Take My Wife, Sleaze Written by John Swartzwelder Directed by Neil Affleck ============================================================================== Production code: BABF05 Original Airdate on FOX: 28-Nov-1999 Capsule revision A (13-Jan-2001) ============================================================================== > "TV Guide" Synopsis {hl} ============================================================================== [Canadian] Homer decides that he was "born to be wild" after winning a motorcycle and forming his own gang, but his new lifestyle puts Marge at risk when she is kidnapped by a rival pack. John Goodman and Henry Winkler guest-voice. ============================================================================== > Title sequence ============================================================================== Blackboard: I CAN'T SEE DEAD PEOPLE I CAN'T SEE DE / at cutoff Couch: The family runs to the couch, which quickly sucks them in, and shreds them, like a piece of paper. (It's not as gruesome as it sounds -- the come out looking like a photograph of the Simpsons, cut into vertical strips.) ============================================================================== > Did You Notice... ============================================================================== Kyle Bastian: ... the Springfield Elementary Staff were at church? ... the couples that were not at the dance-off were the Flanderses, the Lovejoys, the Van Houtens, and the Hibberts (maybe Dr. Hibbert and his wife wanted to go-go to a 70s disco diner owned by Disco Stu)? ... the Hibberts were also in church? ... Barney is missing in the bike group? ... Agnes allows her Seymour to date Edna? ... Mrs. Van Houten is alone in church (can Kirk convert to Judaism)? ... only one voice was missing: Marcia Mitzman-Gaven? Ril Chaim: ... Lisa was reading a social studies book, when she could have been studying a real social phenomenon in her own home? Brian Corvello: ... Homer has apparently gotten a lot stronger, and become a much better fighter than he usually is? He was able to fight Meat Hook -- a hardened criminal -- to a standstill, using a motorcycle as a weapon (last I checked, motorcycles were HEAVY). ... even though she has disliked the criminal element in the past, Marge acts awfully civil to the gang, even after they say that they don't find her attractive? ... after Bart takes the tacked message off Homer's head, he replaces the tack there? Don Del Grande: ... Homer lives in a state where there aren't any helmet laws? [Or he does, but ignores the law -- Ed.] ... NRBQ is playing at Poppa Wheelie's? [See "Comments" section for more - - Ed.] ... Homer tried to remember the quote "Fish and houseguests stink after three days"? Curtis Gibby: ... that Dan Castellaneta voiced the faceless guy? ... that Homer said "what an age we live in" twice in the first two minutes of the show? ... Rev. Lovejoy was trying to discuss the story of the Samaritan woman at the well? ... we saw pictures of Homer, Grandpa, and Maggie on OFF's walls in this episode? ... the bikers want to take Marge to an orgy, despite the fact that none of them find her sexually attractive? Joe Green: ... Homer tries to "pedal" while learning to ride? ... Carl's scooter is from Hertz? Richard E. Green: ... John Frink was listed as a producer!? ... Ike "Let's get buuusssy" Eisenhower was on a big Time poster at the restaurant? ... Ramrod was actually stabbing a knife into his leg? ... Jan Hooks got guest star credit for this episode ... is she gonna become a semi-regular like Phil was? ... this is the first time in a LONG time that they've showed full-screen credits during a fox episode ... and only the second time that I know of where there was a live-action sequence? Carl Johnson: ... Homer and the gang were on the wrong side of the road when telling Wiggum they haven't broken any laws? Darrel Jones: ... Apu and Manjula are dining at Greaser's when OFF enter? Joe Klemm: ... Homer doesn't feel any pain when a pin stuck on the back of his head? ... Homer discovers about Marge's disappearance at 10:00 AM? ... this is the first non-Halloween episode to feature a live-action scene? Adam Long: ... Bart munching on popcorn in the opening scene? ... Skinner & Edna, Clancy & Sarah, and Apu & Manjula at Greaser's? ... Apu and Manjula are wearing the exact same costumes they wore in the conception scene of "Eight Misbehavin'"? ... Hans Moleman works at Greaser's? ... the "Cool Cat" on the bathroom door looks a lot like Scratchy? ... Swartzwelder has some recent obsession with Homer divorcing Marge? ... the training wheels on Homer's motorcycle? ... Homer is watching the "Tuesday Morning Movie", yet neither him nor Lisa is at work/school? ... Homer calls Apu "Pops"? ... Marge knows Meathook's name even though he never says it? ... Bart and Lisa make the motions like they're eating before they realize they don't have any food? ... Lisa wonders why she's not at school, but not Bart? ... the guys playing darts on the unconscious man's back at Poppa Wheelie's? ... nobody in Meathook's gang tosses him another bike when he loses his? ... Marge drives the motorcycle home? Tom Rinschler: ... each time there is a new establishing shot while the biker gang is in residence, OFF's house and yard are in progressively worse shape? ... Manjula has a speaking part for the first time in an episode that isn't focused on her? ... Marge rides sidesaddle when with Homer at the end? Nic Unicu: ... in the photo of the Hell's Satans, Moe was not smilin'? ============================================================================== > Voice Credits ============================================================================== - Starring - Dan Castellaneta (Faceless Man, Homer, Abe, Shopkeeper) - Julie Kavner (Marge) - Nancy Cartwright (Bart, Nelson) - Yeardley Smith (Lisa) - Hank Azaria (Jimmy, Moe, Chief Wiggum, Carl, Apu) - Harry Shearer ("Guinness" announcer, Wolfguy Jack, Principal Skinner, Disclaimer Man, Father, Cop, Lenny, Ned) - Special Guest Voice - John Goodman (Meathook) - Jan Hooks (Manjula) - Jay North (Himself) - Marcia Wallace (Edna Krabappel) - Henry Winkler (Ramrod) - Special Musical Guest - NRBQ (Themselves) - Also Starring - Pamela Hayden (Milhouse, Rod) - Tress MacNeille (Mother) - Russi Taylor (Martin) - Karl Wiedergott (Attendant) ============================================================================== > Movie (and other) references ============================================================================== + "Take my wife, please" joke - episode title a word-play on this phrase + "The Sixth Sense" (movie) - film about a boy who could see the spirits of the dead, something that Bart apparently can't do + "Guinness Records Primetime" (TV specials) {reg} - the Simpsons watch a slightly exaggerated version of these fine Fox shows [See "Comments" section for