise from the topic in question" or to express mock submission, usually for the purpose of humor.<ref name="Planet Simpson"/> The term was used by ''{{W|New Scientist}}'' magazine.<ref>[http://www.newscientist.com/blog/space/2007/06/british-government-welcomes-our-new.html The British government welcomes our new insect overlords] at [http://www.newscientist.com New Scientist]</ref>
 +
{{-}}
  
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"Deep Space Homer" is the source of the "[[Kent_Brockman#Profile|Overlord meme]]", which is lifted from [[Kent Brockman]]'s line "And I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords" and is commonly used on internet forums when a "participant vastly overstates the degree of oppression or social control expected to arise from the topic in question" or to express mock submission, usually for the purpose of humor.<ref name="Turner2">{{cite book| last = Turner| first = Chris| title =[[Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation]]| page =300| id = ISBN 0-679-31318-4}}</ref> The term was used by ''[[New Scientist]]'' magazine.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newscientist.com/blog/space/2007/06/british-government-welcomes-our-new.html|title=The British government welcomes our new insect overlords|publisher=New Scientist magazine|accessdate=2007-10-19}}</ref>
+
== In other languages ==
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{{-}}
+
{{LanguageBox
 +
|de=yes
 +
|deName=Homer, der Weltraumheld
 +
|deTrans=Homer the space hero
 +
|es=yes
 +
|esName=Homer en el espacio exterior
 +
|esTrans=Homer in outer space
 +
|la=yes
 +
|laName=Homero en el espacio profundo
 +
|laTrans=Homer in deep space
 +
|it=yes
 +
|itName=Homer nello spazio profondo
 +
|itTrans=Homer in outer space
 +
|jp=yes
 +
|jpName=ホーマー宇宙へ行く
 +
|jpTrans=Homer Goes to Space
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
== References ==
 +
{{Reflist}}
 +
 
 +
{{Images|ep=yes}}
 +
{{Season 5}}
  
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==References==
+
[[Category:1994]]
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{{reflist|2}}
+
[[Category:Homer episodes]]
 +
[[Category:Travel episodes]]
 +
[[Category:Episodes written by David Mirkin]]
 +
[[Category:Episodes directed by Carlos Baeza]]
  
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==External links==
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[[sv:Deep Space Homer]]
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{{wikiquote|The_Simpsons#Deep_Space_Homer_.5B5.15.5D|"Deep Space Homer"}}
 
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{{portal|The Simpsons}}
 
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*{{snpp capsule|1F13}}
 
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*{{imdb episode|id=0701087|episode=Deep Space Homer}}
 
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*[http://www.thesimpsons.com/episode_guide/0515.htm "Deep Space Homer"] at The Simpsons.com
 
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*[http://www.tv.com/the-simpsons/deep-space-homer/episode/1381/summary.html "Deep Space Homer"] at TV.com
 

Latest revision as of 14:27, July 11, 2024

Season 5 Episode
← 095 "Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy"
096
"Deep Space Homer"
"Homer Loves Flanders" 097 →
This article is about the episode. For the character collection in The Simpsons: Tapped Out, see The Simpsons: Tapped Out characters/Deep Space Homer. For the mini-event in The Simpsons: Tapped Out, see The Simpsons: Tapped Out Deep Space Homer content update.
"I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords."
―Kent Brockman
"Deep Space Homer"
Deep Space Homer promo.gif
Episode Information
Episode number: 96
Season number: S5 E15
Production code: 1F13
Original airdate: February 24, 1994
Couch gag: The family runs to the couch, only to find a fat man sitting on it. They squeeze in to the left of him.
Guest star(s): Buzz Aldrin as himself
James Taylor as himself
Showrunner: David Mirkin
Written by: David Mirkin
Directed by: Carlos Baeza
DVD features


"Deep Space Homer" is the fifteenth episode of Season 5 of The Simpsons and the ninety-sixth episode overall. It originally aired on February 24, 1994. The episode was written by David Mirkin and directed by Carlos Baeza. It guest stars Buzz Aldrin as himself and James Taylor as himself.

