Trilogy of Error

Infobox Simpsons episode
episode_name = Trilogy of Error


image_caption = Homer after Marge accidentally cuts off his thumb.
episode_no = 266
prod_code = CABF14
airdate = April 29 2001
show runner = Mike Scully
writer = Matt Selman
director = Mike B. Anderson
blackboard = "Fire is not the cleanser"
couch_gag = The family skateboards to the couch, jumping off a ramp and doing some aerial stunts before landing, except Homer, who falls off the edge of the ramp and is hit on the head with his own skateboard.
guest_star = Frankie Muniz as Thelonius
Joe Mantegna as Fat Tony
season = 12"Trilogy of Error" is the eighteenth episode of "The Simpsons"' twelfth season, which originally aired April 29 2001. It was written by Matt Selman and directed by Mike B. Anderson. Frankie Muniz provides a guest star voice. The episode portrays one day from the viewpoints of three different characters: Homer, Lisa, and Bart, piecing them together to make a complete story. [http://www.snpp.com/episodes/CABF14 SNPP: Trilogy of Error.]

Plot

Three intertwining tales offer different perspectives on a day in the life of the Simpsons. First, Homer's attempt to get himself a freshly baked brownie results in Marge accidentally cutting off his thumb. They must race to the hospital to get it reattached. In the meantime, Lisa can not find her bike and is left without a ride to school on the day of the big science fair. Her invention, a robot named Linguo that corrects grammar, can not win first prize unless she enters on time. In her numerous attempts to get to school, she eventually crosses paths with the rest of the family. Meanwhile, Bart and Milhouse uncover a stash of fireworks. When Chief Wiggum catches up to them, he enlists their help in an undercover sting operation, with explosive results. As the mayhem of the day unfolds, it becomes clear how the actions of each family member directly affect the rest of the household.

Cultural references

*In the scene where Marge cuts off Homer's thumb, she says "If we hurry they can re-attach your thumb." Homer replies: "Re-attach a thumb? This isn't "Gattaca"!" Homer's remark is a reference to the 1997 film "Gattaca".
*The title is a reference to the 1975 horror film "Trilogy of Terror".
*This episode is based upon the films "Run Lola Run" and "Go". It features music from the "Run Lola Run" soundtrack.
*The scene where Rainer Wolfcastle attacks Marge's windshield with a golf club is a reference to a similar incident in 1994 involving Jack Nicholson breaking a driver's windshield with a golf club after the driver allegedly cut him off.
*Flanders' reactions to and subsequent burning of a "Harry Potter" book are a reference to real-life allegations by some Christian groups that the "Harry Potter" series promotes witchcraft.
*In the French class, there is a poster that is a combined spoof of the four basic food groups and food pyramid.
*Dr. Nick's quote, "? What a country!" is a take on Yakov Smirnoff's popular "" jokes.
*When Lisa and Thelonious are spinning in circles, the song Happy Together is played.
*Frank Muniz's character "Thelonius" is named after Thelonious Monk the jazz pianist.
*Rainier Wolfcastle is seen driving a Ferrari F40 before Homer and Marge steal it while Wolfcastle is smashing their car with a golf club.
*The band Hootie and the Blowfish was referenced on The Simpsons, when Bart was to act as a mole for Chief Wiggum. Wiggum recorded the audio from Bart's wire over a Hootie and the Blowfish cassette because, as he explained, “It's cheaper than blank tape."
*While Homer is drunk at "Moe's", he compares the Blue Man Group to The Smurfs, then says The Smurfs suck.

References

External links

*snpp capsule|CABF14
*imdb episode|id=0701288|episode=Trilogy of Error