Missionary: Impossible

Last updated

"Missionary: Impossible"
The Simpsons episode
Episode no.Season 11
Episode 15
Directed by Steven Dean Moore
Written by Ron Hauge
Production codeBABF11
Original air dateFebruary 20, 2000 (2000-02-20)
Guest appearance
Betty White as herself
Episode features
Chalkboard gag "A belch is not an oral report"
Couch gag The living room is a subway station. The family (seated on a bench) get on the next train that arrives on the track and leave.
Commentary Mike Scully
George Meyer
Ron Hauge
Ian Maxtone-Graham
Matt Selman
Steven Dean Moore
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Alone Again, Natura-Diddily"		Next →
"Pygmoelian"
The Simpsons season 11
List of episodes

"Missionary: Impossible" is the fifteenth episode of the eleventh season of the American television series The Simpsons . It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on February 20, 2000. In the episode, Homer gets in trouble with PBS after confessing he does not have $10,000 to give them for their pledge drive, and ends up a missionary on a South Pacific island. It was directed by Steven Dean Moore and was the final episode written by Ron Hauge.

Contents

Plot

In an attempt to end a PBS pledge drive which interrupts a favorite show of his (a Thames Television British sitcom titled Do Shut Up), Homer anonymously pledges $10,000 to the network. However he is traced by the network, who press him for the money, but when it quickly becomes apparent that he cannot pay, he is chased by pledge drive host Betty White and a mob of PBS personalities (including the cast of Do Shut Up, Fred Rogers, Yo-Yo Ma, the Teletubbies, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, and Elmo). Homer claims sanctuary in the church, where Reverend Lovejoy gets the heat off him by sending him to be a missionary in Micronesia, even though he has little religious faith and knowledge of Christianity (such as mispronouncing Jesus as Jebus).

Homer arrives on an island and meets the outgoing missionaries and the natives, including a native girl who he names Lisa Jr. because she sounds just like Lisa. After initially despairing that there is no television or beer, and resorting to licking frogs for their hallucinogenic poison, Homer tries to teach them about religion, but realizing that he knows nothing. Instead, he decides to build a casino, introducing the natives to alcohol (brewed from holy water), gambling, gluttony, and violence to the island, ruining their virtuous way of life.

After the failure of the casino, Homer builds a chapel in penance, but he and Lisa Jr. ring the bell too loudly, causing an earthquake that releases a river of lava. As the two are about to sink to their deaths in the lava, the scene cuts to another pledge drive; this time, however, for the Fox network. It is revealed that The Simpsons itself is in danger of cancellation, while the entire network is facing financial hardship. Various Fox show personalities, including a cranky Rupert Murdoch, are manning the phones; the host is again Betty White, who entreats the viewers to help keep "crude, low-brow programming", such as Family Guy , on air. A caller pledges $10,000; Murdoch excitedly tells them that they have saved the network. The caller is revealed to be Bart, who responds to Murdoch's declaration by saying "Wouldn't be the first time".

Production

"Missionary: Impossible" was written by Ron Hauge and directed by Steven Dean Moore as part of the eleventh season of the show (1999–2000). Betty White's role was originally written for Mary Tyler Moore. Moore was unavailable, so they asked White, who accepted the role. [1]

Cultural references

In the beginning of the episode Homer is watching a program called Do Shut Up, described as "a delicious British sitcom about a hard-drinking yet loving family of soccer hooligans". [2] British English expressions terms used in the sitcom include "noggin", "wanker", and "soddin". [2]

Reception

Reception of the episode has been mostly positive.

