20 Insane Things You Never Noticed in The Simpsons!
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Springfield harbors some secrets! Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most incredible hidden details and Easter eggs on “The Simpsons.” Our countdown includes moments from episodes “Treehouse of Horror VI”, “Bart's Comet”, “Lisa the Iconoclast” and more!
Top 20 Crazy Things You Never Noticed in The Simpsons
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most incredible hidden details and Easter eggs on “The Simpsons.”
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In the early 90s, rival networks, hoping to cash in on the massive success of “The Simpsons,” tried to find their own primetime animated hits. Unfortunately, “Fish Police,” “Capitol Critters,” and “Family Dog,” all quickly flamed out and are basically only remembered for their failure. If you were paying attention to this Halloween episode, you might have noticed them referenced on a trio of, appropriately, gravestones. Though this might seem like the show gloating about the failure of its competition, it can also be read as giving them a tribute and keeping their names alive.
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Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon” is one of the most influential films of the 20th century. Telling the story of a violent crime from numerous perspectives, it showed the dramatic power of shifting POV. It also inspired a wonderfully subtle “Simpsons” joke. Trying to cheer up a grumbling Homer about the family’s trip to Japan, Marge reminds him of his appreciation for the film. But Homer, of course, has a different memory. Even if you’ve seen Kurosawa’s masterpiece, it’s a joke so well-timed, it can escape notice. More than anything, we want to see an episode solely about Homer watching “Rashomon”.
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If there’s a Simpsons character who would have a season pass to a historic cider mill, it would be Ned Flanders. So, naturally, he proudly shows this to a disinterested Homer when he runs into him at the mill. It’s a funny premise that’s enhanced further if you notice the number on his pass: number 1. This means Flanders was the first - and, possibly, only person to get a pass. We’re also not ruling out the possibility that the season pass wouldn’t exist without Flanders requesting it. Depending on the cost, it might be worth the money…
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Airing on network television means “The Simpsons” can’t get away with using certain words they can on cable. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t slipped some four-letter words past the censors. One famous example is the storefront sign reading “Sneed’s Feed & Seed (Formerly Chuck’s)”. Another is from this episode, which includes a flashback showing how Apu came to Springfield as a graduate student at the Springfield Heights Institute of Technology, or…yeah, we’ll let you fill in the rest. A decade later, the comedy film “Accepted” would use the same abbreviation for a fake college name. Coincidence? Plagiarism? Tribute?
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If you’re a stickler for proper punctuation, you might have noticed this right away. But for the rest of us, we weren’t nearly as quick. Though this episode starts and revolves around Valentine’s Day, it ends with a Presidents’ Day pageant. And in three different instances of the holiday appearing in-text on screen, it’s punctuated three different ways: first, as plural possessive, then as singular possessive, and finally, as just plural. It’s the kind of background joke that only exists to drive a certain narrow demographic mad, and we love it. Also, in case you’re wondering, the first one is correct.
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Lovers of classic literature and/or musical theater likely delighted in this tribute. At a swap meet, Principal Seymour Skinner comes across a helmet he was made to wear as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. The number, 24601, is no afterthought, as this is the prisoner number of Jean Valjean, the long-suffering protagonist of “Les Misérables,” originated by master writer Victor Hugo. Skinner, meanwhile, takes being reunited with this source of likely trauma in nostalgic stride. Idea for a future episode: “Les Mis” with Skinner as Jean Valjean and Superintendent Chalmers as Javert.
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One continuous thread on the show is Marge’s sister Selma’s string of short-lived marriages. In this classic season 7 episode, she ties the knot with has-been movie star Troy McClure, for what she doesn’t realize is merely a publicity stunt. She might have realized something was amiss sooner if she had taken a look at what was printed on her new hubby’s vehicle. Following their nuptials, the rear window of Troy’s Delorean reads not “Just Married” but “Just Marred.” In an episode jam-packed with incredible quotes and moments, a cutting visual moment like this can be easy to miss. But knowing it’s there now gives us even more to appreciate.
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In this celebrity-packed show, Bart and Lisa help Krusty stage a comeback special following his show’s cancellation. Among them is Bette Midler, whose anti-littering stance is taken to a hilarious extreme. But we’d be remiss to not mention this subtly genius joke. Krusty mentions a thoroughbred owned by himself and the “Divine Miss M,” a rather unflattering portmanteau of their names. The moniker alone is funny as is. But it becomes even funnier when you realize that they could’ve combined their names the other way to create the much more flattering name of “Misty.” But, then again, “Krudler” is far more memorable.
