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{{About|the episode of The Simpsons|the ] sketch|Homey the Clown|the titular character|Homer Simpson}} | ||
| {{Distinguish|Like Father, Like Clown}} | |||
| {{Use American English|date=January 2025}} | |||
| {{Good article}} | |||
| {{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}} | |||
| {{Infobox Simpsons episode | {{Infobox Simpsons episode | ||
| | |
| image = Homie the Clown.jpeg | ||
| | caption = ] (left) is baffled by the similarities between ] (middle) and ] (right). In order to make a clearer distinction between the latter two characters, ] enhanced the lines around Krusty’s eyes and reshaped his beard line. | |||
| | episode_no = 118 | |||
| | |
| season = 6 | ||
| | |
| episode = 15 | ||
| | |
| director = ] | ||
| | writer = ] |
| writer = ] | ||
| | |
| production = 2F12 | ||
| | airdate = {{Start date|1995|02|12}} | |||
| | blackboard = "Next time it could be me on the scaffolding" | |||
| | guests = * ] as himself | |||
| | couch_gag = The family sits on air, and the couch, seemingly with a life of its own, sits on them. | |||
| * ] as himself | |||
| * ] as ] | |||
| | image = ] | |||
| | blackboard = "Next time it could be me on the scaffolding"<ref name="book">{{cite book |last=Groening |first=Matt |author-link=Matt Groening |editor1-first=Ray |editor1-last=Richmond |editor1-link=Ray Richmond |editor2-first=Antonia |editor2-last=Coffman |title=] |edition=1st |year=1997 |location=New York |publisher=] |lccn=98141857 |ol=433519M |oclc=37796735 |isbn=978-0-06-095252-5 |page= |ref={{harvid|Richmond & Coffman|1997}} }}.</ref> | |||
| | season = 6 | |||
| | couch_gag = The Simpsons sit down in midair; the couch builds itself on top them.<ref name="BBC">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season6/page15.shtml |title=Homie the Clown |access-date=2008-03-27 |author1=Martyn, Warren |author2=Wood, Adrian |year=2000 |publisher=BBC}}</ref> | |||
| | commentary = ]<br />David Mirkin<br />]<br />David Silverman | |||
| | prev = ] | |||
| | next = ] | |||
| }} | }} | ||
| "'''Homie the Clown'''" is the 15th episode of '']''<nowiki>'</nowiki> ]. | |||
| "'''Homie the Clown'''" is the fifteenth episode of the ] of the American animated television series '']''. It originally aired on ] in the United States on February 12, 1995.<ref name="book"/> In the episode, ] becomes a ] impersonator, but is mistaken for the real Krusty by the ]. ] returned as ], while ] and ] guest starred as themselves. | |||
| ==Synopsis== | |||
| {{spoiler}} | |||
| ]'s bad ] lands him in deep financial trouble, and to make up for it he launches a training program for ]. ] becomes oddly fixated with the prospect of becoming a clown, and enters the program. He leaves it as an imitator for Krusty at private and public events. Homer eventually finds the job disappointing and decides to quit, until he discovers that when he impersonates Krusty, he receives all sorts of benefits from authority figures and businesses. The impersonation goes too far, and he is kidnapped by Fat Tony's gang, to whom the real Krusty is indebted. The real Krusty arrives, and Krusty and Homer's lives are spared when they entertain the gang with a clown trick. | |||
| The episode was written by ] and directed by ]. Swartzwelder's script required very little rewriting and Silverman considers this one of the best episodes he has directed. He later used it to help him when directing '']''. One dropped storyline for ''The Simpsons'' saw Krusty being revealed as Homer's secret identity and this episode allowed writers to comment upon the similarity of the two characters' design. The episode features references to '']'', '']'', and '']''. | |||
| ==Trivia== | |||
| *Officially, this episode is titled "Homie the Clown", but it is still known as "Homer the Clown" in some places, including . | |||
| *This episode reveals that ] works at a ] factory. | |||
