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{{Distinguish|A Star Is Born Again}}
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{{Infobox Simpsons episode {{Infobox Simpsons episode
| episode_name = A Star is Burns | image =
| season = 6
| image = ]
| episode_no = 121 | episode = 18
| prod_code = 2F31 | director = ]
| airdate = ], ] | writer = ]{{sfn|Richmond & Coffman|1997|p=156}}
| production = 2F31
| show runner = ] & ]
| airdate = {{Start date|1995|03|05}}{{sfn|Richmond & Coffman|1997|p=156}}<ref name="officialsite">{{cite web |url=http://www.thesimpsons.com/episode_guide/0618.htm |title=A Star is Burns |access-date=2008-11-24 |publisher=TheSimpsons.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081113201117/http://www.thesimpsons.com/episode_guide/0618.htm |archive-date=13 November 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| writer = ]
| director = ] | guests = * ] as Jay Sherman
* ] as ], ], Jay Sherman’s burp, and Eudora Welty’s burp
| couch_gag = The family reverses size, with Maggie as the biggest and Homer as the smallest.
* ] as ]
| guest_star = ] as Jay Sherman<br>] as ], ], and ]
| couch_gag = The family’s heights are reversed; ] is now the largest while ] is the smallest.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season6/page18.shtml |title=A Star is Burns |access-date=2008-11-23 |author1=Martyn, Warren |author2=Wood, Adrian |year=2000 |publisher=BBC |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629170517/http://www.bbc.co.uk/cult/simpsons/episodeguide/season6/page18.shtml }}</ref>
| season = 6
| commentary = ]<br />Al Jean<br />Mike Reiss<br />Ken Keeler<br />]<br />Jon Lovitz<br />Susie Dietter
| prev = ]
| next = ]
}} }}
"'''A Star is Burns'''" is the 18th episode of '']''<nowiki>'</nowiki> ]. It involves a ] with the short-lived ] ] series '']'' for which it has been subject to some controversy. "'''A Star Is Burns'''" is the eighteenth episode of the ] of the American animated television series '']''. It first aired on ] in the United States on March 5, 1995.<ref name="officialsite"/> In the episode, ] decides to hold a ], and famed critic ] is invited to be a judge.


The story involves a ] with the ] series '']''. Jay Sherman was the main character on the show. ''The Critic'' was created by ] and ], who had previously written for ''The Simpsons'' but left following the ], and produced by ], who was also a producer for ''The Simpsons''. The show had premiered on the ] network in January 1994 but was canceled despite positive critical reception. The series was switched over to Fox, and put in the timeslot directly after ''The Simpsons''. Brooks pitched a crossover episode as a way to promote ''The Critic'' and decided that a film festival would be a good way to introduce Sherman, stand-alone to allow the episode to be watched by those unfamiliar with ''The Critic''.
==Synopsis==
{{spoiler}}
]
Springfield adopts ] proposal to launch a ], and she is placed on a panel to judge each ] produced by the townspeople. Also on the panel is the ] critic Jay Sherman, who is the star of another animated series, ''The Critic''. Sherman's stay at the Simpsons' house proves problematic, as ] begins to suspect Marge prefers Jay and does not really respect Homer. Thus, Marge gives him a spot on the panel, in place of ]. On the night of the festival, the panel comes into deadlock, between members bribed by the untalented contestant ] and those who honestly support ] touching film about ], titled '']''. Homer, originally supporting ]'s film ''Man Getting Hit by Football'' (which he liked because it was funny, even though it was just a clip of Moleman being hit in the groin with a football), is convinced to look into his heart and resolve the deadlock by voting for Barney's film (which he initially missed before the deadlock occurred when getting a beer). Later on, Burns' attempt to buy an ] loses out to another version of ''Man Getting Hit by Football'', starring ].


], creator of ''The Simpsons'', has heavily criticized the episode, feeling that it was just an advertisement for ''The Critic'', and that people would incorrectly associate the show with him. When he was unsuccessful in getting the program pulled, he had his name removed from the credits and went public with his concerns, openly criticizing Brooks.
==Trivia==

* It is revealed Bart has made films called "] in the shower" and "Homer on the toilet" before making "The Eternal Struggle".
The episode was directed by ] and was the first episode to be written by ]. ], the star of ''The Critic'', guest stars as Jay Sherman, while ] (who was also a regular on ''The Critic'') has a few minor roles. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom felt the crossover was out of place on the show, although ]'s film festival entry was well received.
*This is the first of many episodes which is executive produced by earlier show runners ] and ] during another showrunner's term. Other episodes include "]", "]" and "]".

*The films shown at the festival are:
==Plot==
**''Bright Lights, Beef Jerky'' ("Directed" by ]): Security camera footage from the Kwik-E-Mart featuring Apu, ], and ].
In response to ] being named the most unpopular city in the United States, a town meeting is held to decide how to attract more tourists. ] proposes that Springfield host a film festival showcasing films made by the townspeople. To her surprise, the townspeople love her idea. Marge becomes the leader of the film festival's judging panel. She invites film critic ] to be on the judging panel; Sherman agrees, primarily to escape the wrath of ], who is enraged that Sherman insulted his latest film. Sherman's quick wit, pop-culture savvy, and numerous awards cause ] to feel inadequate, so he convinces Marge to put him on the judging panel as well, even though she had originally intended to invite ] instead of Homer.
**''Moe Better Booze'' (Directed by ]): Moe does a musical number, dancing on top of his bar.

**''Man Getting Hit by Football'' (Directed by ]): As the title suggests, the film simply focuses on a football hitting Hans in the groin.
The film festival commences, and many of the townspeople enter films. Festival attendees are particularly touched by ]'s artistic introspective film about ], titled ''Pukahontas'', which Marge and Sherman foresee to be the eventual winner. ]' film, directed by ]'s non-] Mexican counterpart "Señor Spielbergo", is ''A Burns for All Seasons'', a big-budget ] of famous ] productions, intended to glorify him; the film is booed by the audience. Burns bribes two of the judges, ] and ], to vote for his film, leading to a deadlock.
**''Pukahontas'' (Directed by ]): A dramatic movie about Barney and his alcoholism. Contains a cameo by ] in a scene where Barney mistakes a girl scout meeting for an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.