Jeff Cotton of The Observer characterizes the episode as "A Classic". [2] Cotton notes: "There's a big finish, and one of those jokes at Fox's expense you know they wouldn't allow if The Simpsons wasn't their biggest cash cow." [2]

In a review of the episode for The Gazette , Alex Strachan writes: "Missionary: Impossible ... may not be the funniest Simpsons episode ever made. But it has some of the funniest lines about TV." [3] Strachan quotes Homer's description of the television program Do Shut Up to Bart - "If they're not having a go with a bird, they're having a row with a wanker!" - as one of the funniest moments in the episode, [3] but the line was cut from the British broadcast, as "wanker" is considered profanity in the UK. [4]

Writing in his review of the episode for The Simpsons 11th season DVD release, Colin Jacobson of DVD Movie Guide is critical of an "inane" choice by the producers to have Homer refer to Jesus as "Jeebus". [5] However, Jacobson gives the episode a positive review overall: "Highlighted by a fun turn from Betty White, the PBS segment amuses, and the pieces with Homer on the island do nicely as well. Despite 'Jeebus', this becomes arguably Season 11’s best episode." [5]

"Missionary: Impossible" was also named the best episode of the eleventh season of The Simpsons by IGN writers Robert Canning, Eric Goldman, Dan Iverson, and Brian Zoromski. They highlighted scenes "such as the building of the 'Lucky Savage' casino and the destruction of Homer's chapel by an earthquake and a river of lava," but also noted that "Some of the episode's best humor is back in Springfield, after Homer makes Bart the man of the house — as Bart fills in for Homer at the nuclear plant, Mr. Burns berates ‘Homer’ for his poor performance record, gets tired of talking and ends up just poking Bart with a stick. Betty White also gives a great guest performance as herself, hosting a PBS telethon and ridiculing those viewers who watch but don't send in contributions." [6]

The episode has become study material for sociology courses at University of California Berkeley, where it is used to "examine issues of the production and reception of cultural objects, in this case, a satirical cartoon show", and to figure out what it is "trying to tell audiences about aspects primarily of American society, and, to a lesser extent, about other societies." [7] Some questions asked in the courses include: "What aspects of American society are being addressed in the episode? What aspects of them are used to make the points? How is the satire conveyed: through language? Drawing? Music? Is the behavior of each character consistent with his/her character as developed over the years? Can we identify elements of the historical/political context that the writers are satirizing? What is the difference between satire and parody?" [7]

A New York Times blog mentions an article in L’Osservatore Romano claiming Homer is a "good Catholic" and disputes it with a clip from this episode in which Homer "memorably" declares, “I'm no missionary, I don't even believe in Jeebus!” seconds before uttering the despairing plea, “Save me, Jeebus!” [8]

Related Research Articles

"Homer's Odyssey" is the third episode of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox Network in the United States on January 21, 1990. In this episode, Homer becomes a crusader for safety in Springfield and is promoted to safety inspector at Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. The episode was written by Jay Kogen and Wallace Wolodarsky and was the first Simpsons script to be completed, although it was the third episode produced.

"Bart to the Future" is the seventeenth episode of the eleventh season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on March 19, 2000. In the episode, after their picnic in the park is cut short due to a mosquito infestation, the Simpsons stop by at an Indian casino. There, Bart is prevented from entering because he is 10 years old. He manages to sneak in but is caught by the guards and sent to the casino manager's office. The Native American manager shows Bart a vision of his future as a wannabe rock musician living with Ralph Wiggum, while Lisa has become the President of the United States and tries to get the country out of financial trouble. "Bart to the Future" was the second episode of The Simpsons to be set in the future, following "Lisa's Wedding."

"She of Little Faith" is the sixth episode of the thirteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired in the United States on the Fox network on December 16, 2001. In the episode, Bart Simpson and his father Homer accidentally launch a model rocket into the Springfield church, causing the church council to accept funding plans from Mr. Burns for reparation. Discontent with how commercialized the rebuilt church has become, Lisa abandons Christianity and seeks out to follow a new religion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Dad Who Knew Too Little</span> 8th episode of the 14th season of The Simpsons

"The Dad Who Knew Too Little" is the eighth episode of the fourteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 12, 2003. In the episode, Homer disappoints Lisa on her birthday when he gives her a thoughtless present. He realizes that he knows little about her and decides to hire private detective Dexter Colt to spy on her.

"Dead Putting Society" is the sixth episode of the second season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 15, 1990. In the episode, Homer and Ned quarrel and bet which of their sons, Bart or Todd, will win a miniature golf tournament. Homer is confident Bart will win and bets that the father of the boy who does not win must mow the other's lawn in his wife's Sunday dress.

