Deep Space Homer (24 Feb. 1994)

The powers that be at NASA, distraught over low television ratings for their space launches, decide to improve them by putting a private citizen on their next space shuttle. After receiving... See full summary »

Director:

Carlos Baeza

Writers:

Matt Groening (creator), James L. Brooks (developer),

Stars:

Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright

Cast

Episode cast overview:
Dan Castellaneta	...	Homer Simpson / Grampa Simpson / Launch Host #2 / Head of NASA / Chimp / Al Bundy / NASA Scientist #3 / Barney Gumble / Itchy / Reporter #5 (voice)
Julie Kavner	...	Marge Simpson (voice)
Nancy Cartwright	...	Bart Simpson (voice)
Yeardley Smith	...	Lisa Simpson (voice)
Hank Azaria	...	Carl / Tim Taylor / Reporter #3 / Race Banyon (voice)
Harry Shearer	...	Waylon Smithers / X-Ray Inspector / Lenny / Mr. Burns / Man on TV / Tom / NASA Scientist #1 / Jim Wallace / Scratchy / Itchy & Scratchy Disclaimer / NASA Technician / Kent Brockman / Reporter #4 (voice)
Buzz Aldrin	...	Himself (voice)
James Taylor	...	Himself (voice)
Pamela Hayden	...	Tobey Hunter (voice)
Maggie Roswell	...	NASA Scientist #2 / Peggy Bundy (voice)

Storyline

The powers that be at NASA, distraught over low television ratings for their space launches, decide to improve them by putting a private citizen on their next space shuttle. After receiving an angry phone call from Homer, they decide he is their man.

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Plot Keywords:

strauss also sprach zarathustra | 2d animation

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Genres:

Animation | Comedy | Family

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

24 February 1994 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

20th Century Fox Television, Gracie Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

30 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

While the NASA staff are examining the most popular characters on TV, they watch a short segment spoofing the show Home Improvement. In the segment, Tim "The Toolman" Taylor supercharges a riding mower, and then accidentally reverses it through his backyard fence and runs over his neighbor Wilson. He then says "Oh No! I killed Wilson. Looks like it's back to jail for me." In real life, Tim Allen, who played Tim Taylor in the real "Home Improvement" show, actually spent time in prison before his rise to fame.

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Goofs

Homer and the astronauts went up in a Space Shuttle but they crash landed into the Capitol Building in a M2-F2 "flying body" aircraft which was featured in the opening sequence of the television series The Six Million Dollar Man.

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Quotes

Mr. Burns: Compadres, it is imperative that we crush the freedom fighters before the start of the rainy season. And remember, a shiny new donkey for whomever brings me the head of Colonel Montoya.

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Connections

References Planet of the Apes (1968)

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Soundtracks

"Fire and Rain"
(uncredited)
Written and Performed by James Taylor

User Reviews

"Maniacs! You Blew It Up!"

This classic Simpsons episode feels like a full two hour movie and not just a half hour show. It seems as if every Sci Fi Classic of the last fifty years comes in for the hilarious Simpsons treatment.

Some high points: Homer fielding questions at the press conference. "Wait a minute . . . Statue of Liberty . . . that was really our planet. You maniacs! You blew it up! Oh, damn them all to hell!" (PLANET OF THE APES)

Homer and Barney fighting man to man for a slot as an astronaut, gladiator style, while jaded NASA scientists cheer them on and take bets. (STAR TREK: THE GAMESTERS OF TRISKELION)

Homer floating through space, like a vast spacecraft, crunching potato chips in zero gravity. (2001 SPACE ODYSSEY)

And don't forget James Taylor revealing his less-than-mellow vibe, and Springfield TV anchor Kent Brockman preparing for the inevitable. ("Welcome ANTS!")

Classic Simpsons, with Homer becoming a real hero and not one but two ITCHY AND SCRATCHY cartoons.