**''A Burns for All Seasons'' (Directed by ]): A movie that clearly rips off other material such as the '']'' painting and the movie '']''.
Left with the tie-breaking vote, Homer (who had missed the first showing of ''Pukahontas'') enthusiastically votes for ]'s film ''Man Getting Hit by Football'', but Marge and Sherman convince him to reconsider, and after Homer watches ''Pukahontas'' in its entirety, he decides to vote for it. ''Pukahontas'' is named the winner of the film festival. In his acceptance speech, Barney declares that his victory has inspired him to give up drinking, but immediately rescinds his promise when Quimby reveals that the grand prize is a lifetime supply of ].
**''Four Funerals and a Wedding'' (An ] short): Itchy replaces Scratchy's bride with a dummy bride made of bombs. Scratchy manages to have bomb-children and live to old age before the dummy explodes.

Sherman prepares to return to New York, and the Simpsons thank him for his help in making the festival a success. Marge suggests that Mr. Burns has learned a lesson that you cannot bribe everyone. However, Burns submits ''A Burns for All Seasons'' to the ]; because he bribes "everyone in Hollywood", he is nominated for an ]. At the ceremony, the winner is announced to be ], for his performance in a ] of ''Man Getting Hit by Football'', angering Burns further.

==Production==
]
'']'' was a short-lived animated series that revolved around the life of ] Jay Sherman. It was created by ] and ], who had previously written for ''The Simpsons'' but left after the ], and executive produced by ].<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.ew.com/article/1994/02/11/jon-lovitz-gives-voice-new-cartoon-critic|title=Jon Lovitz gives voice to a new cartoon in 'The Critic'|author=Svetkey, Benjamin|magazine=]|date=1994-02-11|access-date=2022-01-16|archive-date=January 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118200855/https://ew.com/article/1994/02/11/jon-lovitz-gives-voice-new-cartoon-critic/|url-status=live}}</ref> ], who had previously guest starred in several episodes of ''The Simpsons'', starred as Jay Sherman, and it also featured the voices of ''The Simpsons'' regulars ], ], and ].<ref name="Slant"/> It was first broadcast on ] in January 1994, and was well received by critics.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Critic is worthy follow-up to The Simpsons Animated series gets two thumbs-up |author =Boedecker, Hal |work=]|location=] |date=1994-01-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/13/arts/reporter-s-notebook-top-hollywood-agency-reaches-for-stars-television.html |title=Reporter's Notebook; Top Hollywood Agency Reaches for the Stars Of Television News |author=Carter, Bill |work=] |date=1994-01-13 |access-date=2022-01-16 |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116211836/https://www.nytimes.com/1994/01/13/arts/reporter-s-notebook-top-hollywood-agency-reaches-for-stars-television.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the series did not catch on with viewers and it was put on hiatus after six weeks. It returned in June 1994 and completed airing its initial production run.<ref name="returns">{{cite news |title=ABC-TV returns The Critic tonight |work=] |date=1994-06-01}}</ref>{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=387}}

For the second season of ''The Critic'', James L. Brooks cut a deal with the ] to have the series switch over.<ref>{{cite news |title=The Critic finds new life, love on Fox |author =Shister, Gail |work=Toronto Star |date=1994-05-02}}</ref> The episode was pitched by Brooks, who had wanted a crossover that would help launch ''The Critic'' on Fox, and he thought having a film festival in Springfield would be a good way to introduce Sherman.<ref name="Jean">Jean, Al (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season'' . 20th Century Fox.</ref> After Brooks pitched the episode, the script was written by ].<ref name="Keeler">Keeler, Ken (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season'' . 20th Century Fox.</ref> Although ] was executive producer for most of the sixth season, the episode was executive produced by Al Jean and Mike Reiss.<ref name="Jean"/> Jay Sherman's appearance was given a makeover: he was made yellow and given an overbite.<ref name="Keeler"/>

The episode contains a ] to the fact that it is a crossover episode in a conversation ] has with Sherman:<ref name="Jean"/>
* Announcer: Coming up next, ].
*Bart: Uh oh. I smell another cheap cartoon crossover.
* Homer: Bart Simpson, meet Jay Sherman, the critic.
*Jay: Hello.
*Bart: Hey man, I really love your show. I think ''all'' kids should watch it! Ew, I suddenly feel so dirty.

The joke was pitched by Al Jean.<ref name="Reiss">Reiss, Mike (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season'' . 20th Century Fox.</ref>

Alongside Jon Lovitz, the episode guest stars ], a regular on ''The Critic'', who voices ]<ref name="bbc"/> as well as Jay Sherman's belch.<ref name="Reiss"/> ] also makes a brief appearance as an actor resembling ] portraying ] in Mr. Burns' film.<ref name="bbc"/> ]'s line, "on closer inspection, these are loafers", was ad-libbed by ] who was providing the voice of the character on a temporary track. It was later re-recorded by Wolfcastle's normal voice actor, ].<ref name="Castellaneta">Castellaneta, Dan (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season'' . 20th Century Fox.</ref>


==Cultural references== ==Cultural references==
"]" from '']'' is played as Mr. Burns is introduced.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nohomers.net/content/info/articles/11.shtml |title=I Bent My Wookiee! Celebrating the Star Wars/Simpsons Connection |access-date=2022-01-16 |date=2007-07-24 |first=Scott |last=Chernoff |publisher=No Homers Club |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408133006/http://www.starwars.com/community/news/media/f20070724/indexp3.html |archive-date=2008-04-08}}</ref> Burns says he wants Señor Spielbergo to do for him what ] did for Oskar Schindler, a reference to the 1993 film '']''. During the film festival, Spielberg's ] is parodied, with Burns in the role of the alien. Another movie Burns recreates is ]. The character of Jay Sherman was based on ]. The actors who attempt to impersonate Mr. Burns are intended to caricature ] and ].
*Jay Sherman reviews an aging ] in '']''.
*On ''The Critic'', Jay Sherman has five fingers and Caucasian coloured flesh, however, in this episode, he has only four fingers and the regular yellow ''Simpsons'' complexion.
*When the plane from New York lands it forces its way in front of another plane. The pilot of the New York plane yells out "Hey! I'm landing here!", which is a nod to the film '']''.
*Señor Spielbergo is a Mexican parody of director ]. (He is Spielberg's Non-] Mexican equivalent.)
*In Burns' film, he says to a young boy, "Remember Elliot, I'll be here " before boarding a spaceship. This is a spoof of Steven Spielberg's film '']''. Later in his film, Burns is seen giving Judah Ben-Hur a big bottle of water. (In the film '']'', it is Jesus who gives Ben-Hur water.) The title of Burns' film, ''A Burns for All Seasons'', is an obvious parody of the play and film '']''.
*This episode's title is a play on the film '']''.
*Several parts of Barney's superior film are based on the ] classic film '']'' about an alcoholic writer.
*When we view Burns' office, the music is clearly "]" or "]'s Theme" from '']'', reprising the theme from "]".
*A deleted scene features Lisa and Maggie winning the award for Best Swedish Film Made By an Eight-Year-Old (Lisa utters "Homer aten my ]"). When it's announced that Lisa and Maggie won, Maggie is dressed as Death from '']''.
*Moe's film, ''Moe Better Booze'', is a reference to '']''. In the movie, he dances on his bar similar to how ] did in '']''.
*Todd Flanders yelling "Help mmmeeeee!" is similar to how ] famously yelled it in '']''.
*The ] film is called ''Four Funerals and a Wedding''. This is a pun on '']''.
*Bart is seen watching ''] Meet ]''. He refers to it as "another cheap cartoon crossover." This is a reference to this ''Simpsons'' episode itself.
*The scene when Bart tries to escape pulling the screen's cord but he gets wrapped around the screen parodies ].