"Helter Shelter" is the fifth episode of the fourteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on December 1, 2002. In the episode, the Simpson family has to find temporary residence while their house is fumigated for termites. When they run out of options, they decide to become contestants on a reality show where families live in the manner that people did in 1895. The family is initially miserable, but slowly adapt to their new life, which causes the show to lose ratings. The producers decide to try to boost viewers by dumping the house in a river and forcing the family to survive in the wilderness. However, the Simpsons find a bunch of rejects from other reality shows and they attack the producers.

"Sideshow Bob's Last Gleaming" is the ninth episode of the seventh season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 26, 1995. In this episode, Sideshow Bob attempts to rid Springfield of television by threatening to detonate an atomic bomb. When that backfires, he attempts to kill Bart once again, but this time along with Krusty the Clown.

"Wild Barts Can't Be Broken" is the eleventh episode of the tenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 17, 1999. When Homer, Barney, Lenny, and Carl drunkenly vandalize Springfield Elementary School, it is blamed on the children of Springfield, prompting Chief Wiggum to impose a curfew. The children respond by setting up a pirate radio show in which they reveal the embarrassing secrets of Springfield's adults. The episode was written by Larry Doyle and directed by Mark Ervin. The concept behind the episode originates from show producer Mike Scully always wanting to do an episode where the children would be subject to a curfew.

"The Old Man and the 'C' Student" is the twentieth episode of the tenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on April 25, 1999. In the episode, after offending the Olympic committee during their visit to Springfield Elementary, the school's students are committed to 20 hours of community service. Bart, along with his sister Lisa, is put in charge of Springfield's retirement home, where Bart notices the doldrums that the old people go through every day. Meanwhile, Bart and Lisa's father Homer tries to sell springs.

"$pringfield ", simply known as "$pringfield", is the tenth episode of the fifth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons, and the 91st episode overall. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on December 16, 1993. In the episode, Springfield legalizes gambling to revitalize its economy. Mr. Burns opens a casino where Homer is hired as a blackjack dealer. Marge develops a gambling addiction, Bart opens a casino in his tree house, and Burns' appearance and mental state deteriorate à la Howard Hughes.

"Faith Off" is the eleventh episode of the eleventh season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 16, 2000. In the episode, Bart believes he has the power to heal others through faith after removing a bucket glued to Homer's head. Meanwhile, Homer creates a homecoming game float for Springfield University.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">New Kid on the Block</span> 8th episode of the 4th season of The Simpsons

"New Kid on the Block" is the eighth episode of the fourth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 12, 1992. After meeting his new neighbor, Laura, Bart falls in love with her, only to later discover that she has a boyfriend, Jimbo Jones, whom he attempts to scare off so that he can have a relationship with Laura. Meanwhile, Homer sues the Sea Captain Horatio McCallister after being kicked out of his all-you-can-eat restaurant while still hungry.

"Two Bad Neighbors" is the thirteenth episode of the seventh season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It was written by Ken Keeler, directed by Wes Archer and inspired by the animosity toward the series' earlier run from the Bushes. In the episode, George H. W. Bush, the 41st President of the United States, moves across the street from the Simpsons. Homer seeks revenge after the former President spanks Bart for his bad behavior.

"Lisa's Substitute" is the nineteenth episode of the second season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on April 25, 1991. In the episode, Lisa's teacher Miss Hoover takes medical leave due to what she thinks is Lyme disease. Lisa finds the teaching methods of substitute teacher, Mr. Bergstrom, inspiring and discovers an entirely new love for learning. When Miss Hoover returns to class, Lisa is devastated to lose her most positive adult role model. Eventually, she realizes that while Mr. Bergstrom was one of a kind, she can find role models in other people, including her father Homer. Meanwhile, Bart runs for class president against Martin.

