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"Homer vs. Dignity" |
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This episode is considered controversial: it may involve uncomfortable topics and/or negative reception. We take no responsibility for any topics discussed and are simply here to summarize the episode and situation. Reader discretion is advised.
The reason given is: It involves the sexual abuse explained below.
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This article contains a sexual abuse. The scene in question involves Homer (who is in clear distress) being overpowered by a panda: it appears exaggerated, but can still upset and resonate with viewers. It is fair to review the general nature of sexual abuse: it is any form of sexual violence, including rape, child molestation, incest, and similar forms of non-consensual sexual contact. Most sexual abuse experts agree sexual abuse is never only about sex. Instead, it is often an attempt to gain power over others. If you or anyone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, help is available. Visit the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or contact RAINN's National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673). |
| “ | Baby made a boom-boom. | „ |
| ~ Homer Simpson |
"Homer vs. Dignity" is the fifth episode of Season 12.
Synopsis[]
Short on funds, Homer approaches the ever-wealthy Mr. Burns for a token raise, but when Burns grants his request on the condition that Homer act as his personal jester, the Simpson family finds itself the subject of degrading and embarrassing activities.
Full Story[]
When Bart gets his first A (he tried to "cheat" in order to get his mind off the fact that Edna Krabappel and Principal Skinner were making out in the classroom, not realizing that what he thought was cheating was actually studying), the family celebrates by eating at "The Singing Sirloin". Unable to pay the bill (due to Homer's credit card being rejected), they try to dine and dash, but are caught and end up having to play mariachi music to pay the restaurant back.
The financial planner gives advice
Marge sees that they are in financial trouble, and suggests they should see a financial planner. The planner tells them that their financial problems are due to Homer's being too stupid to follow a budget, and the only solution is more money—even declaring bankruptcy several times won't make them financially solvent.
Lenny's eye has pudding in it
Smithers takes some vacation time to star in a musical he wrote about Malibu Stacy. Mr. Burns takes the opportunity to go have some fun sans Smithers. Homer works up the courage to ask Burns for a raise, and he gets the chance when Burns wanders into the "cafe-torium." Homer asks for a raise, but Burns instead offers to give Homer money if he hits Lenny with a dish of pudding. Homer initially objects, but once he does it, Burns has a good laugh and hires Homer as his official "prank monkey."
Burns' pranks harms the dignity of Homer and others locals, but Homer doesn't care as long as he gets paid. He also keeps his prank work a secret from his family, dodging the question when Marge asks where the extra money is coming from. Homer is unmasked, however, during a prank that involves Homer dressing as a new female panda donated to the Springfield City Zoo. The zoo's male panda Ping Ping takes a liking to Homer and makes him his mate. When Homer tries to escape, he gets caught on the fence and loses the head of his costume, and Lisa discovers him. Homer also gets sprayed by a herd of skunks.
Homer donates money
Lisa isn't proud that her father is selling his dignity away, and tells him he needs to stand up to Mr. Burns. Homer succeeds in doing so, in spite of Burns' tempting him with more money. Homer is then left wondering what he can do with all the money he now realizes is ill-gotten gains, and Lisa suggests that he donate it to charity. Homer goes to Costington's and donates all the money to buy toys for poor children. The store owner is moved by this gesture and makes Homer the Santa Claus for the Thanksgiving Day parade. Homer's job in the parade is to wave from his float, yell "Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas!", and throw presents to the crowd.
Mr Burns as Santa
Burns sees this as the perfect opportunity to pull a prank on the whole town. He pulls up beside Homer in another float (a pirate ship with the words "HAPPY PRANKSGIVING" on the side) and makes Homer an offer: one million dollars if he'll throw fish guts onto the crowd instead of presents. Homer is torn between the money and the fact that "Santa can't be evil!"
Moments later, Lisa sees "Santa" tossing fish guts at the crowd and is heartbroken, thinks her father sold his soul until she realizes that Homer is in the crowd with her standing next to them and found out that the Santa on the float is Mr. Burns: "Ho, ho, ho! Merry Fish-mas!" As seagulls invade the town, attacking all those with fish guts on them, Homer says that Lisa gave him an early Christmas present—the gift of dignity. They then get pelted by fish guts.
Broadcast History[]
United States[]
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Reception[]
The episode is considered one of the worst episodes of the series, due to the use of vulgar, bottom-of-the-barrel humor (Comic Book Guy's "If only the chicks went down this easy" line after he eats an entire box of Peeps, Homer pretending to be a baby in need of a diaper change in the men's room). However, the sequence with Homer dressed as Sim-Sim the Panda and getting sexually assaulted by a bull panda named Ping-Ping is considered by fans and critics (mostly fans and mostly current Internet critics) to be the show at its lowest and most vulgar. On the DVD commentary, the crew members do acknowledge that Simpsons fans hate this episode, but, according to Mike Scully, the hate comes from the fact that no viewer was familiar with the novel/movie The Magic Christian and didn't understand the reference.