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{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox Simpsons episode {{Infobox Simpsons episode
⚫ | image = Husbandsandknives.jpg
| episode_name = Husbands and Knives
⚫ | caption = The episode's promotional image, featuring Milo outside his new comic book store Coolsville.
⚫ | image = ]
⚫ | season = 19
⚫ | image_caption = The episode's promotional image, featuring Milo outside his new comic book store Coolsville.
| episode_no = 407 | episode = 7
⚫ | director = ]
| image = ]
| writer = ]
| image_caption = Promotional image featuring Milo outside his new comic book store.
| prod_code = JABF17 | production = JABF17
| airdate = ], ] | airdate = {{Start date|2007|11|18}}
| writer = ] | guests = *] as Milo
*] as himself
⚫ | director = ]
*] as the jock
| guest_star = ] as Himself <br>] as Himself <br>] as Himself<br>] as Milo<br>] as the jock
*] as himself
⚫ | blackboard = "The ] were not illegal aliens"
*] as himself
⚫ | couch_gag = Two hands (with five fingers instead of four) open a ] to reveal the family sitting on the couch
*Sang Am Lee as a Korean singer
⚫ | season = 19
⚫ | blackboard = "The ] were not illegal aliens"
⚫ | couch_gag = Two hands (with five fingers instead of four) open a ] to reveal the family sitting on the couch.
| commentary = ]<br/>]<br/>Matt Selman<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]<br/>]
| prev = ]
| next = ]
}} }}
"'''Husbands and Knives'''" is the seventh episode of the ] of the American animated television series '']''. It first aired on the ] in the United States on November 18, 2007.<ref name="Futon2">{{cite news | title = (SI-1817) "Husbands and Knives" | website= ] | url =http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20071026fox17 | access-date=2007-10-23}}</ref> The episode was written by ] and directed by ].


"'''Husbands and Knives'''" is the seventh episode of '']''<nowiki>'</nowiki> ], and first aired on ], ].<ref name="Futon2">{{cite news | author = | title = Husbands and Knives Information | publisher = The Futon Critic | url =http://www.thefutoncritic.com/listings.aspx?id=20071026fox17 | accessdate=2007-10-23}}</ref> It features guest appearances from ], ] and ] as themselves as well as ] as Milo.<ref name="Futon2"/> It was written by ] and directed by ]. In this episode, a new comic book store becomes popular in town leading Marge to convert the Android's Dungeon into a gym for women. It features guest appearances from ], ], and ] as themselves and ] as Milo.<ref name="Futon2"/> The title is a reference to the ] film '']''. The episode received positive reviews.


==Plot== ==Plot==
While shopping at the ], Millhouse accidentally sheds a tear on a ] ] and blurs Wolverine's sideburns. For this, ] charges Milhouse twenty-five dollars. After ] speaks out about how comic books are not "real", Comic Book Guy tells him and the other children customers to go to a new comic book store, thinking his is the only one in town. To his surprise, a new comic book store, "Coolsville Comics & Toys", situated directly across the street from the Android's Dungeon has just opened. The ] charges Milhouse $25 for accidentally ruining a '']'' ] when one of his tears drops on its cover and smudges one of Wolverine's sideburns after being scratched by the comic's infamous "pop-out claws" feature at ]. After ] proclaims that the events in comic books are not "real", Comic Book Guy tells him and the other children to get out of the store, just as a new comic book store, "Coolsville Comics & Toys" opens across the street.
⚫ When the children arrive at Coolsville, the store owner, a ] named Milo, gives them Japanese candy and invites them to his grand opening. The store is filled not only with comic books, but also with video games and modern art, giving it a sophisticated arcade look. When ] accidentally rips a page of an '']'' book, Milo assures her that the books are meant to be read and enjoyed.
]
⚫ All the children immediately depart the store and head towards Coolsville, where the store owner, a ] named Milo (]), immediately brings upon a good impression towards the kids by giving them candy and inviting them for his grand opening. Upon entering, the children are astonished to see the store is not completely full of comic books, but also of video games and modern art, giving it a sophisticated arcade look. When ] accidentally rips a page of a ] book, Milo merely tells her that the books are meant to be read and enjoyed.


