Ep. 19 - Rocky

Nov 21

Gonna fly now! Adam and Nate step into the ring with Rocky (1976), a classic that not only changed the boxing genre, but may surprise some with its human drama. They compare and contrast with to The Simpsons episode “The Homer They Fall” (S8E3), a mashup of boxing movie parodies.

Also in this episode:

Parodies of convenience: When a movie reference is just a means to an end
Is every memorable moment in Rocky thanks to director John G. Avildsen?
Five stellar performances that balance quirky character with emotional realism
How Rocky changed cinematography and editing in the boxing genre and beyond
Nate gives Adam a lightning round on the sequels he’s never seen, from Rocky II to Rocky VII: Adrian’s Revenge!

Next time, Adam and Nate celebrate the 50th anniversary of a classic of American cinema, with Simpsons references in “Treehouse of Horror XI” (S12E1)!

Every Simpsons Reference Rocky

By our count, Rocky has been directly referenced in 4 episodes of the first 13 seasons of The Simpsons, including 2 full scene parodies and 1 plot parody, plus four more to other movies in the Rocky franchise. The first reference appears in “Brush Greatness” (S2E18) from 1991, 15 years after the release of the movie. There are 6 additional references to other movies in the Rocky franchise.

Brush with Greatness (S2E18): When Homer decides to lose weight after being humiliated by Marge’s painting, we see a Rocky-style training montage, including a grey sweat suit and a Bill Conti-esque score.

Krusty Gets Kancelled (S4E22): When Krusty has to pull himself together after his show is cancelled, we see another training montage, this time with Krusty punching a side of meat.

The Homer They Fall (S8E3): While the plot of this episode also takes elements from The Harder They Fall (1956), it also strongly resembles Rocky: an underdog amateur gets a one-in-a-million shot at the heavyweight champion of the world. There also seem to be other nods to Rocky throughout, including Homer's trunks in the final fight and the pose of Moe’s boxing trophy. (Unconfirmed)

Small References

The Springfield Files (S8E10): When trying to convince Marge to support his belief in aliens, Homer says, “I'm like the man who single-handedly built the rocket and went to the moon. What was his name? Apollo Creed?”

Other References to the Rocky Series on The Simpsons

Rocky II (1979) & Rocky V (1990)

Lemon of Troy (S6E24): Bart mentions both films when working out the Roman numerals: “Rocky II plus Rocky V equals Rocky VII: Adrian’s Revenge!”

Rocky III (1982)

Brother from the Same Planet (S4E14): When Bart plays soccer at the beginning of this episode, he tells himself, "Eye of the tiger." This is what Apollo Creed tells Rocky in this movie, and it’s also the namesake of the famous training montage song from this movie.

Homer’s Barbershop Quartet (S5E1): While fighting in the recording studio, Homer says, “I pity the fool who doesn’t like… he.” This is a reference to Mr. T’s well-known catchphrase which originated in this movie.

Lisa on Ice (S6E8): While watching Lisa play hockey, Homer proudly says, “Wow, eye of the tiger, mouth of a teamster!”

Homer Badman (S6E9): An observational comedian on TV says, “Like, what would happen if E.T. and Mr. T. had a baby? You'd get Mr. E.T., wouldn't you? ‘I pity the fool who doesn’t phone home.’”

The Itchy & Scratchy & Poochie Show (S8E14): Poochie’s rap is basically a laundry list of “cool” stereotypes, including one moment where he tells Scratchy, “You’re the fool I pity.”

Jaws Wired Shut (S13E9): Heavyweight champion of the world Drederick Tatum dedicates a statue of himself in Springfield, much like Rocky does in Rocky III.

I Am Furious (Yellow) (S13E18): In a debate, Mr. T says, “I pity the fool who derives self-esteem from mocking other people's clothes. I hate myself.”

Extra Credit

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

From Adam: The Karate Kid (1984)
From Nate: Saturday Night Fever (1977)