Wedgie Issue/References

General

References/Trivia

Appearances

Credits

Quotes

Cultural references

• The story's title is a pun on "wedge issue", a term for a social or political issue which is by nature divisive and/or controversial and thus creates a split, or "wedge", in a voting bloc.
• Lisa and Alex Whitney have a stand where they sell "Organic Free-Range Lemonade".
• Lisa cites the proverb, "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade", which gves Milhouse the idea for his wedgie business.
• Milhouse's wedgie business, World Wide Wedgie, is a parody of the Geek Squad as well as a pun on the World Wide Web.
• After his business takes off, Milhouse is seen sitting in front of a sign which reads, "Over 33 Million Served!", a reference to McDonald's.
• In his fantasy, Milhouse envisions himself and Lisa becoming a couple:
  • He sees them as the "Bill and Melinda Gates of wedgies".
  • He sees Lisa using his wealth to right the world's wrongs, a reference to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
  • He sees them being given the supercouple nickname "Mil-Lisa" by the paparazzi, but then on second thought hopes that doesn't happen.
• When Lisa compliments Milhouse for employing so many of their former classmates, Milhouse cites the saying, "Keep your friends close and your enemies closer", popularized by the character Michael Corleone in the Godfather movies.

Trivia

• Springfield Elementary School students seen in Milhouse's vision of the future include the following:
  • Lisa is now Milhouse's significant other (it isn't clear whether they're married).
  • Bart is Milhouse's personal secretary.
  • Nelson and Kearney work for Milhouse as security guards.
  • Martin has apparently become rich, and is also a longtime regular customer of World Wide Wedgie.
  • Wendell Borton is a "wedgie worker".
  • Alex Whitney is present at the party that Milhouse envisions, but it isn't clear what her status is. She does seem to be attending as Lisa's friend and does not seem to be one of Milhouse's employees: When the true nature of World Wide Wedgie is revealed, Alex is as shocked as Lisa.

Continuity

• Milhouse's long-standing crush on Lisa is referenced yet again, as is his continual lack of success in getting her to return his interest. In Milhouse's fantasy, Lisa is initially won over by his wealth and social status, but leaves him in a huff when she learns the true nature of his wedgie business, which he had previously kept from her.
• The term "wedge issue" is also punned in the title of the television episode "Postcards from the Wedge".