The store begins attracting popularity, including those of ], ], and ], who all visit for a book signing. Comic Book Guy's jealousy begins getting to him, so he begins to sabotage Milo's popularity by attempting to bribe the children with new ninja weapons, and outing that Milo has a girlfriend named Strawberry. After these ploys do not work, Comic Book Guy takes out a sword and demolishes Coolsville. He fails to destroy more after Art Spiegelman, Dan Clowes and Alan Moore subdue him. The store becomes even more popular, playing host to ], ] and ], who all visit for a book signing. Comic Book Guy jealously tries to sabotage Milo's popularity by revealing he has a girlfriend (whom they have already accepted for she, like Milo, is hip) and bribing the children with "Japanese weapons". When this does not work, Comic Book Guy tries to use the weapons to destroy Coolsville, but is subdued by the three authors who remove their shirts to reveal muscular super-hero physiques.
], ] (wearing a '']'' mask) and ].]]
After dropping Bart off at Coolsville, ] compares herself to a standee of ], and is shocked to see how her physical feature is much larger. Then Jimbo, Dolph, and Kearney start feeling sorry for Marge and start beating up each other because of their mothers' appearances. Marge promises to go to a gym and become slimmer. While exercising at a large and intense gym, Marge begins to struggle with the treadmill. She convinces herself that everyone else is struggling, although the other customers are using the treadmill with no problems. After being embarrassed from showering in a public shower, Marge decides to make a gym for ordinary women.


After comparing herself to a cardboard cutout of ], ] decides to become slimmer. While exercising at a large gym, she struggles with the treadmill and is embarrassed showering in public, and as a result decides to open a gym for ordinary women.
When Comic Book Guy finally gives up, he sells the Android's Dungeon to Marge who creates '']'', a women-only workout center which immediately becomes a hit. Many women of ] comment on Marge's efforts, she opens another location at an abandoned ]. Soon, after an interview on '']'', a now rich Marge becomes an international hit.


Homer and Marge go on a luxury vacation at a hotel where Homer meets a group of three jocks. They begin to convince Homer that Marge will soon dump him for a healthier man. The men give Homer a list of the stages Marge will go through before dumping him, which all start to happen. Later, Homer overhears Marge talking to a group of women about dumping something. Homer assumes it is him, although it is really Marge's purse. Comic Book Guy, having finally given up, closes the Android's Dungeon which Marge then acquires in order to open "Shapes", a women-only workout center that is an immediate hit. Many women of ] comment on Marge's efforts; she opens another location at an abandoned ]. After an interview on the women's television show ''Opal'', Marge becomes an international hit. Homer and Marge go on a luxury vacation at a hotel. Homer meets a group of three strapping young men who tell him he is on "wife support". They are all ] and convince Homer that Marge will soon dump him for a healthier man. They list the stages that will occur in their marriage before Marge dumps him. As these begin to occur, Homer overhears Marge talking to a group of women about dumping her purse, though he wrongly assumes she is talking about him. One of the three younger men tells Homer he is actually a first husband who used to be fat and ugly, but transformed himself through fashion, diet and exercise. Homer, however, decides that he needs to get ].


