Homer's Phobia (16 Feb. 1997)

Homer fears that Bart's masculinity is at stake when he suspects that he's being influenced by a flamboyant homosexual collectible store owner named John(Waters). All his efforts to show ... See full summary »

Director:

Mike B. Anderson

Writers:

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

Stars:

Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Dan Castellaneta	...	Homer Simpson / Steel Mill Worker #1 / Barney (voice)
Julie Kavner	...	Marge Simpson (voice)
Nancy Cartwright	...	Bart Simpson / "Cockamamie's" Salesgirl (voice)
Yeardley Smith	...	Lisa Simpson (voice)
Hank Azaria	...	Steel Mill Worker #2 / Steel Mill Worker #3 / Steel Mill Worker #4 / Moe / Annual Gift Man (voice)
Harry Shearer	...	Skinner / Smithers / Roscoe (voice)
Pamela Hayden	...	Milhouse Van Houten (voice)
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
John Waters	...	John (voice)

Storyline

Homer fears that Bart's masculinity is at stake when he suspects that he's being influenced by a flamboyant homosexual collectible store owner named John(Waters). All his efforts to show Bart how to be a man keep backfiring on him... or do they?

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Plot Keywords:

uranus joke | gay stereotype | 2d animation | steel mill | homophobia | 

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Genres:

Animation | Comedy | Family

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

16 February 1997 (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

Syndication cuts the scene where John comments on Marge's corn-pattern drapes in the kitchen.

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Goofs

When Marge tells Homer John is gay, Lisa is present and the three are eating breakfast in the pajamas. In the next shot (following the commercial break), the three are still eating breakfast, but are now in their normal attire.

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Quotes

John: Homer, I won your respect, and all I had to do was save your life. Now, if every gay man could just do the same, you'd be set.

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Connections

References Hairspray (1988)

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Soundtracks

"The Shoop Shoop Song (It's In His Kiss)"
Performed by Betty Everett

User Reviews

deserved Emmy Award winner - endlessly re-watchable

I had been waiting for the Eight Season of The Simpsons to be released on DVD just to own a good quality, complete copy (i.e. not compromised by annoying station watermarks, careless editing to advertisement breaks or having the ending cut short while a voice-over promotes whatever happens to becoming up next on that channel).

The great surprise with the DVD is that it not only looks pin-point perfect, but also includes a highly entertaining commentary track by Matt Groening, the artist/director/production team, and John Waters. You'll see the show through enhanced eyes.

I liked that Homer's Phobia was made with such informed awareness of the stereotypes which persist of both gay men and of the people who refuse to accept them as being OK.

We see Homer quickly forming a trusting, affectionate and purely platonic relationship with John Waters - only to aggressively discard that friendship when he (finally) comprehends that John is gay.

This show is certainly empowering for viewers - both young and old - who know they are same sex attracted, but it also must be the most entertaining, concise and effective program in the history of television for letting the general public know that there is nothing at all to fear about being gay.

Homer's Phobia is packed with memorable lines - such as "You know me Marge - I like my beer cold, my TV loud and my homo-sexuals FLAMING!".

There's no condescension, no lecturing - just high quality talent on show. And the ending rocks!