| *It is also revealed that Fat Tony apparently works for "Don Vittorio DiMaggio", who admits to being an Italian ]. Don Vitorio appears in non-speaking roles in later episodes. | |||
| *It is actually possible to tell Homer and Krusty apart when Homer is in costume. Krusty has a third tuft of hair on his head, while Homer has his normal two strands of hair. Krusty also has an actual clown nose, while Homer's nose is just painted red. They are also different shapes, with Krusty's nose being more of an oval shape and Homer's nose being long and protruding, like a ]. | |||
| ==Plot== | |||
| ==Cultural References== | |||
| ]'s gambling debts and reckless spending land him in deep trouble with the ]. To make more money, he launches a training college for clowns. After seeing a billboard advertising it, ] enrolls. After graduating, he impersonates Krusty at events that the real Krusty deems beneath him, such as children's birthday parties and the unveiling of a new sandwich at ]. | |||
| *The episode title is a play on the sketch comedy character ] from the sketch comedy show '']''. Homey the Clown was played by ], and his real name was Herman Simpson. | |||
| *The notes that play on the wine glasses during Homer and Krusty's bicycle trick are those of '']'' theme. | |||
| *The episode ] the ] '']'' when Homer forms his mashed potatoes into a circus tent. | |||
| *The Krustyburglar is a parody of the ] ]. | |||
| *Fat Tony tells Louis that they'll get more ammo at Big 5. | |||
| *Krusty bets all of his money on the ], a basketball team that loses to the ] in exhibition games. | |||
| The stress of impersonating Krusty makes Homer consider quitting. He soon discovers his uncanny resemblance to the clown has its benefits: ] rips up a speeding ticket when he mistakes Homer for Krusty, ] gives him a discount at the ], and he and his family are given preferential treatment at ]'s restaurant. | |||
| ==Quotes== | |||
| *''']:''' "Clown college"? You can't eat that! | |||
| *'''Homer:''' When I started this clown thing, I thought it would be nothing but glory. You know, the glory of being a clown. I tell you, it's hard, tiring work. But when I see the smiles on their little faces, I just know they're getting ready to jab me with something. | |||
| *'''Legs:''' I'm seeing double here: four Krustys! | |||
| *''']:''' I'm not saying it won't work, I'm just saying it's dishonest. | |||
| *''']:''' How could I charge full price to the man whose lust for ] magazines kept me in business during that first shaky year? Oh, by the way, here is your new issue of "Gigantic Asses". | |||
| *'''Homer:''' That's it! You people have stood in my way long enough. I'm going to clown college! | |||
| *'''Lisa:''' Yeah, Dad, it was bad enough when you tried to pass yourself off as ], but Krusty?<br:>'''Homer:''' You weren't complaining when I got you this close to ].<br:> <br:>'''Bart:''' What's a Chachi? | |||
| *'''Bart:''' Only Krusty could take a simple everyday thing like eating a bicycle, and make it funny. | |||
| *'''Bill:''' Let me get this straight: you took all the money you made franchising your name and bet it ''against'' the ]?<br:>''']:''' Oh, I thought the Generals were due! <br:>''''<br:>'''Krusty:''' He's spinning the ball on his finger! Just take it! Take the ball! <br:>''''<br:>'''Krusty:''' That game was fixed. They were using a freaking ladder, for God's sakes. | |||
| *'''Secretary (over phone):''' ] on five. <br/> '''Krusty (picks up phone):''' Yeah? Lawsuit?! Oh, come on! My ] bit was entirely different from your Seven Words You Can't Say on TV bit! So, I'm a thief, am I?! Well, excuuuuuuuuuuuse MEEEEEEEEE! ''(hangs up)'' ''(to Bill)'' Give him ten grand. <br/> '''Secretary (over phone):''' ] on four. <br/> '''Krusty (to Bill):''' Ten grand. | |||