Homer goes through various stages to gain a new look, including ]s and plastic surgery. When finished, Homer looks entirely different from his first appearance. In the result, Homer's appetite level has been significantly lower and tear ducts have been moved to his ]. While ] begins rewarding Marge for her work with Shapes, Homer arrives in his new form, much to the shock and disgust of the town. Quimby soon orders the town to raise their pitchforks and attack Homer. Homer and Marge run to the top of ] ] tower and Marge, saying she wants a trophy husband, deliberately pushes Homer off the tower. Homer wakes up in the hospital, back to his old self. Marge informs him that after he was knocked out, the surgeon called for her permission on the surgery, to which she said no, and that everything from Homer's blacking-out to his "death" was just a dream. She did have the doctor reverse Homer's stomach stapling, as she loves him no matter how he looks. The episode ends with Moore, Spiegelman, and Clowes watching Homer and Marge leave, and they mention that a meteor is headed for Earth, but soon forget at the mention of a convention for underpaid writers, to which to fly away to as the meteor is about to strike. Homer attempts to win Marge back by having his ]d. He is now much slimmer and has to liquify his food. Homer lures Marge into bed and turns her on, but has to make sure only his front is exposed as all of his excess skin is tied back behind him. Next, Homer gets extreme plastic surgery done. When finished, Homer looks entirely different; he is slim with well-defined musculature, narrower eyes, and a full head of black hair, and his tear ducts have been moved to his nipples among other things. At a ceremony in which ] rewards Marge for her work with Shapes, Homer arrives in his new form, much to the shock and disgust of the town. Homer and Marge run to the top of Springfield's ] tower to avoid the angry townspeople and Marge, saying she wants a trophy husband, deliberately pushes Homer off the tower. Homer wakes up in the hospital, back to his old self. Marge informs him that after he was knocked out, the surgeon requested her permission for the surgery and she refused; everything from Homer's surgery to his "death" was just a dream. She had the doctor reverse Homer's stomach stapling, since she loves him no matter how he looks. The episode ends with Moore, Spiegelman, and Clowes watching Homer and Marge from mid-air. They notice that a meteor is headed for Earth, but become distracted from destroying it by news of a convention for underpaid writers.


==Production== ==Production==
] recorded his lines in October 2006, after the writers approached his fiancee ]. He is a fan of the show.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.northantset.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=317&ArticleID=1865011 |author = Steve Scoles|title=Writer drawn into Simpsons' show |date=]|accessdate=2007-11-22|publisher=Northants ET.co.uk}}</ref> ] recorded his lines in October 2006, after the writers approached his then fiancée ]. He is said to be a fan of the show. "Husbands and Knives", aired on his fifty-fourth birthday. ] guest starred as Milo, the owner of Coolsville.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.northantset.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?SectionID=317&ArticleID=1865011 |first=Steve |last=Scoles |title=Writer drawn into Simpsons' show |date=2006-11-08 |access-date=2007-11-22 |website=] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012193206/http://www.northantset.co.uk/northampton-chronicle-and-echo/Writer-drawn-into-Simpsons39-show.1865011.jp |archive-date=October 12, 2007 }}</ref>


==Cultural references== ==Cultural references==

*This episode title is a play on the film '']''.
Milo sings a ] version of ]' "]", although parts of the song are random Korean words. At a certain point, he is seen playing '']'' and '']'' at the same time.<ref name="IGN"/> In the comics store, Lisa walks to '']'' and '']'' shelf. The Belgian comic strip ''Tintin'' and the French comic strip ''Asterix'' are the most internationally famous European comics. The album she reads, ''Tintin in ]'', does not exist in the Tintin series but is essentially a mishmash of the cover of '']'', the island from '']'' and the rocket from '']''. Also visible are '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''.<ref>{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Selman|author-link=Matt Selman|date=February 15, 2008|title=The Annotated "Husbands and Knives" -- Part III|url=http://techland.time.com/2008/02/15/the_annotated_husbands_and_kni_2/|website=]|access-date=November 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717060406/http://techland.time.com/2008/02/15/the_annotated_husbands_and_kni_2/|archive-date=July 17, 2011}}</ref>
*Milo sings a ] version of ]' "]".<ref name="IGN"/>

