The Town/References
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Cultural references
- The title of the episode is a reference to the movie The Town, which also takes place in Boston.
- Homer references the Aerosmith, and Ben and Casey Affleck.
- Marge references The Real Housewives.
- Bart references The Departed and its theme song is sung by the kids in detention and it is later played during the end credits.
- The song The Man in Me by Bob Dylan plays when Bart and Homer are candlepin bowling.
- Boston Americans is a reference to the former name of the Boston Red Sox baseball team.
- Bart (wearing a blue cap) being intimidated by Apu and Sideshow Mel (wearing red clothes) is a reference to the rivalry between the gangs Crips (identified by their blue clothing) and Bloods (identified by their red clothing).
- The Duck family from Robert McCloskey's Make Way for Ducklings are seen when the Simpsons walk by Charles River.
- The Cheers (which takes place in Boston) theme is heard a couple of times during the episode.
- The song played while Homer plays candlepin bowling is "The Man in Me" by Bob Dylan.
- Several references to the Massachusetts area appear:
- Mass. Ave is a reference to the Massachusetts Avenue.
- Newbound Comics stickers adorn the wall of the tunnel and the neighborhood Lisa and Bart walk through.
- "Jordan's Furniture & Motel", complete with a poster for area UHF TV station WSBK-TV's The Movie Loft.
- This sign also mentions NESN, which is New England Sports Network, and is the regional sports channel based out of the Boston Area.
- Quinby Ma, is a Parody of Quincy, Ma
- The sign that says Lawful Seafoods, is a parody of Legal Sea Foods.
- The Duncan Doughnut's cup thrown at the Simpson's car is a parody of Dunkin' Donuts.
- At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, nerds are seen playing Magic: The Gathering and playing with Oculus Rifts.
- Bobbleheads of Aimee Mann, Steven Wright and Bell Biv DeVoe attack Homer.
- The Bill "Spaceman" Lee Planetarium is a reference to Major League Baseball pitcher Bill "Spaceman" Lee.
- Cumbies is slang for Cumberland Farms, a regional chain of convenience stores based in Framingham, Massachusetts.
- Dukakis Eyebrows sells eyebrows in the style of Michael Dukakis.
- Filene's Basement's Attic is a reference to Filene's Basement, a chain of department stores.
- Lechmere's was a real retail store chain.
- Nekco is a reference to Necco, the New England Confectionery Company.
- Noam Chomp-Sky's Grinders and Frappes is a reference to Noam Chomsky.
- Robert's Parish is a reference to former basketball player Robert Parish. The stain glass window features an image of him.
- Spenser: For Hire's Gifts is a reference to the TV series Spenser: For Hire.
- A statue of Larry Bird is seen, parodying the Statue of Liberty.
- The statue of Paul Revere is seen.
- People appearing in the crowd scene at the Boston Americans parade:
Trivia
- The tunnel scene was slightly edited from the version on the trailer:
- Homer's line went from "Delicious, delicious rage." to "I've never loved hating anything so much!"
- Smog was added to the background.
- This episode ended up airing on the Pacific Coast at 9:12pm PT due to overtime of the 2nd 2016 Presidential Debate, and other lead-out programs airing first.
Goofs
- Inside the tunnel, a blue truck is behind the Simpsons family's wagon, after the townie throws a cup at them, there's a car instead.
- The Boston Americans' mascot had no helmet, meaning that he wouldn't be allowed to participate in the play even if he is one of the players.