| *''']:''' (To Krusty) It is time for us to take you for a ride.<br>'''Krusty:''' Mind if I use the bathroom first?<br>'''Fat Tony:''' I see no harm in that.<br>'''Krusty:''' (Enters bathroom. You can then hear a window opening, a car starting and an airplane taking off).<br>'''Legs:''' When he's done in there, I've gotta go. | |||
| *'''Krusty:''' Ah, there's nothing better than a cigarette. Unless it's a cigarette lit with a hundred dollar bill. | |||
| *'''Fat Tony''' I told you we should have bought more than three ]. | |||
| *'''Homer:'''(After ] and his goons grab him and put him in their ]) But I'm telling you,I'm not ], I'm ].<br>'''Fat Tony:''' The same Homer Simpson, who crashed his car into the wall of our ]?<br> No, I mean my name is ].<br>''']:''' The same Barney Gumbel who keeps taking ] of my ]?<br>'''Homer:''' No, actually my really real name is,(to himself) think Krusty think,(to the mobsters) Joe Valochi.<br>''']:'''(looking into the rearview window from driving the car) The same Joe Valochi who squealed to the ] Commission about orgonized crime.<br>'''Homer:''' (as they are entering the mob's club) ].<br>'''Legs:''' (wile restraining Homer and having a pistol pointed to his back) The same Benedict Arnold who plotted to surrender ] the the Hated ].<br>'''Homer:''' D'oh | |||
| Later, Homer realizes that impersonating Krusty also has its pitfalls. When Krusty flees abroad after betting against the ] and losing, and still in debt to the Mafia, Homer is kidnapped by the Mafia when they mistake him for Krusty. Don Vittorio DiMaggio tells Homer he will kill him unless he performs a loop-the-loop on a tiny bicycle, the only trick Homer never did master at clown college. After he fails to perform the stunt to DiMaggio's satisfaction, the Mafioso is deeply offended. | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{wikiquote}} | |||
| *{{snpp capsule|2F12}} | |||
| Soon the real Krusty arrives and the confused DiMaggio forces them to perform the stunt together on the same tiny bicycle. They succeed and their lives are spared, but DiMaggio still requires Krusty to pay off his gambling debt – which proves to be a mere $48. | |||
| ] | |||
| ==Production== | |||
| ] | |||
| ] came up with the idea and wrote the script for the episode.]] | |||
| The episode was written by ] and directed by ]. Swartzwelder came up with the idea and his script required very little rewriting.<ref name="Mirkin">Mirkin, David (2005). Commentary for "Homie the Clown", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season'' . 20th Century Fox.</ref> The episode is one of Silverman's favorites and he was pleased to direct it, after enjoying Swartzwelder's script.<ref name="Silverman">Silverman, David (2005). Commentary for "Homie the Clown", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season'' . 20th Century Fox.</ref> Silverman felt he himself "brought a lot to the party on one", and although "people didn't like at the read-through", Silverman thought "the script was really funny, and I had an idea for the opening and presented it with a lot of circus music that inspired the music they used for it. It was great fun."<ref>{{cite news |title=Simpsons super-sized |date=2007-07-27 |work=] |author=Merrie Leininger |page=01E}}</ref> He used it, along with "]", to help him when directing '']''.<ref name=silvermaninter>{{cite news|url=http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2280 |title=Interview: 'Simpsons Movie' Director David Silverman Loves Making D'oh |access-date=2007-07-31 |date=2007-07-31 |author=Peter Brown |work=iF Magazine |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930181153/http://www.ifmagazine.com/feature.asp?article=2280 |archive-date=2007-09-30 |url-status=dead }}</ref> | |||