*Marge's gym, Shapes, is a parody of ].
Marge's gym, Shapes, is a parody of ], although there is an actual fitness chain in the Tampa, Florida, area known as Shapes.<ref name="Keller">{{cite web|first=Richard|last=Keller|date=November 18, 2007|url=http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/11/18/the-simpsons-husbands-and-knives/|title=The Simpsons: Husbands and Knives|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071125135758/http://www.tvsquad.com/2007/11/18/the-simpsons-husbands-and-knives/ |archive-date=November 25, 2007 |website=]|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> Art Spiegelman's mask, which he wears when attacking the Comic Book Guy during his rampage on Coolsville, is based upon the mask he has drawn himself wearing as an illustrator in '']''.<ref name="IGN"/> In Marge’s gym, Shapes, the words "I am woman, hear me sweat" are seen on the wall. This is a reference to the ] song, "]".{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} In a short scene where a ] showing Marge's profits appears the ] song "]" plays in the background.
*The comics displayed behind the writers at the signing are '']'', '']'', and '']'', comics guest stars ], ], and ] have written, respectively. Art Spiegelman's mask is based upon the mask he has drawn himself wearing as an illustrator in '']''.<ref name="IGN"/>

]
*Alan Moore's outburst at Milhouse's request that he sign a DVD of the film "Watchmen Babies in V for Vacation" (a parody of '']'' and '']''), is a reference to Moore's notorious opposition to adaptations of his works by major film studios, particularly his refusal to support the recent film adaptation of ''V for Vendetta'', in which he went so far as to demand that his name not appear in the credits.<ref> </ref> Alan Moore's outburst at Milhouse's request that he sign a DVD of the film ''Watchmen Babies in V for Vacation'' (a parody of '']'' and '']'', complete with infant versions of ], ], ] and ] riding a surfboard on the cover) is a reference to Moore's notorious outspoken dissatisfaction with adaptations of his works by major film studios, particularly his refusal to support the then-recent film adaptation of '']'', in which he demanded that his name not appear in the credits.<ref>{{cite web|last=Itzkoff|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Itzkoff|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/12/movies/12itzk.html?ex=1299819600en=d9e708008270c9e5ei=5088partner=rssnytemc=rss&pagewanted=all|title=The Vendetta Behind 'V for Vendetta'|website=]|date=12 March 2006|access-date=November 24, 2024|archive-date=December 8, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208163557/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/12/movies/12itzk.html?ex=1299819600en=d9e708008270c9e5ei=5088partner=rssnytemc=rss&pagewanted=all|url-status=live}}</ref>

* Two popular European comic books ] and ] are referenced. The book ''Tintin in Paris'' is a parody of the books '']'' and '']''. Also shown are several actual ''Tintin'' books, such as '']'' '']'' and '']''
Coolsville Comics & Toys is a parody of the Meltdown Comics & Collectibles on ] in ], California.<ref>{{cite web|first=Matt|last=Selman|author-link=Matt Selman|date=February 9, 2008|url=http://time-blog.com/nerd_world/2008/02/the_annotated_husbands_and_kni.html|title=The Annotated "Husbands and Knives" -- Part I|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309011345/http://time-blog.com/nerd_world/2008/02/the_annotated_husbands_and_kni.html |archive-date=March 9, 2008 |website=]|access-date=November 24, 2024}}</ref> The treadmill scene in the gym is a reference to the music video for ]'s "]" (complete with the song itself playing).{{citation needed|date=October 2014}} Homer, accused of being a monster, runs for refuge into Springfield's ]. This is an allusion to ], Homer being the physically disfigured ] and Marge being his paramour, ].{{citation needed|date=October 2014}}
*When Homer carries Marge up the Springfield Notre Dame, it is a reference to a scene in '']''.