The song the "Rappin' Rabbis" play in the opening moments of the episode is a parody of "]" by ].<ref name="bbc"/> The opening of Bart's movie ''The Eternal Struggle'' is a reference to ]'s narration in '']''.<ref name="Keeler"/> Barney's movie contains references to '']'', and the music of the film, which was composed by ].<ref name="Jean"/> ] says "Did you know there are over 600 critics on TV and ] is the best looking of them all?" ] replies "Ewwww!"<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.snpp.com/episodes/2F31 |title=Archived copy |access-date=August 7, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060619021324/http://www.snpp.com/episodes/2F31 |archive-date=June 19, 2006 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
==Controversy==
The episode has been subject to some controversy, as some viewers saw it as a mere thirty-minute ] for ''The Critic''. Indeed, ] was involved in the production of both shows. Among the fiercest critics of the ''Simpsons'' episode was creator ] himself, who promptly removed his name from the credits. In response, Brooks labelled Groening a "gifted, adorable, cuddly ingrate." <ref>“http://www.critic.nohomers.net/Special_Extras_Matt_Groening_Reaction.html</ref> On the sixth season DVD, Groening is conspicuously absent from the cast and crew commentary on this episode.


During the town meeting organised to come up with ideas to increase Springfield's popularity, Selma proposes changing the name from "Springfield" to "]", after which a bass synth riff is played.
==Quotes==
*'''Burns:''' Listen, Señor Spielbergo, I want you to do for me ] for ]. <br/>'''Spielbergo:''' Er, Schindler es bueno, Señor Burns es el diablo. <br/>'''Burns:''' Listen, Spielbergo, Schindler and I are like peas in a pod: we're both factory owners, we both made shells for the ]s, but mine worked, dammit! Now go out there and win me that festival!
*'''The Rappin' ]s:''' Don't eat pork, not even with a fork, Can't touch this! <br/>'''Homer''': Marge, are we Jewish? <br/>'''Marge''': No, Homer. <br/>'''Homer''': Woohoo! ''(cuts a slice of a ] for himself)''
*''']: ''' Now we review an aging ] in '']''. <br/> '''Bronson:''' I wish I was dead...oy.
*''']:''' At last, an excuse to wear makeup!
*(''in Barney Gumble's film''):<br/> '''Barney Gumble''': My name is Barney and I'm an alcoholic. <br/> (''cut to reveal Barney sitting around Girl Scouts instead of Alcoholics Anonymous members'')<br/>'''Lisa''': Mr. Gumble, this is a Girl Scout meeting. <br/> '''Barney''': Is it? Or is it you girls can't admit you have a problem?
*'''TV announcer:''' Coming up next, '']''!"<br/>'''Bart:''' ].
*'''Mr. Burns:''' Smithers, are they booing me? <br/> '''Smithers:''' Uh, no! They're saying "Boo-urns". Boo-urns! <br/> '''Mr. Burns:''' Are you saying "Boo" or "Boo-urns"? ''(crowd boos him and throws their drink and snacks on him)''<br/>'''Hans Moleman''' I was saying "Boo-urns".
*'''Homer:''' ''(watching Barney's film; thinking)'' Hmm...Barney's movie had heart, but "Football in the Groin" had a football in the groin.
*'''Homer:''' ''(after seeing Barney's film)'' Wow. I'll never drink beer again. <br/> '''Vendor:''' Beer here. <br/> '''Homer:''' I'll take ten.
*''(In his movie, Burns tries to ride a ] but it drags him on the ground.)'' <br/> '''Burns:''' We did twenty takes, and that was the best one.
*''']:''' ''(as ])'' Excellent. ''(hisses)'' <br/> ''']:''' ''(as ])'' Ex...cel-lent. <br/> '''Homer:''' Exaactly. Heh, heh. ''(does a ])'' D'oh! <br/> ''']:''' Excelente!
*'''Rainier Wolfcastle:''' Here is a clip from my new movie, it's a mixture of action und comedy, it's called 'McBain, Let's Get Silly!' <br/> ''Clip from film'' <br/> '''McBain:''' Have you ever noticed how men always leave the toilet seat up? (no reaction from audience) That's the joke! <br/> '''Audience Member:''' You suck McBain! <br/> ''McBain pulls out ] and fires upon the audience, screams of pain are heard'' <br/> '''McBain:''' Now here is my ] impression, I am a neurotic ] who likes to sleep with little girls! <br/> '''Surviving audience members:''' Hey McBain! That really sucked! <br/> ''McBain pulls out a ] and throws it at the audience, it explodes, killing many.'' <br/> ''End clip'' <br/> '''Rainier Wolfcastle:''' My new movie is me, standing in front of a brick wall for 90 minutes. It cost 80 million dollars. <br/> '''Jay Sherman:''' How do you sleep at night? <br/> '''Rainier Wolfcastle:''' On top of a pile of money, with many beautiful ladies. <br/> '''Jay Sherman:''' Just asking. Yeesh!
*'''Jay Sherman (to himself after reading Marge's letter):''' Do I really want to leave ]? <br/> '''Rainier Wolfcastle:''' (walks up to Sherman) Sherman! I just realized you insulted me! Now you will die! ''(gets out a machine gun)'' <br/> '''Jay:''' Hey ], your shoe's untied. <br/> '''Rainier Wolfcastle:''' From up here they appear to be tied. But I will go in for a closer look. <br/> ''(Rainier bends over as Jay hails a taxi)'' <br/> '''Jay:''' Taxi! To the airport! <br/> ''(the cab drives off. The scene dissolves to nighttime with Rainier still looking at his shoes)'' <br/> '''Rainier Wolfcastle:''' On closer inspection, these are ]s.
*'''Ned Flanders:''' Flanders to God, Flanders to God. Get off your cloud and save my Todd! (''Dark clouds gather and a lightning bolt hits a tree, saving Todd from a raging river'') Thanks God.<br>'''God:''' (''gives the OK sign through the clouds'') Okilly-dokilly.
*''(Jay is reading Marge's letter)'' <br> '''Marge (through voice over):''' You can stay with us, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the country. <br/> '''Homer (through voice over):''' Marge, is this a ] or a ]? <br/> '''Marge (through voice over):''' Just a minute, Homer! Oh, look what you made me write. <br/> ''(Later on, Jay meets up with Marge and Homer at the airport)'' <br/> '''Marge:''' Hello, I'm Marge Simpson, and this is my husband, Homer. <br/> '''Jay:''' Oh, nice to meet you, Marge. I saw your hair from the plane. And you must be the man who didn't know if he had a pimple or a boil. <br/> '''Homer:''' It was a ].