| ] also helped Silverman, particularly with Krusty's design.<ref name="Silverman"/> An early idea for ''The Simpsons'' saw ] being revealed as ]'s secret stage identity. This storyline never developed, but this episode allowed writers to comment upon the design similarity of the two characters. Krusty's appearance and design is just that of Homer's, with clown make-up.<ref name="MTV">{{cite news|url=https://www.mtv.com/news/1565538/simpsons-trivia-from-swearing-lisa-to-burns-sexual-smithers/ |title='Simpsons' Trivia, From Swearing Lisa To 'Burns-Sexual' Smithers |access-date=2022-01-16 |date=2007-07-26 |author=Larry Carroll |publisher=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220140402/http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1565538/20070725/story.jhtml |archive-date=2007-12-20 }}</ref> Silverman enhanced the lines under Krusty's eyes, and reshaped his beard line in order to make a clearer distinction between the two characters.<ref name="Silverman"/> | |||
| Homer beating up the ]n ] (who first appeared in "]") was a joke ] "had trouble with". ] wanted the scene to be violent, but Silverman stated that he thought he had animated the finished product to be too realistic. However, nothing was changed.<ref name="Mirkin"/><ref name="Silverman"/><ref name="Groening">Groening, Matt (2005). Commentary for "Homie the Clown", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season'' . 20th Century Fox.</ref> ] objected to the mafia buying ammunition from a ] until Mirkin pointed out that Big 5 sold ammunition.<ref name="Mirkin"/> The second act break was, up until the ], after ]'s line "cancel the world search".<ref name="Silverman"/> | |||
| ] returned as Fat Tony. Mirkin said Mantegna is a joy to direct and that Mantegna loves the role so much, he wishes to voice him "even if he only coughs".<ref name="Mirkin"/> ] guest-starred as himself. Mirkin commented that Cavett's part was probably the "meanest" they had ever been to a guest star. Cavett often told stories involving himself and other famous people and Mirkin decided to make light of that. Cavett did not have any objections.<ref name="Mirkin"/> | |||
| ==Cultural references== | |||
| ]'s character in '']''.]] | |||
| * The episode's title is reference to the character ] from the sketch comedy show '']''.<ref name="BBC" /> | |||
| * Krusty lights a cigarette with an issue of ], the first appearance of ], and one of the rarest comic books of all time.<ref name="BBC" /> | |||
| * Homer forms his mashed potatoes into a circus tent in a parody of ]' character forming his potatoes into a replica of ] in the 1977 film '']''.<ref name="book" /><ref name="BBC" /> | |||
| * The episode contains several references to films related to ], such as the notes played on the wine glasses during Homer and Krusty's bicycle trick forming those of the ] from the film '']''.<ref name="BBC" /><ref name="Mirkin" /> | |||
| * Homer, having been kidnapped by the mob for resembling Krusty the Clown, attempts to explain that he's not actually Krusty with a fake name. Homer inadvertently stumbles upon ]'s name, whom the mobsters instantly recognize as "The same Joe Valachi who squealed to the senate about organized crime." | |||
| * Silverman inserted a low-angle shot of Fat Tony sitting in a chair as a tribute to a similar shot of ]'s character in '']'', while Don Vittorio is based on actors ] and ].<ref name="Silverman" /> | |||
| *Krusty was threatened with a lawsuit for ] by ] regarding ], with Krusty telling his accountant to pay $10,000 to settle it out of court, as well as a similar fee when learning that ] was calling him for what was implied to be another lawsuit relating to the use of his catchphrase "Well, excuse me!" when signing off. | |||
| ==Reception== | |||
| In its original broadcast, "Homie the Clown" finished 59th (tied with ''Behind Closed Doors II'') in the ratings for the week of February 5 to February 12, 1995, helping Fox to an overall ] of 7.9. The episode was the fifth highest rated show on the Fox network that week.<ref>{{cite news |title=Nielsen Ratings |date=1995-02-16 |page=6 |work=] |agency=Associated Press }}</ref> | |||
| Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood, the authors of the book ''I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide'', stated the episode was "notable for its scenes of Homer on trying to emulate Krusty's mini-trike loop the loops".<ref name="BBC"/> | |||
| Ryan Keefer of DVD Verdict felt it "features one of the more amusing stunts to cap an episode", giving it an A.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/simpsonsseason6.php |title=DVD Verdict Review — The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season |last=Keefer |first=Ryan |date=2005-08-29 |publisher=DVD Verdict |access-date=2008-12-02 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081225151101/http://www.dvdverdict.com/reviews/simpsonsseason6.php |archive-date=2008-12-25 }}</ref> | |||
| Colin Jacobson of DVD Movie Guide said in a review of the sixth season DVD that the episode "offers a truly terrific show", and praised the "clever ''Close Encounters'' reference, and the ways that it ties together Krusty's mob connection with Homer", concluding "it's a real winner".<ref name=dvdmg>{{cite web |url=http://www.dvdmg.com/simpsonsseasonsix.shtml |title=The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season (1994) |access-date=2008-12-02 |author=Jacobson, Colin |year=2003 |publisher=DVD Movie Guide}}</ref> | |||
| Mike Brantley of '']'' named "Homie the Clown" the 48th greatest television episode of all-time.<ref>{{cite news |title=Timeless television |date=1999-12-31 |work=] |author=Mike Brantley |page=D01}}</ref> When ''The Simpsons'' began streaming on ] in 2019, former ''Simpsons'' writer and executive producer ] named this one of the best classic Simpsons episodes to watch on the service.<ref>{{cite news |last=Katz |first=Mathew |title=The best classic Simpsons episodes on Disney+ |work=] |date=2019-11-11|url=https://www.digitaltrends.com/movies/best-classic-simpsons-episodes-disney-plus/|access-date=2022-01-16}}</ref> | |||
| ==References== | |||
| {{Reflist}} | |||
| ==External links== | |||
| {{Portal|The Simpsons}} | |||
| {{Wikiquote|The_Simpsons/Season_6#Homie_the_Clown|"Homie the Clown"}} | |||
| *{{Snpp capsule|2F12}} | |||
| *{{IMDb episode|0701128}} | |||
| {{The Simpsons episodes|6}} | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
| ] | |||
Latest revision as of 02:03, 4 January 2025
This article is about the episode of The Simpsons. For the In Living Color sketch, see Homey the Clown. For the titular character, see Homer Simpson. Not to be confused with Like Father, Like Clown.15th episode of the 6th season of The Simpsons
| "Homie the Clown" | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| The Simpsons episode | |||
 Legs (left) is baffled by the similarities between Krusty the Clown (middle) and Homer Simpson (right). In order to make a clearer distinction between the latter two characters, David Silverman enhanced the lines around Krusty’s eyes and reshaped his beard line. | |||
| Episode no. | Season 6 Episode 15 | ||
| Directed by | David Silverman | ||
| Written by | John Swartzwelder | ||
| Production code | 2F12 | ||
| Original air date | February 12, 1995 (1995-02-12) | ||
| Guest appearances | |||
| |||
| Episode features | |||
| Chalkboard gag | "Next time it could be me on the scaffolding" | ||
| Couch gag | The Simpsons sit down in midair; the couch builds itself on top them. | ||
| Commentary | Matt Groening David Mirkin Mark Kirkland David Silverman | ||
| Episode chronology | |||
| |||
| The Simpsons season 6 | |||
| List of episodes | |||
"Homie the Clown" is the fifteenth episode of the sixth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on Fox in the United States on February 12, 1995. In the episode, Homer becomes a Krusty the Clown impersonator, but is mistaken for the real Krusty by the Springfield Mafia. Joe Mantegna returned as Fat Tony, while Dick Cavett and Johnny Unitas guest starred as themselves.