*The treadmill scene in the gym is a reference to the music video for ]'s "]".<ref name="IGN"/>
==Allegations of predicting 2019 Notre Dame fire==
*The ] song "]" can be heard.
Following the ] which occurred at the ] in ] in April 2019, rumors swirled that the episode, which featured a torch wielding mob chase Homer and Marge to Springfield's Notre Dame cathedral,<ref>{{cite AV media| url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaxMPd3Jon8 | title=The Simpsons Season 19 Episode 07 Husbands and Knives | via=] |date=July 19, 2020|author=RaiM|access-date=November 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201018230555/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaxMPd3Jon8|archive-date=October 18, 2020}}</ref> predicted the fire, with even a photo of Mr. Burns standing outside the burning Notre Dame Cathedral of Springfield, which appeared in this episode, spreading across social media.<ref>{{Cite web|first=Michael|last=Rozzen|url=https://www.10news.com/news/fact-or-fiction/fact-or-fiction-the-simpsons-predicted-the-notre-dame-fire|title=Fact or Fiction: The Simpsons predicted the Notre Dame fire?|date=26 April 2019|publisher=]|access-date=November 24, 2024|archive-date=June 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230605095156/https://www.10news.com/news/fact-or-fiction/fact-or-fiction-the-simpsons-predicted-the-notre-dame-fire|url-status=live}}</ref> Allegations also spread afterwards that a line which a character said in the 2004 film '']'', "But you have to think that Notre Dame will be gone one day," predicted the fire.<ref>{{Cite web|first=F|last=Khatoon|url=https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2019/apr/18/from-notre-dame-fire-to-trumps-us-presidency-here-are-six-times-hollywood-films-predicted-reality-14270.html|title=From Notre Dame fire to Trump's US presidency, here are six times Hollywood films predicted reality|date=April 18, 2019|website=]|access-date=November 24, 2024|archive-date=June 13, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240613070307/https://www.indulgexpress.com/entertainment/cinema/2019/Apr/18/from-notre-dame-fire-to-trumps-us-presidency-here-are-six-times-hollywood-films-predicted-reality-14270.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|first=Varsha|last=Vasudevan|url=https://meaww.com/before-sunset-film-predict-notre-dame-cathedral-tragedy-15-years-ago|title=Did the film 'Before Sunset' predict the Notre Dame Cathedral tragedy 15 years ago?|date=April 16, 2019|website=MEAWW|access-date=November 24, 2024|archive-date=February 29, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229213548/https://meaww.com/before-sunset-film-predict-notre-dame-cathedral-tragedy-15-years-ago|url-status=live}}</ref>
*The "Opal" show is a parody of '']''.


==Reception== ==Reception==
===Viewing figures===
⚫ Robert Canning of ] called it an episode that can keep viewers entertained and laughing.<ref name="IGN"> at IGN.com</ref> He called the character of Milo and Jack Black a perfect good fit and particularly enjoyed the appearances of comic book legends Alan Moore, Art Spiegelman, and Dan Clowes. He did note that the Homer/Marge plot was "not nearly as enjoyable as the comic related bits" and gave the episode a 7/10.<ref name="IGN"/> The episode had 10.55 million viewers, second best for the season. <ref>http://www.simpsonschannel.com/</ref>
The episode's initial broadcast earned a 3.7 rating and was watched by 10.56 million viewers, which was the 30th most-watched show that week.<ref>{{cite web|publisher=] Medianet|date=November 20, 2007|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=112007_06|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 12-18)|work=ABC Medianet|access-date=June 10, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107165537/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=112007_06|archive-date=January 7, 2009}}</ref>

===Critical response===
⚫ Robert Canning of '']'' called it an episode that can keep viewers entertained and laughing.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web|first=Robert|last=Canning|date=November 19, 2007|url=http://tv.ign.com/articles/836/836262p1.html|title=The Simpsons: "Husbands and Knives" Review|website= ]|access-date=November 24, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121133539/http://tv.ign.com/articles/836/836262p1.html|archive-date=November 21, 2007}}</ref> He called the character of Milo and Jack Black a perfect fit and particularly enjoyed the appearances of comic book legends Alan Moore, Art Spiegelman and Dan Clowes. He did note that the Homer/Marge plot was "not nearly as enjoyable as the comic related bits" and gave the episode a 7/10.<ref name="IGN"/>

Richard Keller of '']'' was surprised by the change in plot from about a comic book store to Homer's fitness. He liked the sight of Homer's fat being clipped to his back and the scene of Homer asks Marge why she stays with him. However, he thought Jack Black was underused in the episode.<ref name="Keller"/>