*'''Homer:''' I have every right to be on that jury, even though I got there because I'm sleeping with the head of the festival.<br/>'''Jay:''' How many times have I heard Rex Reed say ''that''?<br/>'''Homer:''' Oh, great, now ''you're'' going to make fun of me!<br/>'''Jay:''' No, Homer, I won't make fun of you. But I will suggest there may be better things in life than seeing a man get hit in the groin with a football.<br/>''']:''' ''(throws a football at Jay's groin)'' Ha ha!
*'''Homer:''' Bart Simpson, meet Jay Sherman, the critic.<br>'''Jay:''' Hello.<br>'''Bart:''' Hey, man. I really love your show. I think ''all'' kids should watch it!<br>''(Bart turns away from Jay)''<br>'''Bart:''' Ew, I suddenly feel so dirty.
*'''Lisa:''' Goodbye, Mr. Sherman. If I ever play ], I'll give you a call.<br>'''Jay:''' And if you ever want to visit ''my'' show—<br>'''Bart:''' Nah, we're not going to be doing that.
*'''Bart:''' Maps to movie stars' homes! ''(Repeats the sentence in different languages until some Japanese tourists take one)''<br/>''(The tourists are later seen at Moe's house, knocking on his door. Moe answers in his underwear)''<br/>'''Man:''' Excuse me, are you ]?<br/>'''Moe:''' What? Get out of here, I'm hung over!<br/>'''Woman:''' Sorry, Miss Barrymore.<br/>'''Moe:''' What?
*'''Bart:''' I may be just a boy, but I have an idea. If I may, I'd like to show you a few slides. ''(puts up a slide showing his butt up close)'' Here's Springfield as it appears from space. Somewhere in this windy valley is the Lost Dutchman's Mine.<br>''']''' Young man, that appears to be a picture of your rear end.<br>'''Bart:''' So long, suckers!<br>(Bart attempts to escape by pulling the screen cord, but he gets yanked up with it, getting himself stuck inside the screen)''<br>'''Bart:''' Aw, this is the last time I use an escape plan devised by ].<br>'''Milhouse:''' ''(stuck with Bart)'' Uh, sorry Bart.
*'''Ned:''' Lights, camera, ac-diddely-doddely-doodely-action Jackson!
*'''Mayor Quimby:''' All in favor of Marge Simpson's film festival idea?<br/>'''Everyone:''' Film festival! Film festival!<br/>'''Marge:''' You like my idea? Actually, I have several others—<br>'''Everyone:''' Don't push your luck! Don't push your luck!
*'''Homer:''' My ears are burning.<br>'''Lisa:''' Uh, I wasn't talking about you, Dad.<br>'''Homer:''' No, my ears are really burning. I wanted to see inside so I lit a Q-Tip.
*''(the doorbell rings)''<br>'''Marge:''' Oh, I invited ] over.<br>Jay: Ooh, sisters. Allow me. ''(walks off to answer door; screams)''
*'''Burns:''' I don't know what's happening. It seems our profits have dropped 37%.<br/>'''Smithers:''' I'm afraid we have a bad image, Sir. Market research shows people see you as something of an ].<br/>'''Burns:''' I ought to club them and eat their bones!
*'''Marge:''' Homer, the guest should get the last pork chop.<br>'''Homer:''' But I'm still hungry!<br>''(Under the table, Jay's and Homer's stomachs growl at each other like dogs. Homer's frightens Jay's into whimpering)''


==External links== ==Reception==
In its original broadcast, "A Star Is Burns" finished 57th in the ratings for the week of February 27 to March 5, 1995.<ref name=ratings>{{cite news |title=Nielsen Ratings |date=1995-03-09 |work=]}}</ref> The episode was the third highest rated show on the Fox network that week, beaten only by '']'' and '']''. ''The Critic'', which premiered on Fox just after this episode, finished 64th.<ref name=ratings/>

The authors of the book ''I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide'', Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood, wrote, "Jay Sherman perhaps proves here, even more so than in ''The Critic'', just why that show failed. He's too flawed to be likeable." They added, "Barney's film is magnificent, but it's easy to see why Homer wants Hans Moleman to be the winner."<ref name="bbc"/>

Adam Finley of ] wrote, "the episode, even if I didn't care for it as a whole, does have moments that are still very Simpson-y, and still very funny. Jay's appearance, however, casts a shadow over everything that tends to leave a bad taste in my mouth."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aoltv.com/2006/08/25/the-simpsons-a-star-is-burns/ |title=The Simpsons: A Star is Burns |access-date=2022-01-16 |date=2006-08-25 |author=Finley, Adam |publisher=HuffPost TV |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629170534/http://www.aoltv.com/2006/08/25/the-simpsons-a-star-is-burns/ |archive-date=June 29, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Todd Gilchrist of '']'' listed Barney's film as one of the best moments of the sixth season.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/15/the-simpsons-the-complete-sixth-season |title=The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season |access-date=2022-01-16 |date=2005-08-15 |author=Gilchrist, Todd |publisher=] |archive-date=January 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116211626/https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/08/15/the-simpsons-the-complete-sixth-season |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2014, '']'' named ]'s line "I was saying 'Boo-urns'" and Mr. Burns' line "Then get me his <nowiki>]'s] non-union, Mexican equivalent!" as two ''Simpsons'' quotes that can be used in everyday situations.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.avclub.com/beyond-d-oh-18-simpsons-quotes-for-everyday-use-1798210070 |title=Beyond "D'oh!": Simpsons Quotes For Everyday Use |author=Bahn, Christopher |author2=Donna Bowman |author3=Josh Modell |author4=Noel Murray |author5=Nathan Rabin |author6=Tasha Robinson |author7=Kyle Ryan |author8=Scott Tobias |date=2006-04-26 |access-date=2022-01-16 |work=] |archive-date=June 17, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140617011132/http://www.avclub.com/article/beyond-doh-simpsons-quotes-for-everyday-use-1543 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2020, English filmmaker ] named his new production company BOO-URNS after the episode.

