The Simpsons Season 7 Episode 17: Homer the Smithers

After a night out to the Springfield drag races, when a drunk Lenny harasses Mr. Burns, Smithers couldn't protect him in time. The next day, he tries to apologize to him, but Burns suggests he take a vacation. Looking for a replacement who won't be better than him, Smithers chooses Homer for the job. Burns soon proves to be demanding for someone who has not devoted his life to him like Smithers. Homer couldn't take Burns tasks, and he punches Burns. Fearing he has killed the him old man, he hides at home.

Homer tries to apologize, but every time he tries to, Burns fears him. Burns learns to do things himself and becomes self-sustained. After thanking Homer for making him learn that he can fend for himself, Burns fires Smithers when he came back from his vacation. Homer and Smithers fight within Burns' office which ends when Burns accidentally falls out the window. Burns gets injured and becomes reliant on Smithers once again. Feeling appreciated, Smithers sends Homer a fruit basket.




(PS- I couldn't find many photos for this episode)

My thoughts:

How many times have I watched it: Twice, one was last night.

Couch Gag: Same as S7 E4. All episodes from here to the the final episode, so I won't add this until Season 21.

My thoughts: This was a well-written and plotted episode, and one of my favorite "Homer Gets a Job" plots. I normally hate if they restrict the characters in an episode, but this one is an exception. Homer, Mr. Burns, and Smithers had great character development. It was interesting how much more at ease Burns seem with himself. The fight between Homer and Smithers was entertaining. However, he ending is very predictable though, (again), but Smithers couldn't really be fired for long, and Burns couldn't remain independent (lol), so back to normal is probably the best solution.

The laughs were high. From Lenny's face on Burns window to Homer talking as Burns' mother, there were lots of gags in this one. Brilliant scene where Homer relays Burns’ messages (“You have 30 minutes to move your car”, “You have 10 minutes”, “Your car has been impounded”, “Your car has been crushed into a cube”, “You have 30 minutes to move your cube”) and how Burns’ expression gets more annoyed after each message. And how when Homer answers the phone, Burns asks, “Is it about my cube?”

Overall, a great episode, I should re-watch it more.

My grade: A/A-