The episode was written by John Swartzwelder and directed by David Silverman. Swartzwelder's script required very little rewriting and Silverman considers this one of the best episodes he has directed. He later used it to help him when directing The Simpsons Movie. One dropped storyline for The Simpsons saw Krusty being revealed as Homer's secret identity and this episode allowed writers to comment upon the similarity of the two characters' design. The episode features references to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, The Godfather, and The Maltese Falcon.
Plot
Krusty's gambling debts and reckless spending land him in deep trouble with the Springfield Mafia. To make more money, he launches a training college for clowns. After seeing a billboard advertising it, Homer enrolls. After graduating, he impersonates Krusty at events that the real Krusty deems beneath him, such as children's birthday parties and the unveiling of a new sandwich at Krusty Burger.
The stress of impersonating Krusty makes Homer consider quitting. He soon discovers his uncanny resemblance to the clown has its benefits: Chief Wiggum rips up a speeding ticket when he mistakes Homer for Krusty, Apu gives him a discount at the Kwik-E-Mart, and he and his family are given preferential treatment at Luigi's restaurant.
Later, Homer realizes that impersonating Krusty also has its pitfalls. When Krusty flees abroad after betting against the Harlem Globetrotters and losing, and still in debt to the Mafia, Homer is kidnapped by the Mafia when they mistake him for Krusty. Don Vittorio DiMaggio tells Homer he will kill him unless he performs a loop-the-loop on a tiny bicycle, the only trick Homer never did master at clown college. After he fails to perform the stunt to DiMaggio's satisfaction, the Mafioso is deeply offended.
Soon the real Krusty arrives and the confused DiMaggio forces them to perform the stunt together on the same tiny bicycle. They succeed and their lives are spared, but DiMaggio still requires Krusty to pay off his gambling debt – which proves to be a mere $48.
Production
The episode was written by John Swartzwelder and directed by David Silverman. Swartzwelder came up with the idea and his script required very little rewriting. The episode is one of Silverman's favorites and he was pleased to direct it, after enjoying Swartzwelder's script. Silverman felt he himself "brought a lot to the party on one", and although "people didn't like at the read-through", Silverman thought "the script was really funny, and I had an idea for the opening and presented it with a lot of circus music that inspired the music they used for it. It was great fun." He used it, along with "Three Men and a Comic Book", to help him when directing The Simpsons Movie.
Brad Bird also helped Silverman, particularly with Krusty's design. An early idea for The Simpsons saw Krusty the Clown being revealed as Homer Simpson's secret stage identity. This storyline never developed, but this episode allowed writers to comment upon the design similarity of the two characters. Krusty's appearance and design is just that of Homer's, with clown make-up. Silverman enhanced the lines under Krusty's eyes, and reshaped his beard line in order to make a clearer distinction between the two characters.
Homer beating up the Estonian dwarf (who first appeared in "Burns' Heir") was a joke Matt Groening "had trouble with". David Mirkin wanted the scene to be violent, but Silverman stated that he thought he had animated the finished product to be too realistic. However, nothing was changed. Fox objected to the mafia buying ammunition from a Big 5 Sporting Goods until Mirkin pointed out that Big 5 sold ammunition. The second act break was, up until the animatic, after Fat Tony's line "cancel the world search".
Joe Mantegna returned as Fat Tony. Mirkin said Mantegna is a joy to direct and that Mantegna loves the role so much, he wishes to voice him "even if he only coughs". Dick Cavett guest-starred as himself. Mirkin commented that Cavett's part was probably the "meanest" they had ever been to a guest star. Cavett often told stories involving himself and other famous people and Mirkin decided to make light of that. Cavett did not have any objections.
Cultural references
- The episode's title is reference to the character Homey D. Clown from the sketch comedy show In Living Color.
- Krusty lights a cigarette with an issue of Action Comics #1, the first appearance of Superman, and one of the rarest comic books of all time.
- Homer forms his mashed potatoes into a circus tent in a parody of Richard Dreyfuss' character forming his potatoes into a replica of Devils Tower in the 1977 film Close Encounters of the Third Kind.