In 2007, '']'' named Jack Black's role as Milo the second of 16 great guest stars on ''The Simpsons''.<ref name="EW">{{cite magazine | first = Mike | last = Bruno | title = Springfield of Dreams: 16 Great 'Simpsons' Guest Voices | magazine = ] | date = August 2, 2007 | url = https://ew.com/gallery/springfield-dreams-16-great-simpsons-guest-voices/ | access-date = 2008-05-11 | archive-date = May 14, 2008 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080514192211/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20049408_6,00.html | url-status = live }}</ref>


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


==External links==
⚫ {{portal|The Simpsons}}
{{Wikiquote|The_Simpsons/Season_19#Husbands_and_Knives|"Husbands and Knives"}}
⚫ {{Portal|The Simpsons}}
*{{IMDb episode|id=0992614}}


] {{The Simpsons episodes|19}}


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Latest revision as of 10:11, 10 December 2024

7th episode of the 19th season of The Simpsons
"Husbands and Knives"
The Simpsons episode
The episode's promotional image, featuring Milo outside his new comic book store Coolsville.
Episode no.Season 19
Episode 7
Directed byNancy Kruse
Written byMatt Selman
Production codeJABF17
Original air dateNovember 18, 2007 (2007-11-18)
Guest appearances
Episode features
Chalkboard gag"The Pilgrims were not illegal aliens"
Couch gagTwo hands (with five fingers instead of four) open a pop-up book to reveal the family sitting on the couch.
CommentaryMatt Groening
Al Jean
Matt Selman
Joel H. Cohen
Tom Gammill
Max Pross
David Silverman
Episode chronology
← Previous
"Little Orphan Millie" 		Next →
"Funeral for a Fiend"
The Simpsons season 19
List of episodes

"Husbands and Knives" is the seventh episode of the nineteenth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on November 18, 2007. The episode was written by Matt Selman and directed by Nancy Kruse.

In this episode, a new comic book store becomes popular in town leading Marge to convert the Android's Dungeon into a gym for women. It features guest appearances from Alan Moore, Art Spiegelman, and Dan Clowes as themselves and Jack Black as Milo. The title is a reference to the Woody Allen film Husbands and Wives. The episode received positive reviews.

Plot

The Comic Book Guy charges Milhouse $25 for accidentally ruining a Wolverine comic book when one of his tears drops on its cover and smudges one of Wolverine's sideburns after being scratched by the comic's infamous "pop-out claws" feature at The Android's Dungeon. After Bart proclaims that the events in comic books are not "real", Comic Book Guy tells him and the other children to get out of the store, just as a new comic book store, "Coolsville Comics & Toys" opens across the street. When the children arrive at Coolsville, the store owner, a hipster named Milo, gives them Japanese candy and invites them to his grand opening. The store is filled not only with comic books, but also with video games and modern art, giving it a sophisticated arcade look. When Lisa accidentally rips a page of an Adventures of Tintin book, Milo assures her that the books are meant to be read and enjoyed.

The store becomes even more popular, playing host to Art Spiegelman, Daniel Clowes and Alan Moore, who all visit for a book signing. Comic Book Guy jealously tries to sabotage Milo's popularity by revealing he has a girlfriend (whom they have already accepted for she, like Milo, is hip) and bribing the children with "Japanese weapons". When this does not work, Comic Book Guy tries to use the weapons to destroy Coolsville, but is subdued by the three authors who remove their shirts to reveal muscular super-hero physiques.

After comparing herself to a cardboard cutout of Wonder Woman, Marge decides to become slimmer. While exercising at a large gym, she struggles with the treadmill and is embarrassed showering in public, and as a result decides to open a gym for ordinary women.

