Homer to the Max/References

Cultural references

 * The TV show "Police Cops" is an homage to Miami Vice.
 * When Homer complains that the once-heroic character sharing his name was suddenly changed, Marge argues that the character is simply comic relief now, "like Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now."
 * The theme song Max composes for himself is a spoof of the Goldfinger theme song.
 * A joke at the start of the episode draws attention to a pay dispute between Fox and the show's voice actors that was happening around the time this episode was produced. After noting that the fictional upcoming midseason TV show The Laughter Family is animated, Homer explains, "Networks like animation 'cause they don't have to pay the actors squat!" Ned Flanders is then seen walking past the Simpsons' living room window saying "Plus, they can replace them, and no one can tell the diddley-ifference!" Not only is this a direct reference, Ned's line is also spoken by a different voice actor than normal (Karl Wiedergott; Ned is normally voiced by Harry Shearer).
 * While Lisa explains to Homer what TV producers do to their shows, Mr. Largo and the Capital City Goofball make cameo appearances in the background as she is saying, "They change characters, drop others, and push some into the background."
 * Homer mentions high-school girl Debbie Pinson. She reappears in Season 20 episode "Take My Life, Please".