- The episode contains several references to films related to organized crime, such as the notes played on the wine glasses during Homer and Krusty's bicycle trick forming those of the theme from the film The Godfather.
- Homer, having been kidnapped by the mob for resembling Krusty the Clown, attempts to explain that he's not actually Krusty with a fake name. Homer inadvertently stumbles upon Joe Valachi's name, whom the mobsters instantly recognize as "The same Joe Valachi who squealed to the senate about organized crime."
- Silverman inserted a low-angle shot of Fat Tony sitting in a chair as a tribute to a similar shot of Sydney Greenstreet's character in The Maltese Falcon, while Don Vittorio is based on actors William Hickey and Don Ameche.
- Krusty was threatened with a lawsuit for patent infringement by George Carlin regarding Seven Words You Can Never Say On Television, with Krusty telling his accountant to pay $10,000 to settle it out of court, as well as a similar fee when learning that Steve Martin was calling him for what was implied to be another lawsuit relating to the use of his catchphrase "Well, excuse me!" when signing off.
Reception
In its original broadcast, "Homie the Clown" finished 59th (tied with Behind Closed Doors II) in the ratings for the week of February 5 to February 12, 1995, helping Fox to an overall Nielsen rating of 7.9. The episode was the fifth highest rated show on the Fox network that week.
Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood, the authors of the book I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide, stated the episode was "notable for its scenes of Homer on trying to emulate Krusty's mini-trike loop the loops".
Ryan Keefer of DVD Verdict felt it "features one of the more amusing stunts to cap an episode", giving it an A.
Colin Jacobson of DVD Movie Guide said in a review of the sixth season DVD that the episode "offers a truly terrific show", and praised the "clever Close Encounters reference, and the ways that it ties together Krusty's mob connection with Homer", concluding "it's a real winner".
Mike Brantley of The Mobile Register named "Homie the Clown" the 48th greatest television episode of all-time. When The Simpsons began streaming on Disney+ in 2019, former Simpsons writer and executive producer Bill Oakley named this one of the best classic Simpsons episodes to watch on the service.
References
- ^ Groening, Matt (1997). Richmond, Ray; Coffman, Antonia (eds.). The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family (1st ed.). New York: HarperPerennial. p. 174. ISBN 978-0-06-095252-5. LCCN 98141857. OCLC 37796735. OL 433519M..
- ^ Martyn, Warren; Wood, Adrian (2000). "Homie the Clown". BBC. Retrieved March 27, 2008.
- ^ Mirkin, David (2005). Commentary for "Homie the Clown", in The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season . 20th Century Fox.
- ^ Silverman, David (2005). Commentary for "Homie the Clown", in The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season . 20th Century Fox.
- Merrie Leininger (July 27, 2007). "Simpsons super-sized". Reno Gazette-Journal. p. 01E.
- Peter Brown (July 31, 2007). "Interview: 'Simpsons Movie' Director David Silverman Loves Making D'oh". iF Magazine. Archived from the original on September 30, 2007. Retrieved July 31, 2007.
- Larry Carroll (July 26, 2007). "'Simpsons' Trivia, From Swearing Lisa To 'Burns-Sexual' Smithers". MTV. Archived from the original on December 20, 2007. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
- Groening, Matt (2005). Commentary for "Homie the Clown", in The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season . 20th Century Fox.
- "Nielsen Ratings". The Tampa Tribune. Associated Press. February 16, 1995. p. 6.
- Keefer, Ryan (August 29, 2005). "DVD Verdict Review — The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season". DVD Verdict. Archived from the original on December 25, 2008. Retrieved December 2, 2008.
- Jacobson, Colin (2003). "The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season (1994)". DVD Movie Guide. Retrieved December 2, 2008.
- Mike Brantley (December 31, 1999). "Timeless television". The Mobile Register. p. D01.
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