more -- Ed.] - "Star Trek: The Original Series" (TV series) {ja} - "man with no faces" similar to a situation in this episode - Johnny Rocket's '50's restaurant {jc} - Greaser's Restaurant seems based on the same '50's nostalgia premise - Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater restaurant at Disney-MGM {jc} - '50s cars as tables in Greaser's + Wolfman Jack (radio DJ) - Wolfguy Jack clearly inspired by this man's radio persona + "American Graffiti" (movie) {rc} - Wolfguy Jack's assistant looked exactly like Candy Clark from this film - "Pulp Fiction" (movie) - also had a 50s theme restaurant {hl} - dance contest at the Greaser's Cafe is reminiscent {ds} + "Grease" (movie) {kb} - the dance-off contest - "Happy Days" (TV series) {db} - also had a big dance contest - Henry Winkler character calling Marge Mrs. S a la calling Richie's mom Mrs. C {jk} + "Jailhouse Rock" (song) {jg2} - "Mental House Rock" is a parody of this song by Elvis Presley - "Airplane!" (movie) {jg2} - Homer and Marge's weird dance moves are reminiscent of the "Saturday Night Fever" parody scene + "There's Something about Mary" (movie) - church sign says, "Today's Topic: There's Something about the Virgin Mary" - [Tom Restivo wonders, "How long before the Catholic League bitches about _this_ one?"] + "Rebel Without A Cause" (movie) - the old movie that inspires homer is similar [{jc} adds, "Right down to the lead looking like James Dean and being called Jimmy."] + "The Wild One" (movie) - another obvious inspiration for Homer's movie + Hell's Angels (motorcycle gang) - Hell's Satans parodies their name - "King of the Hill" (TV series) {reg} - Lenny's lawnmower looks EXACTLY like the one that Hank always rides on this show + "American Gothic" (painting) {tr} - Apu and Manjula while standing in front of the store look remarkably like this painting (just substitute a pitchfork for a broom) ~ "South Park" (TV series) {hl} - Cartman's mother on cover of Crack Whore magazine ~ "Weird Science" {jg2} - scene of bikers invading the house is similar + "Friday the 13th" (movie) - movie was set at the Crystal Lake campground + "Highlander" (movie) {cb} - the fight up the stairs was right out of the scene where the Sean Connery character dies - "The Princess Bride" (movie) {bc2} - Homer's duel with Meat Hook bears a lot of resemblance to Wesley's duel with Indigo in said movie. Both fights went from level ground to stairways and along edges of walls - "Adventures of Robin Hood" (movie) {mjf} - the motorcycle-swinging fight was a riff on the famous climactic battle between Basil Rathbone and Errol Flynn ============================================================================== > Previous episode references ============================================================================== - Real-life video in "The Simpsons" - [2F03] Clip from western briefly shown during intro {mh} - [3F04] Live action scene {reg} - [3F24] Homer is shown against a real life background of clouds {rk} - [5F06], [5F15], [AABF06] Live-action hand spins drawing of OFF sitting on the couch {bmn} - [AABF01] Live-action scene with Regis & Kathie Lee {ms} - "Simpsons" theme redux {tdm} - [2F20] by Tito Puente and his Orchestra - [3F21] by Sonic Youth - [BABF02] by Yo La Tengo - [8F07] Henry Winkler mentioned {hl} - [9F11] Lisa is clad in only a blanket {dj} - [1F15] Homer attacks someone with his head {cg} - [3F08] Ike appears {reg} - [3F09] Bart is compared to Dennis the Menace {dj} - [3F10] Homer teams up a gang of friends and has T-shirts for his gang {ol} - [4F03] Someone drives a moped {jg2} - [4F08] Ned has a hanging cat poster similar to the one Marge had in this episode {al} - [4F18] Donny form Donny's Discount gas helps out {wb} - [4F18] Ned spooked by Jimbo and gang on scooters {hl} - [5F08] Wiggum has refused to help Homer due to his insults {bc2} - [5F19], [BABF02] A "Happy Days" cast member guest stars {jg2} - [AABF04] Bart refers to himself as "America's Bad Boy" {al} - [AABF16] NRBQ plays [this time, it's the Beatles' hit, "Money Can't Buy Me Love"] {gy} - [BABF03] Chief Wiggum does not help person in need {wb} - [BABF03] Apu and his wife were wearing the same clothes [at the dance contest] as they wore when Homer "directed" them in the back seat of a car {ja} ============================================================================== > Freeze frame fun ============================================================================== - On the walls at Greaser's {al} HERALD TRIBUNE MILKSHAKES POPULAR HERALD TRIBUNE BEATLES ------- UNITE! HERALD TRIBUNE --------------- STUDY: TEENS RARELY PREGNANT HERALD TRIBUNE --------------------------- VIETNAM I HULA SITUATION I HOOP RESOLVED I MISHAP ---------------- KILLS 3 I WE ALL AGREE: I CONFORMITY I IS BEST! - Bathroom signs {bjr} COOL [cat in shades] SQUARES CATS - Jay North sign {bjr} MEET JAY NORTH THE ORIGINAL DENNIS THE MENACE - Church marquee {al} TODAYS TOPIC: THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT THE VIRGIN MARY - Sign at Poppa Wheelie's {bjr} LADIES PUKE FREE! ============================================================================== > Animation, continuity, and other goofs ============================================================================== * The episode doesn't seem to make any indications that Homer applies and takes a test for a class-M vehicle to legally drive the motorcycle. [See "Comments" section for more -- Ed.] {ol} - The church marquee uses an apostrophe in "THERE'S" but not in "TODAY'S". {al} c The closed-captioning has Rev. Lovejoy saying "Oh the hell with it" and not "Oh the heck with it." {ol} = When Homer was trying to grab the pennies, he picks up pennies from nowhere, and the ones that ARE there weren't picked up. {reg} = The REAL Hell's Satans broke the window, but in the next scene they are spitting on an intact window. {reg} = Homer's fork disappears after he says the bikers ran away with their tails between their legs. {cg} = Meathook's fingers, when he killed his pencil, were black even though he was wearing gloves without fingers. {ds} * Where did Marge learn to ride a motorcycle? [Marge Simpson: "I do have a life outside this house, you know."] {jg2} ============================================================================== > Reviews ============================================================================== Wilson Banswell: Wow. A pretty good episode. There were some really good scenes, like Homer and Marge's dance, and the church scene. Also, the biker's interaction with Marge was great. And it was good that the episode was not directed at the guest voices and Homer. However, there some minor flaws such as the whole Homer getting beat up at the bar scene. Overall, a good effort (B+) Nate Birch: One good thing I can say about Swartzwelder's latest, is it at least feels like a Simpsons episode, no weird lines (i.e. Bart