Patches
Patches
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Character Information
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Patches is an orphan who lives in Springfield. His sister is Poor Violet. He is nicknamed Patches because he is superb at sewing and loves to scratch the patches of nettle stings.
History
Patches gave their (his and Violet's) only $1 of vitamin money to Bart, who carelessly spent it.[1]
When Ned Flanders and Homer opened up Praiseland, a Bible-themed amusement park, in memory of Maude, some people suggested that they donate the profits to the orphanage so it could build a roof. Patches and Violet were on the scene in person, augmenting the appeal by saying "Two walls are not enough!" as they coughed. However, it never happened. Ned and Homer discovered that a leaking underground gas line was responsible for the visions that the park's visitors were experiencing, and then saw Patches and Violet lighting a candle and unknowingly placing it near the leak. To save the kids from being blown up, Homer and Ned bodily tackled them, put out the candle, and carried them away. Patches and Violet were unharmed, but because no one else knew about the gas leak, Homer's and Ned's action was seen as roughing up two poor orphans. The result was a public relations disaster and Praiseland was forced to close.[2]
Patches later attended the Costington's Thanksgiving Day parade where Homer played the role of Santa Claus. Patches was very desperate to see Santa. When Lisa told Patches that Santa would be there and gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder, Patches snapped at Lisa for touching him: "Nothing gives you that right!" The Santa on the float, however, turned out to be Mr. Burns, who was pranking the whole town by dressing up as Santa and throwing fish guts at the paradegoers when they were expecting presents. Patches was hit by a generous portion of fish guts and cried, "What did I do?" in utter bewilderment.[3]
Behind the Laughter
- Patches resembles depictions of Tiny Tim from the classic Charles Dickens story A Christmas Carol.
Appearances
- Episode – "Miracle on Evergreen Terrace"
- Episode – "I'm Goin' to Praiseland"
- Episode – "Homer vs. Dignity"
- Episode – "Simple Simpson"
References