''IGN'' ranked Jon Lovitz as the eighth best guest star in the show's history.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/01/04/top-25-simpsons-guest-appearances |title=Top 25 Simpsons Guest Appearances |access-date=2022-01-16 |author1=Goldman, Eric |author2=Iverson, Dan |author3=Zoromski, Brian |publisher=IGN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081223162036/http://uk.tv.ign.com/articles/730/730566p1.html |archive-date=23 December 2008 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Controversy===

], creator of ''The Simpsons'', was critical of the episode when it first released. He felt that the crossover was a thirty-minute ] and blamed ], calling it an attempt to get attention for one of his unsuccessful shows. After he was unable to get the episode pulled, he decided to go public with his concerns shortly before the episode aired. He stated that his reasons for doing so were that he hoped Brooks would have a change of heart and pull the episode, and that "articles began to appear in several newspapers around the country saying that created <nowiki>'</nowiki>''The Critic''.'"<ref name="LATimes"/> Groening had his name removed from the credits, so he does not receive his normal "created by" and "developed by" credits that air at the end of ].<ref name="LATimes"/>

In response, Brooks said "I am furious with Matt, he's been going to everybody who wears a suit at Fox and complaining about this. When he voiced his concerns about how to draw ''The Critic'' into the Simpsons' universe he was right and we agreed to his changes. Certainly he's allowed his opinion, but airing this publicly in the press is going too far. He is a gifted, adorable, cuddly ingrate. But his behavior right now is rotten."<ref name="LATimes">{{cite news |title=Matt Groening's Reaction to The Critic's First Appearance on The Simpsons |author=Brennan, Judy |work=] |date=1995-03-03 |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-03-03-ca-38281-story.html |access-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-date=March 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307002859/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-03-03-ca-38281-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Al Jean and Mike Reiss, creators of ''The Critic'', had previously worked on ''The Simpsons'' and had executive produced the third and fourth seasons. Brooks said, "for years, Al and Mike were two guys who worked their hearts out on this show, staying up until 4 in the morning to get it right. The point is, Matt's name has been on Mike's and Al's scripts and he has taken plenty of credit for a lot of their great work. In fact, he is the direct beneficiary of their work. ''The Critic'' is their shot and he should be giving them his support." Reiss stated that he was a "little upset" by Groening's actions and that "this taints everything at the last minute. This episode doesn't say 'Watch ''The Critic''{{'}} all over it."<ref name="LATimes"/> Jean added "What bothers me about all of this, is that now people may get the impression that this ''Simpsons'' episode is less than good. It stands on its own even if ''The Critic'' never existed."<ref name="LATimes"/>
]
Groening was criticized for going public with his complaints. Ray Richmond of the '']'' wrote "Who's right? Well, Groening is probably correct in judging this an integrity issue. It's a fairly tacky bit of promotion, the kind generally beneath ''The Simpsons''. But it's also true that little is accomplished by taking a gripe like this public. Quietly erasing his name from the credits would have been sufficient. I admire the man's standing up for his creative rights. But I question the way he's gone about it."<ref>{{cite news |title=Groening's point well-taken, but probably best made privately |author =Richmond, Ray |work=] |date=1995-03-04}}</ref>

As a result, Groening was absent from the episode's commentary for ''The Complete Sixth Season'' DVD boxset.<ref>{{cite video |date=2005 |title=The Simpsons season 6 DVD boxset |medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>

===Legacy===
In the end, ''The Critic'' was short-lived, broadcasting ten episodes on Fox before its cancellation. A total of only 23 episodes were produced, and it returned briefly in 2000 with a series of ten internet broadcast ]s. The series has since developed a ] thanks to reruns on ] and its complete series release on DVD.<ref name="Slant">{{cite news|url=http://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/dvd_review.asp?ID=296 |title=The Critic: The Complete Series |author=Uhlich, Keith |publisher=] |date=2004-02-03 |access-date=2008-11-24 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114021108/http://www.slantmagazine.com/dvd/dvd_review.asp?ID=296 |archive-date=2009-01-14 }}</ref>{{sfn|Turner|2004|p=387}}

Jay Sherman appeared and spoke briefly in two subsequent episodes of ''The Simpsons'', "]" and "]."<ref>Weinstein, Josh (2006). Commentary for "]", in ''The Simpsons: The Complete Eighth Season'' . 20th Century Fox.</ref>