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“Simpsons” writers have a reputation as being, well, nerds. And what better way to demonstrate your nerd bonafides then by sneaking them into the background of a cartoon show? In this segment from the sixth Halloween special, Homer takes an unplanned trip to the third dimension, and the show explores new realms in animation. A series of seemingly random numbers appears suspended in the air. But unless you’re a mathematician or software developer, you probably wouldn’t realize these are hexadecimal numbers, which translated to ASCII codes, read “Frink rules!” While we can’t explain what that means, we can say we heartily agree with that statement.
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When “The Simpsons” shifted to HD in season 20, it also underwent a new opening, one which honored the classic opening that began with season 2, while also adding some updates. Marge’s parking her car in the garage previously sent Homer running scared. But this time around, she runs right into him, sending him crashing through the door. Is she deliberately trying to torment her beloved husband? No, because if you pause, you’ll see she’s actually looking at her smartphone. That’s not an excuse, of course. But we don’t know how canon these openings actually are. Remember: eyes on the road/garage.
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Simpsons creator Matt Groening’s name doesn’t just appear in the show’s credits. It also pops up when one of his most famous characters is on screen. Well, sort of. The combination of Homer’s hair and ear creates an “M” and a “G” shape, like the initials of his creator. The show has directly referenced this. But with a character design as iconic as Homer’s, knowing this isn’t some kind of unwelcome distraction. Instead, it’s a great reminder of how an artist can cleverly put their stamp on their work, one letter hidden in plain sight at a time.
How did we pass time on long car trips before smartphones and tablets? Well, trying to find Waldo (or “Wally” as he’s known outside North America) in the crowded illustrations of his eponymous book series. When the whole town squeezes into the Flanders family's bomb shelter to avoid an oncoming comet, things soon get overwhelming. Look at the initial shot of everyone packed in, and you’ll see a familiar face, wearing glasses, a red-and-white-striped shirt, and knit cap. And true to his character, he has a big smile. We can’t say we’d be feeling the same way under those circumstances.
One of the best things about “The Simpsons” is its rich array of unforgettable characters, from the main family to all kinds of supporting figures. While Marge and lovable metalhead bus driver Otto don’t share a ton of scenes together, this bit of background design features them in a rather ingenious way. On the wall of the Springfield Historical Society, Lisa and curator Hollis Hurlbut walk past a painting of a man driving a cart full of children, and a silhouette of a woman with a rather lengthy beehive. To use some words coined by this very episode, this addition embiggened an already cromulent installment.
Like their father and late mother, Rod and Todd Flanders do their best to be as pious as they possibly can. That said, they can inadvertently find themselves being accidentally unwholesome. Playing for a pee-wee football team initially coached by their father before Homer takes the reins, the Flanders brothers jersey numbers are 66 and 6. The connotations of this don't register until they’re standing next to each other. But it’s such a quick shot that, as with numerous other moments on this list, it’s not going to be noticed unless you’re really paying attention.
Groundskeeper Willie is one of those Springfield residents we’d love to get a full backstory about, especially with fascinating breadcrumbs like this. In season 10, we learn the Scot was “conceived, born and educated” on a pool table of a tavern owned by his parents. Seven seasons later, we flash back to his birth. And lo and behold, the unibrowed newborn Willie and his mother are on a pool table. What could’ve just been an amusing throwaway line is given a worthy payoff years later. Though we also can’t help but wonder what kind of education Willie received on said table.
Name a famous actor or musician, and there’s a good chance they’ve appeared on “The Simpsons.” However, two famous figures who appeared on the show in its early years did so pseudonymously. Dustin Hoffman voiced Lisa’s dedicated substitute teacher Mr. Bergstrom under the name “Sam Etic,” while Michael Jackson played a man who’s claiming to be the King of Pop, using the moniker “John Jay Smith.” This preceded a policy in which guest stars would have to be clearly identified. But no alternative names could hide these unmistakable voices. This is cheekily referenced when Lisa returns from seeing the “Itchy & Scratchy” movie and talks about the uncredited cameos of the two stars, who she easily identified.
Even casual fans of the show have undoubtedly picked up on how much Bart’s TV idol Krusty the Clown looks like his father, albeit with makeup, green hair, and a red nose. In a series full of distinct character designs, why have a significant supporting character who looks so much like one of the main family members? Well, the initial plan was for Krusty to be Homer’s alter-ego, with the cruel irony being that Bart doesn’t realize the clown he idolizes is the father he doesn’t. This didn’t happen, and both characters were able to develop on their own. But their resemblance remained and was used to great effect in the classic season six episode “Homie the Clown.”
