Homer and Ned's Hail Mary Pass/References

General

References/Trivia

Appearances

Gags

Credits

Quotes

Trivia

• We learn Comic Book Guy's real name is Jeff Albertson.
• With 23.1 Million viewers, this episode is one of the highest rated episodes in Simpsons history.
• Homer is called a "jerkass" by a sports commentator. This is a possible reference to "Jerkass Homer", which is what many internet fans called Homer during the Scully era (Seasons 9-12)
• Ned is dressed as the Devil in his film in the same way he appeared as the Devil in "Treehouse of Horror IV".
• Quarterback Tom Brady, who made a cameo in this episode, led the New England Patriots to victory in Super Bowl XXXIX, which aired immediately before this episode.

Cultural references

• Legendary video game character Mario of Super Mario Brothers makes a cameo in this episode, where a disgruntled Homer fights with him due to his annoyance. The fight is a direct parody of Donkey Kong with Homer tossing garbage cans like Donkey Kong tossing Barrels at Mario.
• Flanders' violent films are an obvious parody of The Passion of the Christ.
• Michelle Kwan's line, "Beware the wrath of Kwan!" is a reference to the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
• Homer is watching TV and the news reporter were announcing the wedding for Pac-Man and Ms.Pac-Man. The ghosts were there too as they dance to the song "Physical."
• The Mr. Burns company logo is a parody of Columbia Pictures logo.