Synopsis[edit]

"After seeing their popularity decline (as reflected by lower TV ratings for shuttle launches), NASA decides to improve its public image by sending a man into space to whom the average American can relate. In this case, Joe Average is Homer Simpson."


Plot[edit]

Alternate promo image for the episode

At the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, it is time for the awarding of the "Worker of the Week" award, a chore for the other plant workers, but a great time for Homer, the only employee who has never won the award (obviously). He is confident he will win after reading the employee handbook and finding out that each employee must win the award at least once regardless of incompetency. However, Mr. Burns gives the Worker of the Week award to an inanimate carbon rod. Homer is infuriated, and starts to feel dejected that no one likes him. He turns to the TV for solace and ends up on a channel that is broadcasting a live space shuttle launch, which he finds dull and changes the channel. Meanwhile, NASA learns that its Nielsen ratings have declined, and decide to send an "average shmoe" into space after realizing the popularity of blue collar comedy programs. At that moment, Homer telephones NASA to complain about their "boring space launches", which makes NASA determine that they have found their man. But, when Jack Stillwater and Dr. Babcock arrive at Moe's Tavern, and confront Homer, he thinks he is in trouble and blames Barney for making the prank call. The NASA employees ask Barney to be an astronaut, and when Homer realizes what the proposal entails, he steps in and takes credit for the call.

NASA takes both Homer and Barney to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to train them into astronauts. They pit the two in competition against one another as they can only take one to space. Under NASA's alcohol ban, Barney quickly develops superior skills and is selected to fly with Buzz Aldrin and astronaut Race Banyon. However, when Barney toasts his victory with champagne, he reverts back to his normal alcoholic self and injures himself, although the champagne was non-alcoholic. Homer wins by default and is selected for space flight, but is very nervous about going. Just as they prepare to take off in the Corvair space shuttle, Homer runs away. He talks with Marge on the phone, and she says that he ought to take advantage of going into space. He agrees and the launch proceeds. To NASA's delight, it is a Nielsen ratings smash.

When on the shuttle, Homer smuggles potato chips on board. He opens the bag, but is unaware that they will clog the instruments. His appetite seems to save the day as he floats after the chips in zero-G, but he flies into an ant farm, destroying it, and letting the ants loose in the shuttle. James Taylor comes in over the radio to sing a song, but the disaster continues on board as the ants destroy the navigation system. James Taylor suggests that they blow the bugs out the front hatch, which the astronauts do, but Homer fails to put on his "shuttle belt" and is nearly blown out of the open hatch before grabbing its handle and clinging for life. Buzz pulls him inside but due to the vacuum's sheer force, Homer breaks the hatch handle. He inadvertently uses a carbon rod to seal the door shut and they return to Earth.

Although Buzz Aldrin declares Homer the hero, the press see the inanimate carbon rod as being the bigger hero. The rod is then featured on magazine covers with the headline "In Rod We Trust" and is given its own ticker-tape parade. Back at home, Homer is disappointed that he did not get as much respect as he had hoped, but the family still honors him for his achievement.

Production[edit]

"Deep Space Homer" was written by then-executive producer David Mirkin and is his only writing credit for The Simpsons. Mirkin had worked on the idea for the episode for a long time, basing the story on a NASA scheme to send normal people into space in order to spark interest amongst the general public.[1] There was some controversy amongst the show's writing staff when the episode was in production. Some of the writers felt that having Homer go into space was too "large" an idea.[1] Matt Groening felt that the idea was so big that it gave the writers "nowhere to go". As a result, every aspect of the show was worked on to make the concept work. Several silly gags were toned down to make the episode feel more realistic, including an idea that everyone at NASA was as stupid as Homer.[1] The writers focused more upon the relationship between Homer and his family and Homer's attempts to be a hero.[1]