Comic Book Guy, having finally given up, closes the Android's Dungeon which Marge then acquires in order to open "Shapes", a women-only workout center that is an immediate hit. Many women of Springfield comment on Marge's efforts; she opens another location at an abandoned Krusty Burger. After an interview on the women's television show Opal, Marge becomes an international hit. Homer and Marge go on a luxury vacation at a hotel. Homer meets a group of three strapping young men who tell him he is on "wife support". They are all "trophy" husbands and convince Homer that Marge will soon dump him for a healthier man. They list the stages that will occur in their marriage before Marge dumps him. As these begin to occur, Homer overhears Marge talking to a group of women about dumping her purse, though he wrongly assumes she is talking about him. One of the three younger men tells Homer he is actually a first husband who used to be fat and ugly, but transformed himself through fashion, diet and exercise. Homer, however, decides that he needs to get cosmetic surgery.

Homer attempts to win Marge back by having his stomach stapled. He is now much slimmer and has to liquify his food. Homer lures Marge into bed and turns her on, but has to make sure only his front is exposed as all of his excess skin is tied back behind him. Next, Homer gets extreme plastic surgery done. When finished, Homer looks entirely different; he is slim with well-defined musculature, narrower eyes, and a full head of black hair, and his tear ducts have been moved to his nipples among other things. At a ceremony in which Mayor Quimby rewards Marge for her work with Shapes, Homer arrives in his new form, much to the shock and disgust of the town. Homer and Marge run to the top of Springfield's Notre Dame tower to avoid the angry townspeople and Marge, saying she wants a trophy husband, deliberately pushes Homer off the tower. Homer wakes up in the hospital, back to his old self. Marge informs him that after he was knocked out, the surgeon requested her permission for the surgery and she refused; everything from Homer's surgery to his "death" was just a dream. She had the doctor reverse Homer's stomach stapling, since she loves him no matter how he looks. The episode ends with Moore, Spiegelman, and Clowes watching Homer and Marge from mid-air. They notice that a meteor is headed for Earth, but become distracted from destroying it by news of a convention for underpaid writers.

Production

Alan Moore recorded his lines in October 2006, after the writers approached his then fiancée Melinda Gebbie. He is said to be a fan of the show. "Husbands and Knives", aired on his fifty-fourth birthday. Jack Black guest starred as Milo, the owner of Coolsville.

Cultural references

Milo sings a Korean version of Tom Jones' "What's New Pussycat?", although parts of the song are random Korean words. At a certain point, he is seen playing Dance Dance Revolution and Guitar Hero at the same time. In the comics store, Lisa walks to The Adventures of Tintin and Asterix shelf. The Belgian comic strip Tintin and the French comic strip Asterix are the most internationally famous European comics. The album she reads, Tintin in Paris, does not exist in the Tintin series but is essentially a mishmash of the cover of Tintin in the Land of the Soviets, the island from The Black Island and the rocket from Destination Moon. Also visible are Tintin in Tibet, The Shooting Star, The Crab with the Golden Claws and Cigars of the Pharaoh.

Marge's gym, Shapes, is a parody of Curves, although there is an actual fitness chain in the Tampa, Florida, area known as Shapes. Art Spiegelman's mask, which he wears when attacking the Comic Book Guy during his rampage on Coolsville, is based upon the mask he has drawn himself wearing as an illustrator in Maus. In Marge’s gym, Shapes, the words "I am woman, hear me sweat" are seen on the wall. This is a reference to the Helen Reddy song, "I Am Woman". In a short scene where a line graph showing Marge's profits appears the Pet Shop Boys song "Opportunities (Let's Make Lots of Money)" plays in the background.

Alan Moore's outburst at Milhouse's request that he sign a DVD of the film Watchmen Babies in V for Vacation (a parody of Watchmen and V for Vendetta, complete with infant versions of Ozymandias, Doctor Manhattan, Rorschach and Nite-Owl II riding a surfboard on the cover) is a reference to Moore's notorious outspoken dissatisfaction with adaptations of his works by major film studios, particularly his refusal to support the then-recent film adaptation of V for Vendetta, in which he demanded that his name not appear in the credits.

