Ep. 15 - Thelma & Louise

Adam and Nate watch Thelma & Louise (1991), a groundbreaking road movie about two women escaping the patriarchy, as well as The Simpsons full spoof episode “Marge on the Lam” (S5E6). This movie brings together a breakout screenplay, career performances by Susan Sarandon and Gina Davis, and the high style of Ridley Scott.

Also in this episode:

  • Does Marge also have her arms stuck in her own metaphorical vending machines?

  • How Thelma & Louise became the Barbie phenomenon of its day

  • A star-making performance from a very young, very hot Brad Pitt

  • When a movie parody isn’t a parody

  • The movie’s cliff-top climax has been spoiled and parodied to death, but does it fly today?

Next time, Adam and Nate load up Full Metal Jacket (1987) and “Bart the General” (S1E5)!

Every Reference to Thelma & Louise on The Simpsons

By our count in The Simpsons Movie Reference Database, Thelma & Louise has been directly referenced in 3 episodes of the first 13 seasons of The Simpsons, including 1 full-episode plot parody. The first reference appears in “Homer Alone” (S3E15) from 1991, the same year as the release of the movie.

Scene & Plot Parodies

Marge on the Lam (S5E6): This episode uses Thelma & Louise as a basis for Marge and Ruth’s “getaway.” It hits many of the same beats, including heartfelt diner conversations, bumbling husbands, shooting at a stranger’s property, and the famous cliff-jump ending.

Small References

Homer Alone (S3E15): On her vacation at Rancho Relaxo, Marge watches Thelma & Louise on TV (instead of The Erotic Awakening of S or The Happy Little Elves Meet Fuzzy Snuggleduck).

Marge Simpson in: ‘Screaming Yellow Honkers’ (S10E15): When Marge is pulled over by Chief Wiggum, he tells her, “Can the sweet talk, Thelma and Louise.“

Extra Credit

Looking for more like this or an interesting double feature? Here are our recommendations.

Further Reading & Viewing

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Ep. 16 - Full Metal Jacket

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Ep. 14 - A Chorus Line