Buzz Aldrin, the second man to walk on the Moon, and James Taylor both guest star as themselves in this episode. Some of the writers were concerned about Aldrin's line, "second comes right after first", feeling it was insulting to Aldrin. An alternative line was written: "first to take a soil sample", but Aldrin had no problem with saying the original line.[1] A version of James Taylor's "Fire and Rain" was recorded specifically for the episode containing some altered lyrics. Taylor's original recording session was included as an extra on the DVD.[1]

Although the episode was directed by Carlos Baeza, the potato chip sequence was directed by David Silverman. Some computer animation created using an Amiga was used in the sequence in order to make the potato chip rotation as smooth as possible.[1]

  • 1F13 Script.jpg

Reception[edit]

NASA loved the episode, and astronaut Edward Lu asked for a copy of it to be sent on a supply ship to the International Space Station. The DVD remains there for astronauts to view.[1] "Deep Space Homer" is MSNBC's fourth favorite episode, citing Homer's realization that Planet of the Apes is set on Earth as "pure genius."[2] Empire magazine named it a "contender for greatest ever episode", and listed it as the third best movie parody in the show.[3] In his book, Planet Simpson, Chris Turner names the episode as being one of his five favorites, saying it is "second to none," despite listing "Last Exit to Springfield" as his favorite episode. He described the long sequence that begins with Homer eating potato chips in the space shuttle and ends with Kent Brockman's dramatic speech as being "simply among the finest comedic moments in the history of television".[4] The Daily Telegraph also named the episode among their ten favorites.[5]

Both Buzz Aldrin and James Taylor received praise for their guest performances. IGN ranked James Taylor as being the twenty-first best guest appearance in the show's history.[6] The Phoenix.com published their own list of "Top 20 guest stars" and Taylor placed eighteenth.[7] Among The Simpsons staff, the episode is a favorite of David Silverman.[1] On the other hand it also contains one of Matt Groening's least favorite jokes, when Homer's face changes into Popeye and Richard Nixon while exposed to G-force.[1]

"Deep Space Homer" is the source of the "Overlord meme", which is lifted from Kent Brockman's line "And I, for one, welcome our new insect overlords" and is commonly used on internet forums when a "participant vastly overstates the degree of oppression or social control expected to arise from the topic in question" or to express mock submission, usually for the purpose of humor.[4] The term was used by New Scientist magazine.[8]

In other languages[edit]

Language Name Translation
Germany.png Deutsch "Homer, der Weltraumheld" Homer the space hero
Spain flag.png Español "Homer en el espacio exterior" Homer in outer space
Hispanic America.gif Español "Homero en el espacio profundo" Homer in deep space
Italy Flag.png Italiano "Homer nello spazio profondo" Homer in outer space
Flag of Japan.png 日本語 "ホーマー宇宙へ行く" Homer Goes to Space

References[edit]

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 1.9 Commentary for "Deep Space Homer"
  2. ↑ D'Oh! The top 10 'Simpsons' episodes ever at MSNBC
  3. ↑ The Ten Best Movie Gags In The Simpsons, Empire September 2004
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation
  5. ↑ The 10 Best Simpsons TV Episodes (In Chronological Order), The Daily Telegraph July 21, 2007
  6. ↑ Top 25 Simpsons Guest Appearances at IGN
  7. ↑ The Simpsons 20 best guest voices of all time at The Phoenix.com
  8. ↑ The British government welcomes our new insect overlords at New Scientist


The Saga of Carl - title screen.png Wikisimpsons has a collection of images related to "Deep Space Homer".
Season 5 Episodes
Homer's Barbershop Quartet • Cape Feare • Homer Goes to College • Rosebud • Treehouse of Horror IV • Marge on the Lam • Bart's Inner Child • Boy-Scoutz 'n the Hood • The Last Temptation of Homer • $pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling) • Homer the Vigilante • Bart Gets Famous • Homer and Apu • Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy • Deep Space Homer • Homer Loves Flanders • Bart Gets an Elephant • Burns' Heir • Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadasssss Song • The Boy Who Knew Too Much • Lady Bouvier's Lover • Secrets of a Successful Marriage
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