"Jaws Wired Shut" is the ninth episode of the thirteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on January 27, 2002. In the episode, Homer's jaw is broken when he collides with a statue of Drederick Tatum. Homer's jaw is wired shut, leaving him unable to speak. At first Marge enjoys Homer's inability to talk, since it makes him a better listener and a more compassionate person. Eventually Marge misses Homer's wild antics. Craving excitement, she enters a demolition derby.

"The War of the Simpsons" is the twentieth episode of the second season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on May 2, 1991. In the episode, Homer gets drunk at a dinner party and embarrasses Marge, so she enrolls them in marriage counseling at a lakeside retreat with Reverend Lovejoy.

"Dog of Death" is the nineteenth episode of the third season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on March 12, 1992. In the episode, Santa's Little Helper falls ill and the family must make budget cuts to pay for his operation. Although the dog's life is saved, the family begins to feel the strain of their sacrifices and starts treating him badly, causing him to run away. Santa's Little Helper ends up in the possession of Mr. Burns, who trains him to become a vicious attack dog. Several days later, Bart stumbles upon the trained Santa's Little Helper and is attacked, but the dog eventually recognizes his old friend and stops.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jazzy and the Pussycats</span> 2nd episode of the 18th season of The Simpsons

"Jazzy and the Pussycats" is the second episode of the eighteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on September 17, 2006. When Bart turns a quiet funeral into a chaotic mess, Homer and Marge are faced with angry Springfielders who have had enough of Bart's mischievousness. But when a psychiatrist assists Bart by channelling Bart's anger through drums, Lisa feels Bart may have stolen the one thing she held strong: music. As a result, Lisa begins collecting animals to subdue her misery. It was written by Daniel Chun and directed by Steven Dean Moore. Meg White and Jack White of the White Stripes guest star as themselves. In its original run, the episode received 8.94 million viewers.

Media is a recurring theme of satire on The Simpsons. The show is known for its satire of American popular culture and especially television culture, but has since its inception covered all types of media such as animation, journalism, commercials, comic books, movies, internet, and music. The series centers on a family and their life in a typical American town but the town of Springfield acts as a complete universe. The town features a vast array of media channels—from kids' television programming to local news, which enables the producers to make jokes about themselves and the entertainment industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Treehouse of Horror XXV</span> 4th episode of the 26th season of The Simpsons

"Treehouse of Horror XXV" is the fourth episode of the twenty-sixth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons, the 25th episode in the Treehouse of Horror series of Halloween specials, and the 556th episode overall. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on October 19, 2014.

References

  1. ↑ Scully, Mike (December 31, 2021). "Timing didn't work to have Mary, so we asked Betty, who was hilarious and everything you wanted Betty White to be". Twitter.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Cotton, Jeff (May 1, 2005). "OTV: 6 May: Pick of the day: Jebus Loves Ya: The Simpsons: Missionary Impossible Channel 4". The Observer . London, England: Guardian Media Group. p. 89.
  3. 1 2 Strachan, Alex (June 17, 2004). "Classic Simpsons and SCTV: Strong night on comedy network. And voting begins anew on Canadian Idol with first two of 10 finalists revealed". The Gazette . Montreal, Quebec, Canada: CanWest Interactive. CanWest News Service. p. D4.
  4. ↑ "UK censorship guide: Season 11". simpsoncrazy.com. Archived from the original on May 1, 2009.
  5. 1 2 Jacobson, Colin (November 19, 2008). "The Simpsons: The Complete 11th Season (1999)". DVD Movie Guide. www.dvdmg.com. Retrieved January 10, 2011.
  6. ↑ Canning, Robert (January 8, 2010). "The Simpsons: 20 Seasons, 20 Episodes". IGN . Archived from the original on September 28, 2008. Retrieved January 24, 2011.
  7. 1 2 Gold, Thomas B. (2008). "The Simpsons Global Mirror" (PDF). Berkeley, California: University of California Berkeley. Archived from the original (PDF) on April 7, 2009. Retrieved July 18, 2011.
  8. ↑ Mackey, Robert (October 19, 2010). "Doubting Homer Proclaimed a Catholic by Vatican Newspaper". The New York Times .

Further reading

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.