Idiomatic use of the phrase "say the quiet part loud" gained wide currency in the 2010s, chiefly in political discourse, to mean revealing an opinion usually expected to be kept from the public. It is derived from ]'s line, "I said the quiet part loud and the loud part quiet," after unwittingly admitting to being bribed by Mr. Burns into choosing ''A Burns for All Seasons'' as the winning film.<ref>{{cite web|last=Liberman|first=Mark|author-link=Mark Liberman|date=July 21, 2019|url=https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=43732|title=Saying the quiet part loud|work=]|access-date=July 27, 2019|archive-date=May 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200511035749/https://languagelog.ldc.upenn.edu/nll/?p=43732|url-status=live}}</ref> Television critics ] and ] have often quoted Homer's line, "Barney's movie had heart, but ''Football in the Groin'' had a football in the groin."<ref>{{cite web|last=Sepinwall|first=Alan|title="Barney's movie had heart, but Football in the Groin had a football in the groin."|url=https://sepinwall.blogspot.com/2008/10/barneys-movie-had-heart-but-football-in.html|website=What's Alan Watching|date=October 8, 2008|quote=t's open question time: what one pop culture quote do you find yourself using most in everyday conversation? For me, it's the one in the subject line, from "The Simpsons" episode "A Star Is Burns"}}</ref><ref>{{Cite tweet|last=Seitz|first=Matt Zoller|author-link=Matt Zoller Seitz|user=mattzollerseitz|number=731264687732629505|date=May 14, 2016|access-date=June 24, 2024|title=Still-frame from the lost Toho classic GODZILLA HIT IN GROIN BY FOOTBALL.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Seitz|first=Matt Zoller|title=The Best Sitcom of the Past 30 Years, the Finals!: Cheers vs. The Simpsons|url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/03/cheers-vs-the-simpsons-sitcom-smackdown-finals.html|website=]|access-date=June 24, 2024|date=March 18, 2013|quote=That line from season six's "A Star Is Burns" film-festival episode suits this final face-off between ''Cheers'' and ''The Simpsons''.... How to compare such wildly different TV comedies?}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Seitz|first=Matt Zoller|title=Why ''The Simpsons'' Is the Best TV Show Ever|url=https://www.vulture.com/2016/09/tv-the-book-simpsons-best-television-show.html|website=]|access-date=June 24, 2024|date=September 6, 2016|quote=If you want to explain why you prefer a clearly inferior option, just say, 'Barney's movie had heart, but ''Football in the Groin'' had a football in the groin.'}}</ref>

==References==
{{reflist|40em}}
;Bibliography
{{refbegin}}
*{{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=The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family |others=Created by Matt Groening; edited by Ray Richmond and Antonia Coffman. |edition=1st |year=1997 |location=New York |publisher=] |lccn=98141857 |ol=433519M |oclc=37796735 |isbn=978-0-06-095252-5 |ref={{harvid|Richmond & Coffman|1997}}|title-link=The Simpsons episode guides#The Simpsons: A Complete Guide to Our Favorite Family }}
*{{cite book |last=Turner |first=Chris |author-link=Chris Turner (author) |title=Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation |others=Foreword by ]. |edition=1st |year=2004 |location=Toronto |publisher=] |oclc=55682258 |isbn=978-0-679-31318-2|title-link=Planet Simpson }}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Portal|The Simpsons}}
{{wikiquote|The_Simpsons/Season_6#A_Star_is_Burns|"A Star Is Burns"}}
*{{snpp capsule|2F31}} *{{snpp capsule|2F31}}
*{{IMDb episode |id=0701045}}

{{The Critic}}
{{The Simpsons episodes|6}}


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Latest revision as of 06:21, 2 January 2025

Not to be confused with A Star Is Born Again.

18th episode of the 6th season of The Simpsons
"A Star Is Burns"
The Simpsons episode
Episode no.Season 6
Episode 18
Directed bySusie Dietter
Written byKen Keeler
Production code2F31
Original air dateMarch 5, 1995 (1995-03-05)
Guest appearances
Episode features
Couch gagThe family’s heights are reversed; Maggie is now the largest while Homer is the smallest.
CommentaryJames L. Brooks
Al Jean
Mike Reiss
Ken Keeler
Dan Castellaneta
Jon Lovitz
Susie Dietter
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Homer vs. Patty and Selma" 		Next →
"Lisa's Wedding"
The Simpsons season 6
List of episodes

"A Star Is Burns" is the eighteenth episode of the sixth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on Fox in the United States on March 5, 1995. In the episode, Springfield decides to hold a film festival, and famed critic Jay Sherman is invited to be a judge.

The story involves a crossover with the animated series The Critic. Jay Sherman was the main character on the show. The Critic was created by Al Jean and Mike Reiss, who had previously written for The Simpsons but left following the fourth season, and produced by James L. Brooks, who was also a producer for The Simpsons. The show had premiered on the ABC network in January 1994 but was canceled despite positive critical reception. The series was switched over to Fox, and put in the timeslot directly after The Simpsons. Brooks pitched a crossover episode as a way to promote The Critic and decided that a film festival would be a good way to introduce Sherman, stand-alone to allow the episode to be watched by those unfamiliar with The Critic.

Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, has heavily criticized the episode, feeling that it was just an advertisement for The Critic, and that people would incorrectly associate the show with him. When he was unsuccessful in getting the program pulled, he had his name removed from the credits and went public with his concerns, openly criticizing Brooks.

The episode was directed by Susie Dietter and was the first episode to be written by Ken Keeler. Jon Lovitz, the star of The Critic, guest stars as Jay Sherman, while Maurice LaMarche (who was also a regular on The Critic) has a few minor roles. The episode received mixed reviews from critics, many of whom felt the crossover was out of place on the show, although Barney's film festival entry was well received.

Plot

In response to Springfield being named the most unpopular city in the United States, a town meeting is held to decide how to attract more tourists. Marge proposes that Springfield host a film festival showcasing films made by the townspeople. To her surprise, the townspeople love her idea. Marge becomes the leader of the film festival's judging panel. She invites film critic Jay Sherman to be on the judging panel; Sherman agrees, primarily to escape the wrath of Rainier Wolfcastle, who is enraged that Sherman insulted his latest film. Sherman's quick wit, pop-culture savvy, and numerous awards cause Homer to feel inadequate, so he convinces Marge to put him on the judging panel as well, even though she had originally intended to invite Martin Scorsese instead of Homer.

The film festival commences, and many of the townspeople enter films. Festival attendees are particularly touched by Barney Gumble's artistic introspective film about alcoholism, titled Pukahontas, which Marge and Sherman foresee to be the eventual winner. Mr. Burns' film, directed by Steven Spielberg's non-union Mexican counterpart "Señor Spielbergo", is A Burns for All Seasons, a big-budget pastiche of famous Hollywood productions, intended to glorify him; the film is booed by the audience. Burns bribes two of the judges, Krusty the Clown and Mayor Quimby, to vote for his film, leading to a deadlock.

Left with the tie-breaking vote, Homer (who had missed the first showing of Pukahontas) enthusiastically votes for Hans Moleman's film Man Getting Hit by Football, but Marge and Sherman convince him to reconsider, and after Homer watches Pukahontas in its entirety, he decides to vote for it. Pukahontas is named the winner of the film festival. In his acceptance speech, Barney declares that his victory has inspired him to give up drinking, but immediately rescinds his promise when Quimby reveals that the grand prize is a lifetime supply of Duff Beer.