on about testicles), or overly cartoony stuff, it felt just like I was watching a lackluster season 6 or 7 ep. This was actually a fairly funny episode, although it didn't have any huge laughs, it was fairly funny throughout, and while the plot may have been pretty simple, at least it had a definite 3 acts, and a decent ending. John Goodman gave a pretty good performance, and the fact that the animation was the best it's been in a few seasons pushes the rating up a bit. (B+) Nicholas di Candia: This is Swartzwelder's best since "The Old Man and the Lisa". Almost everything shines: the first act at the 50's restaurant, Bart teaching Homer how to ride the motorbike, Marge mothering the real Hell's Satans. But some bits don't work, like Homer annoying everyone with the motorbike noise (but thankfully it didn't last long). The Hell's Satans attitude towards Marge was very funny and unexpected. This season is becoming a big improvement in quality over the previous. (B) John Cordner: This episode is one of the best this season. [...] Like the dance scene; classic, the fact that Homer starts a gang and Lenny and Carl didn't have motorcycles I thought was good. Ned joining the "club" and trying to change the name was pretty good. Rod and Todd spying on Lisa was disturbing but in the same point funny. I thought it was hilarious that neither of the bikers found Marge attractive. The last act was not as good. I agree the bike fighting bit was a bit much but the scene when homer goes into the bar and all you can here is a guy saying "Hey!" and Homer screams and runs out with a keg of Duff ... that is so classic. I loved the blackboard gag! That is my new favorite one next to "Bewitched doesn't promote Satanism" I give it about an (A-) Don Del Grande: I demand to know who stole Swartzwelder's name and tried to pass this one off as one of his. Call me crazy, but a minute of watching the bikers do their best Homer impressions just doesn't seem funny, so you can imagine how I feel about pretty much an entire segment of it. And why choose today to make Rod and Todd break character? (C) Bill Franklin: This was perhaps one of the worst ever, at least for me. All the jokes, and I mean all, fell flat. I actually had hope for this episode. It showed some promise. Even the first act wasn't so bad. But than the second act came. It was plain stupid. The whole "Homer in the bar" thing, that made me almost turn off the TV. Anyway I give this Simpsons "episode" a (D) Curtis Gibby: This certainly was an odd episode. I liked the bikers' disagreement on the pronunciation of resume, among other random things. John Goodman was a pretty good guest voice, too. I thought that the best part of the episode was NRBQ's performance of the Simpsons End Title. Overall, it was slightly too Homer-centric for my tastes, but pretty darn funny. It earns a (B+) Joe Green: This may have been predictably "wacky Homer"-centric episode with no deep meaning ... but God help me, it was also extremely funny. The most entertaining moments included Homer's pathetic excuse for a biker gang and Marge taming the Hell's Satans. (A+) Richard E. Green: Not quite a "Homer gets a job" episode, but pretty close. Either way John Swartzwelder kept me interested. Sure, everyone seemed REALLY out of character (WTF was with Marge's super-happy attitude this week?) but at least we got to see some new sides, plus plenty of scenery ... and HOMER wasn't even the standout character! Could've used a vampire and some more funny lines though -- favourite part was the biker drinking from the toilet. (B) Carl Johnson: Ho hum ho hum. Nothing great. Not that bad. I think it's more than slightly better than "Guess Who's Coming to Criticize Dinner?" but not near as good as "E-I-E-I-D'oh!". This ep had its moments, sure, but, a lot of it was just stupid -- like most of the scenes where the roadhogs trash the Simpson place, and the 50's announcer howling and coughing. The dance sequence was fun, and it was cute seeing Marge teach the Hell's Satans some manners, but the bad scenes outnumbered the good and it wasn't funny enough for such a silly premise. The definite improvement over season ten still remains though. (D+) Haynes Lee: A terribly disjointed episode that is has the bad taste akin of South Park. Henry Winkler's guest voice was totally wasted and out of character from his famous role as the Fonz. (D-) Ondre Lombard: Take My Wife Sleaze was a well-produced and funny episode that did not overemphasize on things that wouldn't go far (like Homer in general, and his biker gang), but rather goes places, and within confines of reality, too. (A sort of reality, anyway.) It's refreshing to see Marge act as a lead character again instead of Homer's soundboard, and it's also refreshing to see good direction and good animation and decent character design. A solid episode. (B) Adam Long: Season 11 continues with another episode whose premise could easily have been overdone, but turned out somewhat believable. Lots of funny stuff (especially Moe suggesting the gang be called the "Christ Punchers"!!!), but I think the episode starts to go downhill a little when the real Hell's Satans take over the house. The idea of Rod and Todd as peepers was funny though, and I liked the scenes with Homer at the bar (I was expecting a Pee-Wee's Big Adventure spoof here, but alas there was none), but other than that the second half moved kind of slow. (B) Patrick McGovern: It's as good as to be expected from the premise- I didn't expect much. This had some good characterization and fair guest work, but it was very derivative, boring, and just ... well, not funny. The biker jokes wore awfully thin, too. Still, every season is allowed a clunker, so let's just call this a write off and forget about it. (D) Abhi Ray: What could have been an obnoxious and boring Homer's Crazy Schemes episode like "Maximum Homerdrive" was, this episode was instead well-written and funny. Homer's ludicrous Hell's Satans gang was hilarious. Homer never went overboard. And I even liked the caperish ending. Still, there was some tasteless humor. (B) Tom Rinschler: Basically a pretty good episode, although it had its minor flaws. The plot, while not linear, at least progressed reasonably logically, and there was a distinct lessening of over-the-top cartoonishness compared to the last few weeks (although it was still there at times). Homer's biker gang was hilarious, and "Marge as mother figure" has never been more fully explored or been more comical than when she becomes the bikers' "den mother". (B+) Eric Sansoni: All the wit, subtlety, clever dialogue, and charming characters The Simpsons is known and loved for are absent from this loud, raucous, obnoxious, hollow, confusing, painfully dumb, predictable, freakishly unfunny script. The attempt at comedy here seems founded on the idea of driving motorcycles indoors and