Homer and Ned's Hail Mary Pass/References

Trivia

 * We learn Comic Book Guy's real name is Jeff Albertson.
 * With 23.1 Million viewers, this episode is one of the highest rated episodes in Simpsons history.
 * Homer is called a "jerkass" by a sports commentator. This is a possible reference to "Jerkass Homer", which is what many internet fans called Homer during the Scully era (Seasons 9-12)
 * Ned is dressed as the Devil in his film in the same way he appeared as the Devil in "Treehouse of Horror IV".
 * Quarterback Tom Brady, who made a cameo in this episode, led the New England Patriots to victory in Super Bowl XXXIX, which aired immediately before this episode.

Cultural References

 * Legendary video game character Mario of Super Mario Brothers makes a cameo in this episode, where a disgruntled Homer fights with him due to his annoyance. The fight is a direct parody of Donkey Kong with Homer tossing garbage cans like Donkey Kong tossing Barrels at Mario.
 * Flanders' violent films are an obvious parody of The Passion of the Christ.
 * Michelle Kwan's line, "Beware the wrath of Kwan!" is a reference to the movie Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
 * Homer is watching TV and the news reporter were announcing the wedding for Pac-Man and Ms.Pac-Man. the ghosts were there to as they dance to the song "physical."

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