Though not a regular character on the show, the creator of the universe has made some memorable appearances, usually with his face obscured and five fingers on each hand. Why is that notable? Well, characters on “The Simpsons” tend to have only four fingers, much like other animated characters. But God is afforded the full five, and the same also goes for his toes. This is a great way for the show to emphasize divinity without being too in-your-face about it. The show doesn’t claim to have all the answers regarding religion, but we appreciate this charming bit of character design.
You can’t put a price on the joy of raising a baby. But there are lots of other costs that factor in, as any parent can tell you. When Maggie is scanned at the supermarket during the initial run of opening credits, she rings up for $847.63. This was the show doing its research, as that was reportedly the average monthly cost to care for an infant in the U.S. at the time. Now, the show premiered in 1989, so that number is likely far, far higher now. However, the revamped credits didn’t adjust for inflation. Instead, the cost of the groceries is doubled with the addition of the youngest Simpson.
Long before the release of “The Simpsons Movie,” there was a movie hidden in plain sight on the show. McBain is a movie action hero played by muscle-bound star Rainier Wolfcastle, and clips from his high-octane first outing are shown throughout various episodes. But their sporadic and out-of-order appearances made it tricky to realize they could be connected to create a cohesive storyline, in which McBain goes after a drug kingpin politician, avenges his partner, and fires plenty of bullets along the way. The show could’ve just had the scenes appear in chronological order, but we appreciate this approach. We just wish we could see the full-length version of this undeniably exciting actioner.
What hidden “Simpsons” details have you caught? Let us know in the comments
Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the most incredible hidden details and Easter eggs on “The Simpsons.”
[if any Intros or Criteria are requested on the matrix, insert B-roll for them here]
#20: Failed Animated Shows on Gravestones
“Treehouse of Horror III”In the early 90s, rival networks, hoping to cash in on the massive success of “The Simpsons,” tried to find their own primetime animated hits. Unfortunately, “Fish Police,” “Capitol Critters,” and “Family Dog,” all quickly flamed out and are basically only remembered for their failure. If you were paying attention to this Halloween episode, you might have noticed them referenced on a trio of, appropriately, gravestones. Though this might seem like the show gloating about the failure of its competition, it can also be read as giving them a tribute and keeping their names alive.
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#19: “Rashomon” Reference
“Thirty Minutes over Tokyo”Akira Kurosawa’s “Rashomon” is one of the most influential films of the 20th century. Telling the story of a violent crime from numerous perspectives, it showed the dramatic power of shifting POV. It also inspired a wonderfully subtle “Simpsons” joke. Trying to cheer up a grumbling Homer about the family’s trip to Japan, Marge reminds him of his appreciation for the film. But Homer, of course, has a different memory. Even if you’ve seen Kurosawa’s masterpiece, it’s a joke so well-timed, it can escape notice. More than anything, we want to see an episode solely about Homer watching “Rashomon”.
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#18: Flanders’ Cider Mill Season Pass Number
“Burns, Baby Burns”If there’s a Simpsons character who would have a season pass to a historic cider mill, it would be Ned Flanders. So, naturally, he proudly shows this to a disinterested Homer when he runs into him at the mill. It’s a funny premise that’s enhanced further if you notice the number on his pass: number 1. This means Flanders was the first - and, possibly, only person to get a pass. We’re also not ruling out the possibility that the season pass wouldn’t exist without Flanders requesting it. Depending on the cost, it might be worth the money…
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#17: Grad School Abbreviation
"Much Apu About Nothing"Airing on network television means “The Simpsons” can’t get away with using certain words they can on cable. But that doesn’t mean they haven’t slipped some four-letter words past the censors. One famous example is the storefront sign reading “Sneed’s Feed & Seed (Formerly Chuck’s)”. Another is from this episode, which includes a flashback showing how Apu came to Springfield as a graduate student at the Springfield Heights Institute of Technology, or…yeah, we’ll let you fill in the rest. A decade later, the comedy film “Accepted” would use the same abbreviation for a fake college name. Coincidence? Plagiarism? Tribute?
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#16: Shifting Presidents' Day Apostrophe
“I Love Lisa”If you’re a stickler for proper punctuation, you might have noticed this right away. But for the rest of us, we weren’t nearly as quick. Though this episode starts and revolves around Valentine’s Day, it ends with a Presidents’ Day pageant. And in three different instances of the holiday appearing in-text on screen, it’s punctuated three different ways: first, as plural possessive, then as singular possessive, and finally, as just plural. It’s the kind of background joke that only exists to drive a certain narrow demographic mad, and we love it. Also, in case you’re wondering, the first one is correct.