flat, unexamined biker movie stereotypes, peppered with warped retreads of classic Simpsons scenes. The season 10 trends of wildly inconsistent quality and all-time worst episodes written by long-time writer John Swartzwelder return. His drafts are rumored to be rewritten by staff only now, and seem shamefully filled with the least inspired bits deemed not good enough for their own scripts. (D) Yours Truly: "Take My Wife" has some funny scenes of Homer's makeshift motorcycle gang bumbling around Springfield, as expected, but this episode works for a different reason. It finds an interesting angle to its premise, as Marge surprisingly civilizes a real motorcycle gang. The opening scenes skewering 50s nostalgia and theme dining are a hoot. NRBQ fans should have a field day here, aside from the live-action credits they provide much of the incidental music, plus a cool tune during the "learning to ride" montage. There's some over-cartoonishness and overbearing Homer, but overall it's a good ride for the show. (A-) AVERAGE GRADE: B- (2.59) Std Dev.: 0.9921 (23 reviews computed) ============================================================================== > Comments and other observations ============================================================================== >> Writer Watch Nicholas di Candia: Writer Watch John Swartzwelder is the only person who wrote episodes in every season of The Simpsons. He wrote some classic episodes like "Itchy & Scratchy & Marge", "Rosebud" and "Life on the Fast Lane", plus some generally disliked ones, like "Homer Simpson in 'Kidney Trouble'" or "Monty Can't Buy Me Love". He isn't currently on staff, he writes episodes with storylines that are given to him by the actual staff (which may explain why some of his more recent episodes aren't as memorable as some of the older). His episodes tend to have a first act that has absolutely nothing to do with the central plot, but adds laughs. >> Tonight's guest stars Haynes Lee: Henry Winkler is most famous as playing the clean cut Fonz biker character on Happy Days (1974-1984). The Fonz was unlike the character Ramrod he voiced in this episode. >> "Smithers, have the Rolling Stones killed." Speaking of guest stars, tonight's show also featured a guest musical act -- NRBQ. Many people identified them as the band playing the "Simpsons" theme live at the end of the episode. As "Writersmjs" explains, their music was woven throughout the rest of the show. "Writersmjs": Yes, that was NRBQ singing "Me and the Boys", from their albums "Tiddlywinks" and "The Best of NRBQ". In the same episode, they also sang "Lucille" when the family entered the 50's diner, "Mayonnaise and Marmalade" (written by Simpsons writers, for montage of Bart teaching Homer to ride the motorcycle), and "Want You to Feel Good, Too" as the band at the biker bar. [Later, he writes, "The [closing theme] piece was shot in the Bowery Ballroom in New York."] Paul Fredrickson identifies the "Mayonnaise and Marmalade" singer as Joey Spampinato, NRBQ's bassist (And singer. And songwriter.) J. Wilson notes that the initials "NRBQ" stand for "New Rhythm and Blues Quartet." Now you know. >> And the record for least amount of taste in a TV special is ... Richard E. Green: "The Guinness Book of World Records" show seemed to be parodying this book-turned-into-TV show that was on FOX last year, except the actual show was hosted by some random sports announcer looking for off- season work (see "The World's Funniest" and some of those clip shows for more of them). The TV show actually had the largest tumor removed from a person, but MOST of the features on the show are not even RECORDS, just crazy stunts or first-time attempts at something, but they usually try to tact on some kind of record to make it on topic, such as "longest time that two people held together only by a curved pipe that the two people are holding in their mouths can stay balanced on top of each other". Joe Klemm adds: During the summer of 1998, the Fox network aired a series based on the Guinness Book of World Records. The show featured segments that ranged from people attempting or make or break world records and profiles of different world records. The show, thanks to the summer period, was such a hit that Fox kept it as part of the 1998-1999 season. However, with the return of new episodes of shows on other networks, Guinness didn't achieve the same success as it did during the summer, and it didn't make the 1999-2000 fall schedule. >> Car Watch: The Fabulous Fifties Benjamin Robinson: For his commercial, Wolfguy Jack drives a 1956 Ford Thunderbird, one of the classic two-seater models built between 1955 and 1957. In the background, there's a yellow-ish 1959 Cadillac, the one with the "Godzilla" fins, in parking lot. Wolfguy didn't just pick these two at random -- both cars have become emblematic of 1950s America. Inside the café, one of the booths was either made from, or made to look like it came from, a Nash Metropolitan. Look for orange car; I believe that was Skinner and Krabappel sitting in it. The Met was an early attempt at catering to the burgeoning second-car market during the Fifties. It was a two-seater, and was intended for use around the city, rather than as a family's only car. >> The Beatles Unite Nicholas di Candia: The fifties restaurant had this headline, among other anachronisms. In reality, the Beatles didn't use that name until 1960. The core of the Beatles got together in 1957 as The Quarrymen. But the union of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr didn't happen until August 1962. >> Road Warriors Benjamin Robinson: Motorcycles were introduced at the turn of the century, shortly after the invention of the four-wheeled automobile, and quickly gained an aura adventurousness and rebellion. After the Second World War, that process quickened, as "gangs" of motorcycle enthusiasts began to form. While many of them just wanted to ride around, drink beer, and ride some more, some of the gangs got caught up in criminal activity. Hollywood picked up on this, and cranked out a bunch of low-budget movies depicting all motorcyclists as leather-wearing hoodlums. The films were similar to the Grade-B flick that Homer saw. This became sort of a self-fulfilling image, as troublemakers came to be drawn to motorcycles, while law-abiding people shied away. (Although a core group of dedicated, and lawful, enthusiasts continued to ride.) That began to change in the Sixties. The Japanese began making inroads with smaller, less-threatening cycles. Meanwhile, rebellion began being seen as a *good* thing. As the Sixties generation grew up and gathered some discretional income, they bought motorcycles. Partly, it was to get that image of adventure and "bad-ass-ness" (which did not thrill longtime bikers). Partly, it was to reclaim their youth. And partly it was because of an appreciation of the