Sherman prepares to return to New York, and the Simpsons thank him for his help in making the festival a success. Marge suggests that Mr. Burns has learned a lesson that you cannot bribe everyone. However, Burns submits A Burns for All Seasons to the Academy Awards; because he bribes "everyone in Hollywood", he is nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor. At the ceremony, the winner is announced to be George C. Scott, for his performance in a remake of Man Getting Hit by Football, angering Burns further.

Production

A man with glasses and a red shirt is sitting in front of a microphone.
Al Jean had left The Simpsons after the fourth season, but returned to produce the episode.

The Critic was a short-lived animated series that revolved around the life of movie critic Jay Sherman. It was created by Al Jean and Mike Reiss, who had previously written for The Simpsons but left after the fourth season, and executive produced by James L. Brooks. Jon Lovitz, who had previously guest starred in several episodes of The Simpsons, starred as Jay Sherman, and it also featured the voices of The Simpsons regulars Nancy Cartwright, Doris Grau, and Russi Taylor. It was first broadcast on ABC in January 1994, and was well received by critics. However, the series did not catch on with viewers and it was put on hiatus after six weeks. It returned in June 1994 and completed airing its initial production run.

For the second season of The Critic, James L. Brooks cut a deal with the Fox network to have the series switch over. The episode was pitched by Brooks, who had wanted a crossover that would help launch The Critic on Fox, and he thought having a film festival in Springfield would be a good way to introduce Sherman. After Brooks pitched the episode, the script was written by Ken Keeler. Although David Mirkin was executive producer for most of the sixth season, the episode was executive produced by Al Jean and Mike Reiss. Jay Sherman's appearance was given a makeover: he was made yellow and given an overbite.

The episode contains a meta-reference to the fact that it is a crossover episode in a conversation Bart has with Sherman:

  • Announcer: Coming up next, The Flintstones meet The Jetsons.
  • Bart: Uh oh. I smell another cheap cartoon crossover.
  • Homer: Bart Simpson, meet Jay Sherman, the critic.
  • Jay: Hello.
  • Bart: Hey man, I really love your show. I think all kids should watch it! Ew, I suddenly feel so dirty.

The joke was pitched by Al Jean.

Alongside Jon Lovitz, the episode guest stars Maurice LaMarche, a regular on The Critic, who voices George C. Scott as well as Jay Sherman's belch. Phil Hartman also makes a brief appearance as an actor resembling Charlton Heston portraying Judah Ben-Hur in Mr. Burns' film. Rainier Wolfcastle's line, "on closer inspection, these are loafers", was ad-libbed by Dan Castellaneta who was providing the voice of the character on a temporary track. It was later re-recorded by Wolfcastle's normal voice actor, Harry Shearer.

Cultural references

"The Imperial March" from The Empire Strikes Back is played as Mr. Burns is introduced. Burns says he wants Señor Spielbergo to do for him what Steven Spielberg did for Oskar Schindler, a reference to the 1993 film Schindler's List. During the film festival, Spielberg's E.T. is parodied, with Burns in the role of the alien. Another movie Burns recreates is Ben-hur. The character of Jay Sherman was based on Roger Ebert. The actors who attempt to impersonate Mr. Burns are intended to caricature Anthony Hopkins and William Shatner.

The song the "Rappin' Rabbis" play in the opening moments of the episode is a parody of "U Can't Touch This" by MC Hammer. The opening of Bart's movie The Eternal Struggle is a reference to The Amazing Criswell's narration in Plan 9 from Outer Space. Barney's movie contains references to Koyaanisqatsi, and the music of the film, which was composed by Philip Glass. Marge says "Did you know there are over 600 critics on TV and Leonard Maltin is the best looking of them all?" Lisa replies "Ewwww!"

During the town meeting organised to come up with ideas to increase Springfield's popularity, Selma proposes changing the name from "Springfield" to "Seinfeld", after which a bass synth riff is played.

Reception

In its original broadcast, "A Star Is Burns" finished 57th in the ratings for the week of February 27 to March 5, 1995. The episode was the third highest rated show on the Fox network that week, beaten only by Melrose Place and Beverly Hills, 90210. The Critic, which premiered on Fox just after this episode, finished 64th.

The authors of the book I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide, Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood, wrote, "Jay Sherman perhaps proves here, even more so than in The Critic, just why that show failed. He's too flawed to be likeable." They added, "Barney's film is magnificent, but it's easy to see why Homer wants Hans Moleman to be the winner."

Adam Finley of TV Squad wrote, "the episode, even if I didn't care for it as a whole, does have moments that are still very Simpson-y, and still very funny. Jay's appearance, however, casts a shadow over everything that tends to leave a bad taste in my mouth."

Todd Gilchrist of IGN listed Barney's film as one of the best moments of the sixth season.

In 2014, The A.V. Club named Hans Moleman's line "I was saying 'Boo-urns'" and Mr. Burns' line "Then get me his non-union, Mexican equivalent!" as two Simpsons quotes that can be used in everyday situations. In 2020, English filmmaker Rob Savage named his new production company BOO-URNS after the episode.

IGN ranked Jon Lovitz as the eighth best guest star in the show's history.

Controversy

Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, was critical of the episode when it first released. He felt that the crossover was a thirty-minute advertisement and blamed James L. Brooks, calling it an attempt to get attention for one of his unsuccessful shows. After he was unable to get the episode pulled, he decided to go public with his concerns shortly before the episode aired. He stated that his reasons for doing so were that he hoped Brooks would have a change of heart and pull the episode, and that "articles began to appear in several newspapers around the country saying that created 'The Critic.'" Groening had his name removed from the credits, so he does not receive his normal "created by" and "developed by" credits that air at the end of the opening sequence.

In response, Brooks said "I am furious with Matt, he's been going to everybody who wears a suit at Fox and complaining about this. When he voiced his concerns about how to draw The Critic into the Simpsons' universe he was right and we agreed to his changes. Certainly he's allowed his opinion, but airing this publicly in the press is going too far. He is a gifted, adorable, cuddly ingrate. But his behavior right now is rotten."

Al Jean and Mike Reiss, creators of The Critic, had previously worked on The Simpsons and had executive produced the third and fourth seasons. Brooks said, "for years, Al and Mike were two guys who worked their hearts out on this show, staying up until 4 in the morning to get it right. The point is, Matt's name has been on Mike's and Al's scripts and he has taken plenty of credit for a lot of their great work. In fact, he is the direct beneficiary of their work. The Critic is their shot and he should be giving them his support." Reiss stated that he was a "little upset" by Groening's actions and that "this taints everything at the last minute. This episode doesn't say 'Watch The Critic' all over it." Jean added "What bothers me about all of this, is that now people may get the impression that this Simpsons episode is less than good. It stands on its own even if The Critic never existed."