Coolsville Comics & Toys is a parody of the Meltdown Comics & Collectibles on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. The treadmill scene in the gym is a reference to the music video for OK Go's "Here It Goes Again" (complete with the song itself playing). Homer, accused of being a monster, runs for refuge into Springfield's Notre Dame. This is an allusion to The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, Homer being the physically disfigured Quasimodo and Marge being his paramour, Ésmeralda.

Allegations of predicting 2019 Notre Dame fire

Following the fire which occurred at the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France in April 2019, rumors swirled that the episode, which featured a torch wielding mob chase Homer and Marge to Springfield's Notre Dame cathedral, predicted the fire, with even a photo of Mr. Burns standing outside the burning Notre Dame Cathedral of Springfield, which appeared in this episode, spreading across social media. Allegations also spread afterwards that a line which a character said in the 2004 film Before Sunset, "But you have to think that Notre Dame will be gone one day," predicted the fire.

Reception

Viewing figures

The episode's initial broadcast earned a 3.7 rating and was watched by 10.56 million viewers, which was the 30th most-watched show that week.

Critical response

Robert Canning of IGN called it an episode that can keep viewers entertained and laughing. He called the character of Milo and Jack Black a perfect fit and particularly enjoyed the appearances of comic book legends Alan Moore, Art Spiegelman and Dan Clowes. He did note that the Homer/Marge plot was "not nearly as enjoyable as the comic related bits" and gave the episode a 7/10.

Richard Keller of TV Squad was surprised by the change in plot from about a comic book store to Homer's fitness. He liked the sight of Homer's fat being clipped to his back and the scene of Homer asks Marge why she stays with him. However, he thought Jack Black was underused in the episode.

In 2007, Entertainment Weekly named Jack Black's role as Milo the second of 16 great guest stars on The Simpsons.

References

  1. ^ "(SI-1817) "Husbands and Knives"". The Futon Critic. Retrieved October 23, 2007.
  2. Scoles, Steve (November 8, 2006). "Writer drawn into Simpsons' show". Northamptonshire Evening Telegraph. Archived from the original on October 12, 2007. Retrieved November 22, 2007.
  3. ^ Canning, Robert (November 19, 2007). "The Simpsons: "Husbands and Knives" Review". IGN. Archived from the original on November 21, 2007. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  4. Selman, Matt (February 15, 2008). "The Annotated "Husbands and Knives" -- Part III". Time. Archived from the original on July 17, 2011. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  5. ^ Keller, Richard (November 18, 2007). "The Simpsons: Husbands and Knives". TV Squad. Archived from the original on November 25, 2007. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  6. Itzkoff, Dave (March 12, 2006). "The Vendetta Behind 'V for Vendetta'". The New York Times. Archived from the original on December 8, 2008. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  7. Selman, Matt (February 9, 2008). "The Annotated "Husbands and Knives" -- Part I". Time. Archived from the original on March 9, 2008. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  8. RaiM (July 19, 2020). The Simpsons Season 19 Episode 07 Husbands and Knives. Archived from the original on October 18, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2024 – via YouTube.
  9. Rozzen, Michael (April 26, 2019). "Fact or Fiction: The Simpsons predicted the Notre Dame fire?". KGTV. Archived from the original on June 5, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  10. Khatoon, F (April 18, 2019). "From Notre Dame fire to Trump's US presidency, here are six times Hollywood films predicted reality". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  11. Vasudevan, Varsha (April 16, 2019). "Did the film 'Before Sunset' predict the Notre Dame Cathedral tragedy 15 years ago?". MEAWW. Archived from the original on February 29, 2024. Retrieved November 24, 2024.
  12. "Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 12-18)". ABC Medianet. ABC Medianet. November 20, 2007. Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved June 10, 2023.
  13. Bruno, Mike (August 2, 2007). "Springfield of Dreams: 16 Great 'Simpsons' Guest Voices". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on May 14, 2008. Retrieved May 11, 2008.

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