motorcycles themselves, in particular the flashy Harley-Davidson bikes. Today's most sought-after bikes resemble those old vintage models, making the authentic 1955 H-D that Homer won all the more valuable. (Perhaps even too valuable to use daily, as Homer does.) Meanwhile, Haynes Lee warns: Starting a club chapter is a very complicated process. Starting one without permission will result in death. "Jabbalvr" corroborates: There was an incident when [Dan Aykroyd] drew the ire of some actual Hell's Angels by copying their insignias on some motorcycle jackets for a sketch [on "Saturday Night Live"]. The Angels became a lot friendlier after Aykroyd returned their "colors" and showed his respect. Haynes Lee adds: "Hell's Angels" was a famous 1930 movie about RCAF pilots. I don't know if that's what the motorcycle gang is named after but they did form shortly after WWII. >> License to Ride Ondre Lombard, in the "Goofs" section, noted: The episode doesn't seem to make any indications that Homer applies and takes a test for a class-M vehicle to legally drive the motorcycle. Jim Pearson responds: Varies by state ... now we have more fodder for the "What State is Springfield In?" argument, eh? On the other hand -- come now, a Bad Boy On A Hog hardly needs a LICENSE! (Or a helmet, for that matter ... and the lack thereof seemed a bit careless ... but when Flanders was the only character wearing one ... it went from "careless" to "mocking a responsible decision," which surprised me.) >> That's why she's Cycle Slut of the Month Nate Birch keenly observes: Wow, Marge is still pretty hot for a woman in her late 30's, she doesn't seem to work out though, and it seems like she eats pork chops every night, she's even had 3 kids ... but the real question is, what the heck is she doing married to Homer? >> Will Mickey Rourke be there? Joe Klemm: Every summer, an annual biker rally takes place at Sturgess, South Dakota. Thousands of bike owners make the trip to South Dakota and hang out with their fellow bikers. Recently, a wrestling league has chosen the biker rally as the site of an annual PPV event, thus making the rally more familiar to others. >> It's still easier than dueling with SUVs No, you can't fence with motorcycles. Everyone knows that, including the writers. The motorcycle fight was a deliberate error, which is why it's not included in the "Goofs" section. David Chesler adds this interesting side note: A light UJM (Universal Japanese Motorcycle, e.g. a mid-1970s Honda CB360) would weigh in at about 360 pounds (yes, still too heavy to fence with or for Marge to toss up to Homer); 1000 pounds if full-dress cruiser size (e.g. Goldwing); a Harley chopper would be a little less. >> Miscellaneous, Etc. The Haynes Lee alterna-title for this show is: Sleazy Rider Jeff Cross: Some alternate titles: "Easy Ri-D'oh!" and "Rebel Without A Clue", although the second was from a Tom Petty song Andrew Levine (and Joe Green, a little later) suggests: The Fabulous Biker Boys Richard E. Green [who I assume is no relation]: Where Springfield ISN'T -- Michigan or South Dakota. Aaron Hirshberg: You can drive a motorcycle from Bakersfield to where the Simpsons live with relative ease. Some clue! Richard E. Green, again: Act 2 timed in at 10:13 ... is this the longest act ever? (I think that title previously went to one act of 3F22 ... but I'm too lazy to look it up). [I wasn't. Act 2 of "Summer of 4 Foot 2" was 11 minutes, 9 seconds long -- Ed.] Don Del Grande: It's the first live action ending for a NON-HALLOWEEN SPECIAL episode. Darrel Jones: The whole Benjamin Franklin quote, from his "Poor Richard's Almanac", is "Fish and visitors stink in three days". [Adam Bailey says it's, "smell."] A rather appropriate saying, and I'm surprised Homer knew it. ============================================================================== > Quotes and Scene Summary {bjr} ============================================================================== % It's family TV time for the Simpsons and, once again, they've chosen % to watch a show of questionable merit. Tonight, it's a "Guinness % World Record" show featuring a man without a face, the world's % smelliest tumor, and the world's least predictive dog. % % Luckily, there's a commercial break. Jack: Ey, remember the Fifties? Remember television, Coca-Cola, and Dick Clark? Homer: [gasps] I remember television! Jack: Come join me, Wolfguy Jack, at Greaser's Café, where it's 1955 every day of the year, baby. Disclaimer Man: Actual year may vary. Consult calendar for current year. Marge: A fifties-style restaurant. Lisa: What a neat idea. Bart: Why don't we eat there tonight? Homer: Ah, we'll go next month. -- No time like the future for the past, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % True to Homer's word, the family goes to Greaser's one month later. % It is indeed a cornucopia of Fifties kitsch. In addition to the % standard chrome fixtures, pastel colors, and bouncy upbeat music on % the jukebox, the booths are made out of period cars. Waitresses % roller-skate from one customer to another, just like they didn't way % back when. Newspaper headlines of the era, like "Beatles Unite!" % decorate the walls. % % The restrooms carry the theme by being labeled "Cool Cats" and % "Squares." Lenny tries the first one, but to everyone's surprise, % it's the ladies room. Embarrassed, he slinks to the "Squares" room. % No dice -- that one's for the ladies, too. % % Jay North, who played "Dennis the Menace" on TV, sits in a booth to % greet his fans. Bart: Dennis the Menace? North: Yes, I was America's bad boy. I once hid my dad's hat. [laughs] Bart: Uh-huh. North: And another time, I accidentally stepped in Mr. Wilson's flower bed. That was a two-part episode. [laughs] Bart: I have to go. -- He has to go step in Flanders' flower bed, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % The family settles into their booth. As Abe tries to drive to % California, Lisa reads, with increasing skepticism, the items on the % menu, which include Alan Gins-burgers, and Polio Dogs. Homer is % fascinated by the old-timey napkin dispenser, even though Lisa % points out it's exactly the same thing as a modern napkin dispenser. % % Homer's fascination with the dispenser is interrupted by Wolfguy % Jack's trademark howl. Jack: [howls, then coughs] Aw, man, oh, my throat doctor says I'm not supposed to do that anymore. Okay, is everybody ready for our nightly dance contest? Marge: Dancing! Homer: Oh, no, you're not getting me on that dance floor. Don't try and make me. [shakes his fist] If I have to get a divorce, I will. Jack: Our grand prize tonight is a vintage 1955 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. [a turntable spins around to reveal a model Fifties garb and a gleaming red motorcycle] Homer: Oh! Oh! I need a dance partner! [points at Marge] What about you? Marge: Okay, Daddio. -- He just needed the right incentive, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Wolfguy Jack cues up Johnny Bobby's "Mental House Rock," and the % dance contestants prepare to twist the night away. Homer and Marge % can really cut a rug. He spins Marge around the dance floor. Then % Marge manages to spin Homer in the same way. Homer again spins % Marge, this time by the hair. (Ouch!) The couple does a running % backflip off a wall. Then, Homer tosses Marge so far in the air, % she flies out the roof, and has to re-enter by the front door. For % a finale, Homer spins Marge in place, mussing her hair (and probably % polishing the floor a little, too). % % Wolfguy is mighty impressed. "I've never seen such reckless % disregard for a wife's well-being in my life," he says, as if this % were a good thing. Homer and Marge are duly awarded the motorcycle. % It doesn't take long for Homer to get possessive about his new toy. % As the crowd presses closer to look at it, Homer barks at them to % back off. Jack: Okay, hep cats, let's twirl some more platters at Greaser's Café, where the Fifties are never going away. [three days later, he boards up the restaurant] Well, that dream is over. Least we still have each other, right honey? Honey? [the camera pulls back to reveal Jack standing alone, on a dark rainy day. He howls, but it dissolves into another coughing fit] Aw, God. -- "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % [End of Act One. Time: 4:09] % % Homer takes his prize home, where he sits in the front yard, making % motorcycle noises and pretending to ride. Bart, promising not to % laugh at the answer, asks Homer why he doesn't just hit the road? % Homer reveals the truth: He doesn't know how to ride. After % breaking his promise not to laugh -- for several hours -- Bart % agrees to tutor Homer in the fine art of Zen and motorcycle riding. % % The lessons begin, as we hear a folksy mid-tempo guitar tune. Singer: You showed me everything Oh, you took me by the hand [Bart pushes Homer, on the motorcycle, down the street. Training wheels mounted on the bike keep it from tipping over] Puppy dogs and Lincoln Logs And castles by the sand [Bart lets go, and Homer crashes through the fence] You gave me the courage To spread my newborn wings Like Mayonnaise and Marmalade And other spreadable things [Homer revs the motorcycle engine. Both his pants and his shirt get caught in the chain an chewed up, leaving Homer in his undies] So I guess you are my hero And there's something you should know I want to make it clear, So I'm going to sing it slow [Bart on his bike, and Homer on the motorcycle, ride side by side down the street. Homer indicates he's ready to go solo, and revs the engine. The motorcycle slips out from under him, flies through the air, and crashes through the roof of a house. The two share a laugh] If you weren't a man, And my father, too, I'd buy you a diamond ring, And then I'd marry you. [Homer finally gets it right. The camera pans to the sky, and spectral images of Homer and Bart appear on the full moon, smiling] -- A father and son moment, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Speaking of lessons, Mrs. Krabappel calls her class to order at % Springfield Elementary. Krabappel: All right, class, today we'll be sitting quietly in the dark because teacher has a hangover. [tries to close a window shade, but it rolls back up with a loud snap. Then, the roar of a motorcycle engine can be heard] Ugh -- like a chainsaw in my head! [Homer and Bart ride into the classroom, coming to a stop after knocking over Martin's desk. Bart hops off the bike] Nelson: Sweet Hog, Mr. Simpson. Homer: Remember to rebel against authority, kids! [roars off] Skinner: [over intercom] Don't listen to him, children. Milhouse: But we already did. [panicky] Now I can't get it out of my head! [Nelson whaps him with a book] Krabappel: Thank you, Nelson. -- "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % The motorcycle accompanies Homer to church, where his engine-revving % prompts Rev. Lovejoy to give up on the day's sermon. The crowd % cheers and rushes out of the church. The engine noise is rather % less welcome in the Simpsons' bedroom, but when Marge complains, % Homer and the motorcycle just tune her out. % % Homer watches an old black-and-white movie on TV. Announcer: And now, back to your Tuesday morning movie. [a boy who resembles James Dean in a leather jacket runs out of a modest house, gets on a motorcycle, and rides away] Mother: Oh, I don't know what's the matter with Jimmy. He won't do his homework, he only salutes the flag with one finger, and he comes home every night with other peoples' blood on his shirt. Father: He's a rebel, I tell you, a rebel without a cause -- just like that boy in that popular movie we saw. [Jimmy and his gang ride through a store, raising havoc] Homer: Yeah, that's the life for me, Marge. Cruising and hassling shopkeepers. Cop: [arresting Jimmy] When will you teens learn to be uncool like everyone else? Jimmy: Never, pops. Homer: That's right -- never! Jimmy: You can arrest me, but you'll never defeat the Cobras. Nothing can defeat a motorcycle gang! [close up on Jimmy's face as he's put behind bars. A gang of bikers riding in a cloud of dust, and the words "The End," is superimposed on the screen] Homer: A gang -- that's the answer! Lisa: Answer to what? Homer: Hey, don't make me hassle you, Lisa. -- "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Homer gets his gang together, the but the effect is less than % menacing. Moe has a motorcycle from the 20s, which sparks and % breaks down. At least he's better off than Carl and Lenny, who % don't have motorcycles at all. Even so, Ned is interested in % joining up, offering the use of his den (with bumper pool table) as % the gang lair. That's too good to turn down, so Ned's in. % % After some beers and a game of pool, the club gets down to business. Homer: The first meeting of Hell's Satans is called to order. Ned: I move we reconsider our club name. Make it something a little less blasphemous. After all, [chuckles] we don't want to go to Hell. Lenny: How about the Devil's Pals? Ned: No. Moe: The Christ Punchers. Ned: The Christ ... I, I don't think you understand my objection. Homer: I'm the president the decision is mine. We're Hell's Satans! Besides, I already made our club jackets. [holds up a light blue windbreaker with "Hell's Satans" crudely written on it, then passes them out to the gang] Lenny: [reading the care label] Ooh, "Machine wash warm." Carl: [reading the care label] "Tumble dry." Ooh, la, la. -- It's what all the biker gangs in Paris are wearing this year, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % The newly-christened gang rides around town. Homer is on his red % Harley, while Moe has finally resurrected his old motorcycle. (Or % maybe not -- it