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#15: Principal Skinner’s POW Number
“Homer’s Barbershop Quartet”Lovers of classic literature and/or musical theater likely delighted in this tribute. At a swap meet, Principal Seymour Skinner comes across a helmet he was made to wear as a prisoner of war during the Vietnam War. The number, 24601, is no afterthought, as this is the prisoner number of Jean Valjean, the long-suffering protagonist of “Les Misérables,” originated by master writer Victor Hugo. Skinner, meanwhile, takes being reunited with this source of likely trauma in nostalgic stride. Idea for a future episode: “Les Mis” with Skinner as Jean Valjean and Superintendent Chalmers as Javert.
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#14: “Just Marred”
“A Fish Called Selma”One continuous thread on the show is Marge’s sister Selma’s string of short-lived marriages. In this classic season 7 episode, she ties the knot with has-been movie star Troy McClure, for what she doesn’t realize is merely a publicity stunt. She might have realized something was amiss sooner if she had taken a look at what was printed on her new hubby’s vehicle. Following their nuptials, the rear window of Troy’s Delorean reads not “Just Married” but “Just Marred.” In an episode jam-packed with incredible quotes and moments, a cutting visual moment like this can be easy to miss. But knowing it’s there now gives us even more to appreciate.
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#13: “Krudler”
“Krusty Gets Kancelled”In this celebrity-packed show, Bart and Lisa help Krusty stage a comeback special following his show’s cancellation. Among them is Bette Midler, whose anti-littering stance is taken to a hilarious extreme. But we’d be remiss to not mention this subtly genius joke. Krusty mentions a thoroughbred owned by himself and the “Divine Miss M,” a rather unflattering portmanteau of their names. The moniker alone is funny as is. But it becomes even funnier when you realize that they could’ve combined their names the other way to create the much more flattering name of “Misty.” But, then again, “Krudler” is far more memorable.
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#12: “Frink Rules!”
“Treehouse of Horror VI”“Simpsons” writers have a reputation as being, well, nerds. And what better way to demonstrate your nerd bonafides then by sneaking them into the background of a cartoon show? In this segment from the sixth Halloween special, Homer takes an unplanned trip to the third dimension, and the show explores new realms in animation. A series of seemingly random numbers appears suspended in the air. But unless you’re a mathematician or software developer, you probably wouldn’t realize these are hexadecimal numbers, which translated to ASCII codes, read “Frink rules!” While we can’t explain what that means, we can say we heartily agree with that statement.
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#11: Marge’s Distracted Driving
VariousWhen “The Simpsons” shifted to HD in season 20, it also underwent a new opening, one which honored the classic opening that began with season 2, while also adding some updates. Marge’s parking her car in the garage previously sent Homer running scared. But this time around, she runs right into him, sending him crashing through the door. Is she deliberately trying to torment her beloved husband? No, because if you pause, you’ll see she’s actually looking at her smartphone. That’s not an excuse, of course. But we don’t know how canon these openings actually are. Remember: eyes on the road/garage.
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#10: Stealth Signature
VariousSimpsons creator Matt Groening’s name doesn’t just appear in the show’s credits. It also pops up when one of his most famous characters is on screen. Well, sort of. The combination of Homer’s hair and ear creates an “M” and a “G” shape, like the initials of his creator. The show has directly referenced this. But with a character design as iconic as Homer’s, knowing this isn’t some kind of unwelcome distraction. Instead, it’s a great reminder of how an artist can cleverly put their stamp on their work, one letter hidden in plain sight at a time.
#9: Where’s Waldo?
“Bart’s Comet”How did we pass time on long car trips before smartphones and tablets? Well, trying to find Waldo (or “Wally” as he’s known outside North America) in the crowded illustrations of his eponymous book series. When the whole town squeezes into the Flanders family's bomb shelter to avoid an oncoming comet, things soon get overwhelming. Look at the initial shot of everyone packed in, and you’ll see a familiar face, wearing glasses, a red-and-white-striped shirt, and knit cap. And true to his character, he has a big smile. We can’t say we’d be feeling the same way under those circumstances.