A video camera is being pointed at a bearded man who is wearing glasses. Some other people stand in the background.
James L. Brooks stated that Groening's public complaints were "going too far".

Groening was criticized for going public with his complaints. Ray Richmond of the Los Angeles Daily News wrote "Who's right? Well, Groening is probably correct in judging this an integrity issue. It's a fairly tacky bit of promotion, the kind generally beneath The Simpsons. But it's also true that little is accomplished by taking a gripe like this public. Quietly erasing his name from the credits would have been sufficient. I admire the man's standing up for his creative rights. But I question the way he's gone about it."

As a result, Groening was absent from the episode's commentary for The Complete Sixth Season DVD boxset.

Legacy

In the end, The Critic was short-lived, broadcasting ten episodes on Fox before its cancellation. A total of only 23 episodes were produced, and it returned briefly in 2000 with a series of ten internet broadcast webisodes. The series has since developed a cult following thanks to reruns on Comedy Central and its complete series release on DVD.

Jay Sherman appeared and spoke briefly in two subsequent episodes of The Simpsons, "Hurricane Neddy" and "The Ziff Who Came to Dinner."

Idiomatic use of the phrase "say the quiet part loud" gained wide currency in the 2010s, chiefly in political discourse, to mean revealing an opinion usually expected to be kept from the public. It is derived from Krusty's line, "I said the quiet part loud and the loud part quiet," after unwittingly admitting to being bribed by Mr. Burns into choosing A Burns for All Seasons as the winning film. Television critics Alan Sepinwall and Matt Zoller Seitz have often quoted Homer's line, "Barney's movie had heart, but Football in the Groin had a football in the groin."

References

  1. ^ Richmond & Coffman 1997, p. 156.
  2. ^ "A Star is Burns". TheSimpsons.com. Archived from the original on November 13, 2008. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
  3. ^ Martyn, Warren; Wood, Adrian (2000). "A Star is Burns". BBC. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved November 23, 2008.
  4. Svetkey, Benjamin (February 11, 1994). "Jon Lovitz gives voice to a new cartoon in 'The Critic'". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on January 18, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  5. ^ Uhlich, Keith (February 3, 2004). "The Critic: The Complete Series". Slant Magazine. Archived from the original on January 14, 2009. Retrieved November 24, 2008.
  6. Boedecker, Hal (January 26, 1994). "The Critic is worthy follow-up to The Simpsons Animated series gets two thumbs-up". The Gazette. Montreal.
  7. Carter, Bill (January 13, 1994). "Reporter's Notebook; Top Hollywood Agency Reaches for the Stars Of Television News". The New York Times. Archived from the original on January 16, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  8. "ABC-TV returns The Critic tonight". Toronto Star. June 1, 1994.
  9. ^ Turner 2004, p. 387.
  10. Shister, Gail (May 2, 1994). "The Critic finds new life, love on Fox". Toronto Star.
  11. ^ Jean, Al (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season . 20th Century Fox.
  12. ^ Keeler, Ken (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season . 20th Century Fox.
  13. ^ Reiss, Mike (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season . 20th Century Fox.
  14. Castellaneta, Dan (2005). Commentary for "A Star Is Burns", in The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season . 20th Century Fox.
  15. Chernoff, Scott (July 24, 2007). "I Bent My Wookiee! Celebrating the Star Wars/Simpsons Connection". No Homers Club. Archived from the original on April 8, 2008. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  16. "Archived copy". Archived from the original on June 19, 2006. Retrieved August 7, 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  17. ^ "Nielsen Ratings". The Tampa Tribune. March 9, 1995.
  18. Finley, Adam (August 25, 2006). "The Simpsons: A Star is Burns". HuffPost TV. Archived from the original on June 29, 2012. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  19. Gilchrist, Todd (August 15, 2005). "The Simpsons: The Complete Sixth Season". IGN. Archived from the original on January 16, 2022. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  20. Bahn, Christopher; Donna Bowman; Josh Modell; Noel Murray; Nathan Rabin; Tasha Robinson; Kyle Ryan; Scott Tobias (April 26, 2006). "Beyond "D'oh!": Simpsons Quotes For Everyday Use". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on June 17, 2014. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  21. Goldman, Eric; Iverson, Dan; Zoromski, Brian. "Top 25 Simpsons Guest Appearances". IGN. Archived from the original on December 23, 2008. Retrieved January 16, 2022.
  22. ^ Brennan, Judy (March 3, 1995). "Matt Groening's Reaction to The Critic's First Appearance on The Simpsons". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on March 7, 2023. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  23. Richmond, Ray (March 4, 1995). "Groening's point well-taken, but probably best made privately". Los Angeles Daily News.
  24. The Simpsons season 6 DVD boxset (DVD). 20th Century Fox. 2005.
  25. Weinstein, Josh (2006). Commentary for "Hurricane Neddy", in The Simpsons: The Complete Eighth Season . 20th Century Fox.
  26. Liberman, Mark (July 21, 2019). "Saying the quiet part loud". Language Log. Archived from the original on May 11, 2020. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  27. Sepinwall, Alan (October 8, 2008). ""Barney's movie had heart, but Football in the Groin had a football in the groin."". What's Alan Watching. t's open question time: what one pop culture quote do you find yourself using most in everyday conversation? For me, it's the one in the subject line, from "The Simpsons" episode "A Star Is Burns"
  28. Seitz, Matt Zoller (May 14, 2016). "Still-frame from the lost Toho classic GODZILLA HIT IN GROIN BY FOOTBALL" (Tweet). Retrieved June 24, 2024 – via Twitter.
  29. Seitz, Matt Zoller (March 18, 2013). "The Best Sitcom of the Past 30 Years, the Finals!: Cheers vs. The Simpsons". Vulture. Retrieved June 24, 2024. That line from season six's "A Star Is Burns" film-festival episode suits this final face-off between Cheers and The Simpsons.... How to compare such wildly different TV comedies?
  30. Seitz, Matt Zoller (September 6, 2016). "Why The Simpsons Is the Best TV Show Ever". Vulture. Retrieved June 24, 2024. If you want to explain why you prefer a clearly inferior option, just say, 'Barney's movie had heart, but Football in the Groin had a football in the groin.'
Bibliography

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