still trails a cloud of black smoke.) Carl has a % yellow scooter he rented from Hertz. Flanders is on a child's % bicycle. Lenny brings up the rear in a riding mower. % % They pull up alongside Chief Wiggum, and taunt him by making oinking % noises. Wiggum vows he will put them in juvenile detention someday. % In retaliation, Homer quotes a line from the movie he saw Tuesday, % but gets the name of his gang wrong. Embarrassed, he make a few % quick "oinks" then makes a hasty exit. % % The gang loiters around the Kwik-E-Mart, until Apu chases them away % with his mighty broom (although the broom upsets Manjula). % % Homer is pleasantly surprised to find his picture of Hell's Satans % in "Outlaw Biker" magazine. Marge is also surprised, but by a % different photo -- one of her in a nightgown, sound asleep. She's % been named "Cycle Slut of the Month," but that doesn't impress her. Marge: You took a picture of me when I was asleep? Homer: If you'd been awake you would have said, "no." You can see the bind I was in. Marge: [reading from the magazine] Her turn-ons include thievery and liquor. Her turns-offs include underpants, pedestrians, and justice -- [disgusted] Ohhh. -- "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Homer and Marge's fight is interrupted by the roar of engines and % war whoops. A gang of bikers -- a real one this time -- rides down % Evergreen Terrace. Following the signal of their leader, they cut % across Homer's lawn and into his house. The lead man rides up the % stairs and bursts into Homer's bedroom landing, motorcycle and all, % atop his bed. Meathook: We're the Hell's Satans out of Bakersfield. Homer: You're the Hell's Satans? What a fun coincidence! My gang's name is also the -- Meathook: Shut up! [picks up Homer by his two hairs] You stole our club name. [the other gang members arrive in the bedroom] Ramrod: According to our bylaws, we gotta stomp you. [lets go of Homer] Meathook: Take off that jacket, man. Homer: Okay. [takes off his club jacket] Meathook: [pulls out a switchblade knife, then a switchblade fork] Now, eat it. Homer: [meekly] All right. [cut to some time later, as Homer finishes the jacket] Ramrod: Hey, hey! Chew with your mouth closed, please. Homer: [sucks down a sleeve] Done. Marge: Okay, Meathook, I think he learned his lesson. [maybe not, since Homer is putting on a sweater with "Hell's Satans" embroidered on it] Meathook: Aw, man, now you gotta eat that, too! Homer: Ohhh. Ramrod: You got anything else with our logo on it? Homer: Caps and Frisbees, sir. Meathook: You gotta eat them, too! Homer: ... and some pogs. -- At least they're not as strict as Fox legal, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Hell's Satans make themselves at home, playing loud music, getting % tattoos, drinking out of a toilet, and just generally making a mess % of things. Marge tries to make the best of things, putting pans % down to protect the floors from the oil dribbling out of the gang's % motorcycles and the spittle dribbling out of their mouths. % % As the gang members fight amongst themselves, Homer secretly calls % the police from the hall closet. Homer: Hello, police? Can you send a SWAT team to 742 Evergreen Te -- Wiggum: Forget it, Simpson. Those pig noises you made really hurt my feelings, looking like a pig as I do. Homer: But you have so much inner beauty. Wiggum: Well, uh, be that as it may, ah, the gang is wanted in eight other states and we have a little saying around here: Let Michigan handle it. -- The buck stops in Detroit, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % One morning, Meathook tries making eggs -- in the toaster. Marge: Stop that! If you want some food, I'll be happy to make you some breakfast. Meathook: I'd kill for some waffles. Ramrod: He has. [to Meathook] Remember the IHOP in Oakland? [the two laugh heartily] [cut to Meathook and Ramrod eating breakfast] Hey, this is a lot better than that rancid filth we find in the Dumpsters. Marge: Thank you, Ramrod. Meathook: Marge, how did you get my jacket so clean? I've tried everything to get those blood and puke stains out. I've tried hitting them, I've tried yelling at 'em ... Marge: All it takes is the right cleanser and a little elbow grease. Ramrod: [holding up a "Hell's Satans" patch] Do you have anything that will get this emblem back on my jacket? I've tried spitting at it, you know, but -- Marge: Just put it on my sewing pile. [holds up a laundry basket] Okay, I'm doing another load of bandanas! [bandanas fly in from all directions] -- All the comforts of home, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Living standards for the Hell's Satans may have improved, but the % rest of the family is still roughing it. Lisa, in particular, tires % of taking showers in the back yard, especially with Rod and Todd % Flanders watching from their bedroom window. % % Homer puts his foot down and tells the bikers that it's time for % them to go. However, it looks like they've already gone on their % own. % % At the kitchen table, Homer regales this children with his story of % bravery. Homer: ... and the bikers saw the hard look in my eye -- you know that hard look I get sometimes -- and they ran away like schoolgirls, with their tails between their legs. [imitates girlish screams, and then laughs] Bart: Way to go, Dad. Hey, where's the food? Lisa: And why aren't I at school? Homer: Yeah, someone really dropped the ball here. Marge? Marge? [looks around, revealing a note tacked to the back of his head] Lisa: Dad, there's a note on the back of your head. Homer: Really? Read it. Bart: [untacks the note, then replaces the tack on Homer's head] [reading] Thanks for let us crash in your pad. We had a very nice time. Homer: Aw, that's sweet. Bart: [continuing] P.S., we've taken your old lady. Homer: D'oh! -- Swiping the towels wasn't good enough, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % [End of Act Two. Time: 14:20] % % The gang, with Marge in tow, set up camp in the woods. Marge: Could you at least tell me what you're planning to do with me? Meathook: Oh, don't worry -- you're completely safe. None of us finds you sexually attractive. Marge: None of you? Really? I could have sworn that Ramrod ... [Ramrod shakes his head] Hm. Well, did you see that picture of me in ... [gang nods] And you still don't ... [gang shakes their heads] Meathook: Sorry. Marge: Well, good, I guess. -- Be careful what you wish for, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Homer heads out to search for his wife. He leaves instructions with % Lisa to contact Korean Love Brides if he fails to find Marge. % % Homer's first stop leads him to Poppa Wheelie's, a biker bar and % thus a promising place to find leads. The bikers are too busy % drinking, fighting, and listening to NRBQ to pay much attention to % Homer, though, until Homer breaks a beer mug. The next thing he % knows, he's regaining consciousness in the parking lot. He tries % again to get some help, only to wind up in the same parking lot. % Muttering about how some folks never learn, he goes back into the % bar. % % While Homer tries to elicit some cooperation from Poppa Wheelie's % patrons, the Hell's Satans are making travelling plans. Meathook: All right, Satans, we roll out at dawn! Marge: Where are we going? Meathook: To the bikers' jamboree in South Dakota. You'll love it. Mickey Rourke's coming, and we're gonna jump him. Marge: You know, there's more to life than boozing and roughhousing. [the bikers appear surprised by this revelation] Haven't any of you ever had a dream? Ramrod: Yeah, I had a dream! I was in this beautiful garden, pounding the crap out of a shopkeeper. Then -- Marge: No, no, I mean the dream of a good job, a loving family, and a home in the suburbs. Meathook: Aw, man, to get all that you'd have to kill, like, fifty people. Marge: No, you don't have to kill anyone. Not if you have jobs. And the first step is an eye-catching résumé. [accent on last syllable] Ramrod: No, I believe it's pronounced, "résumé." [accent on first syllable] Meathook: Actually, both are acceptable. -- Diction tips courtesy of the Hell's Satans, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Homer's search takes him to a country gas station. Attendant: Yeah, I did see some bikers ride by here with a blue-haired woman, about ten minutes ago. Said they were going to spend the night at Crystal Lake campgrounds, section K, space 217. I'm sorry I can't be of more help. Homer: I guess I'll never find her. -- Not unless you get some good leads, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Marge's career makeover course continues. Marge: When you get a job interview, try not to call your employer a punk, or a skank. Meathook: Makes sense. Ramrod: Oh, *don't* call them skanks. [Meathook's pencil snaps] Meathook: Miss Simpson? I killed my pencil. Marge: Broke. You "broke" your pencil. Meathook: I ... broke him. Marge: That's right. And what else have we learned? Ramrod: [raises hand] Ooh, ooh! That, uh, violence is wrong. Marge: Excellent, Ramrod. Civilized people solve their disputes with words. -- "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Just then, Homer (who must have audited Marge's civilization class) % bursts out of the bushes and attacks the gang. The gang leader % isn't sure what the proper response is to Homer's violent argument, % and Marge encourages him to talk it out with her husband. Meathook % assures Homer that his chapter of the Hell's Satans just wants to % live in peace -- with Marge. Homer nixes that idea. No! My wife is not a doobie, to be passed around! I took a sacred vow on my wedding day to bogart her forever. -- Homer Simpson, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Meathook proposes the only civilized alternative, which in this case % would be a fight in the circle of death. % % Homer and Meathook face off in the circle, which has been freshly % swept by Marge. As the gang eggs the two on, Homer and Meathook % fight with chains. Their chains get tangled up in each other, and % Meathook hurls the tangled knot out of the circle, narrowly missing % Marge. Meathook picks up a big monkey wrench and takes a few swings % at Homer. Finally, the Homer resorts the ultimate dueling weapon -- % motorcycles. Homer picks one up by the back tire and swings it at % Meathook. The gang leader picks up a motorcycle of his own. % Brandishing the choppers like swords, the two fight their way to the % top of a stone staircase that conveniently happens to be located in % the middle of nowhere. Meathook finally drives Homer to the top of % the stairs, which is bad for Homer because the next step is a long % way down. Meathook: You know what I'm going to do after I kill you? Take your wallet. Homer: Never -- it was a gift from "Newsweek." -- And a prized family heirloom, "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Meathook deftly knock's Homer's bike out of his hands. Marge tosses % Homer another motorcycle. He knocks Meathook back down the stairs % and demands the return of his woman. Defeated, Meathook gives her % up. Meathook: I don't blame you for wanting her back so bad. A woman like that only comes along every couple of miles. Marge: Oh ... Meathook: Hey! Can we at least keep her till the orgy at San Berdoo? Homer: What do you say, honey? Marge: No. Homer: [to Meathook, menacingly] No dice. -- "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % With the possession of Marge amicably settled, the Hell's Satans say % goodbye before heading to their jamboree. Marge: Goodbye, everybody! Biker 1: Goodbye, Mrs. Simpson. Biker 2: Goodbye, Mrs. Simpson. Meathook: Goodbye, Marge. Ramrod: Bye-bye, Mrs. S. Meathook: We'll stop at the nearest town and mail our résumés. Ramrod: "Résumés" -- it still sounds weird to me. [the bikers roar off] -- "Take My Wife, Sleaze" % Homer and Marge ride home on Homer's Harley. He stops off at Poppa % Wheelie's to take care of some "unfinished business." Seconds % later, he dashes out of the bar with a keg of beer. With Marge % driving, the two hastily ride back to their good job, loving family, % and house in the suburbs. % % In a rare live-action scene, NRBQ plays their rendition of the % show's closing theme. % % [End of Act Three. Time (including live-action ending): 21:02] ============================================================================== > Contributors ============================================================================== {al} Adam Long {bc2} Brian Corvello {bjr} Benjamin Robinson {bmn} Bill McNeal {cb} Castle Brooks {cg} Curtis Gibby {db} David Brunt {dj} Darrel Jones {ds} Dave Sibley {gy} George Yorston {hl} Haynes Lee {ja} James Allen {jc} Jeff Cross {jg2} Joe Green {jk} Joe Klemm {kb} Kyle Bastian {mh} M Hagai {mjf} Mark J. Finegold {ms} Mike Smith {ol} Ondre Lombard {rc} Ril Chiam {reg} Richard E. Green {rk} Ray Kassinger {tdm} Travis D. McLemore {tr} Tom Rinschler {wb} Wilson Banswell ============================================================================== > Legal Mumbo Jumbo ============================================================================== This episode capsule is Copyright 2001 The Simpsons Archive. It is not to be redistributed in a public forum without consent from its author or current maintainer (capsules@snpp.com). All quoted material and episode summaries remain property of The Simpsons, Copyright of Twentieth Century Fox. All other contributions remain the properties of their respective authors. The Quote and Scene Summary itself is Copyright 2001 Benjamin Robinson. This capsule has been brought to you by Greaser's Café. This work is dedicated to Raymond Chen, James A. Cherry, Ricardo Lafaurie, Frederic Briere, and all of those who made episode capsules what they are today.