#8: Vintage Otto & Marge
“Lisa the Iconoclast”One of the best things about “The Simpsons” is its rich array of unforgettable characters, from the main family to all kinds of supporting figures. While Marge and lovable metalhead bus driver Otto don’t share a ton of scenes together, this bit of background design features them in a rather ingenious way. On the wall of the Springfield Historical Society, Lisa and curator Hollis Hurlbut walk past a painting of a man driving a cart full of children, and a silhouette of a woman with a rather lengthy beehive. To use some words coined by this very episode, this addition embiggened an already cromulent installment.
#7: Devilish Jersey Numbers
“Bart Star”Like their father and late mother, Rod and Todd Flanders do their best to be as pious as they possibly can. That said, they can inadvertently find themselves being accidentally unwholesome. Playing for a pee-wee football team initially coached by their father before Homer takes the reins, the Flanders brothers jersey numbers are 66 and 6. The connotations of this don't register until they’re standing next to each other. But it’s such a quick shot that, as with numerous other moments on this list, it’s not going to be noticed unless you’re really paying attention.
#6: Willie’s Pool Table
“Monty Can't Buy Me Love” and “My Fair Laddy”Groundskeeper Willie is one of those Springfield residents we’d love to get a full backstory about, especially with fascinating breadcrumbs like this. In season 10, we learn the Scot was “conceived, born and educated” on a pool table of a tavern owned by his parents. Seven seasons later, we flash back to his birth. And lo and behold, the unibrowed newborn Willie and his mother are on a pool table. What could’ve just been an amusing throwaway line is given a worthy payoff years later. Though we also can’t help but wonder what kind of education Willie received on said table.
#5: Not-So-Secret Guest Stars
“Itchy & Scratchy: The Movie”Name a famous actor or musician, and there’s a good chance they’ve appeared on “The Simpsons.” However, two famous figures who appeared on the show in its early years did so pseudonymously. Dustin Hoffman voiced Lisa’s dedicated substitute teacher Mr. Bergstrom under the name “Sam Etic,” while Michael Jackson played a man who’s claiming to be the King of Pop, using the moniker “John Jay Smith.” This preceded a policy in which guest stars would have to be clearly identified. But no alternative names could hide these unmistakable voices. This is cheekily referenced when Lisa returns from seeing the “Itchy & Scratchy” movie and talks about the uncredited cameos of the two stars, who she easily identified.
#4: Homer and Krusty’s Uncanny Resemblance
VariousEven casual fans of the show have undoubtedly picked up on how much Bart’s TV idol Krusty the Clown looks like his father, albeit with makeup, green hair, and a red nose. In a series full of distinct character designs, why have a significant supporting character who looks so much like one of the main family members? Well, the initial plan was for Krusty to be Homer’s alter-ego, with the cruel irony being that Bart doesn’t realize the clown he idolizes is the father he doesn’t. This didn’t happen, and both characters were able to develop on their own. But their resemblance remained and was used to great effect in the classic season six episode “Homie the Clown.”
#3: God’s Five Fingers
VariousThough not a regular character on the show, the creator of the universe has made some memorable appearances, usually with his face obscured and five fingers on each hand. Why is that notable? Well, characters on “The Simpsons” tend to have only four fingers, much like other animated characters. But God is afforded the full five, and the same also goes for his toes. This is a great way for the show to emphasize divinity without being too in-your-face about it. The show doesn’t claim to have all the answers regarding religion, but we appreciate this charming bit of character design.
#2: Scanning Maggie
VariousYou can’t put a price on the joy of raising a baby. But there are lots of other costs that factor in, as any parent can tell you. When Maggie is scanned at the supermarket during the initial run of opening credits, she rings up for $847.63. This was the show doing its research, as that was reportedly the average monthly cost to care for an infant in the U.S. at the time. Now, the show premiered in 1989, so that number is likely far, far higher now. However, the revamped credits didn’t adjust for inflation. Instead, the cost of the groceries is doubled with the addition of the youngest Simpson.
#1: Hidden McBain Movie
VariousLong before the release of “The Simpsons Movie,” there was a movie hidden in plain sight on the show. McBain is a movie action hero played by muscle-bound star Rainier Wolfcastle, and clips from his high-octane first outing are shown throughout various episodes. But their sporadic and out-of-order appearances made it tricky to realize they could be connected to create a cohesive storyline, in which McBain goes after a drug kingpin politician, avenges his partner, and fires plenty of bullets along the way. The show could’ve just had the scenes appear in chronological order, but we appreciate this approach. We just wish we could see the full-length version of this undeniably exciting actioner.
What hidden “Simpsons” details have you caught? Let us know in the comments
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