Homer's Barbershop Quartet

P-code: 9F21
Episode Index: 05×01
Writers: Jeff Martin
Directors: Mark Kirkland
Airdate: 30th September, 1993
Guest stars: George Harrison as himself, David Crosby as himself

Average Fan Rating: 4.0 (181 ratings, 16 reviews)

Plot Guide

  While browsing at the Springfield Swap Meet, Bart & Lisa come across a record with Homer's face on it. Homer reveals that he used to be in a barbershop quartet back in 1985 with Apu, Principal Skinner and Chief Wiggum.
  They used to perform at Moe's and other places. They got recognized by a record agent, who becomes their manager. He persuades them to replace Wiggum with Barney, and the group decides to call themselves the ''Be Sharps.''
  Homer writes a song called ''Baby On Board'' which is a huge hit, and the group win a Grammy. However, Marge misses Homer as he is on the road all the time, and there is friction between the group. After five and a half weeks, the band split up.
  Homer finishes telling the story to the kids, and sends them to bed. Feeling nostalgic, he organizes a get-together of the group and they sing on the rooftop of Moe's Tavern.

Memorable Quotes

Bart: I got this cool pencil holder. (shaped like a bong)
Homer: Far out, man. I haven't seen a bong in years.

Did You Spot...

• Moe's Tavern used to be called Moe's Cavern (see below).
• Marge sells the ''Bald Adonis'', Ringo and Mr. Burns paintings from 7F18 Brush With Greatness, and the sailboat painting which hangs above the couch.
• Herman sells an atomic bomb at the Swap Meet.
• Before the group has decided on its name, it is written on the church marquee.
• The sign outside the church reads "WHAT A F_IEND WE HAVE IN GOD".

References/Parodies

• ''Melvin and the Squirrels'' sounds similar to the cartoon ''Alvin and the Chipmonks.''
• The number on Skinner's helmet is 24601, the same as Jean Valjean's prisoner number in ''Les Miserables.''
• Quimby's ''Ich bin ein Springfield Swap Meet patron'' line is similar to a Kennedy quote, ''Ich bin ein Berliner.''
• The Be Sharps are based heavily on The Beatles. Here are some references you may have spotted:
  • The Beatles played their first gigs at The Cavern Club; The Be Sharps played at Moe's Cavern.
  • A member is replaced.
  • The album ''Meet the Be Sharps'' and its cover.
  • Nigel's line, ''You've just recorded your first number one.''
  • Barney's girlfriend looks like Yoko Ono, John Lennon's girlfriend and the track ''Number Eight'' is a reference to Beatles' track, ''Revolution No. 9.''
  • The ''Bigger Than Jesus'' joke.
  • The ''Coop coop a-doop'' line from one of the songs is similar to the ''Goo-goo-a-joob'' line from ''I Am The Walrus.''
  • The final rooftop performance is something The Beatles did; in fact, George Harrison passes by in this scene and says: ''It's been done'', referring to himself.

Season 5 quick links

1. Homer's Barbershop Quartet
2. Cape Feare
3. Homer Goes to College
4. Rosebud
5. Treehouse of Horror IV
6. Marge on the Lam
7. Bart's Inner Child
8. Boy-Scoutz N the Hood
9. The Last Temptation of Homer
10. $pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)
11. Homer the Vigilante
12. Bart Gets Famous
13. Homer and Apu
14. Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy
15. Deep Space Homer
16. Homer Loves Flanders
17. Bart Gets an Elephant
18. Burns' Heir
19. Sweet Seymour Skinner's Baadassss Song
20. The Boy Who Knew Too Much
21. Lady Bouvier's Lover
22. Secrets of a Successful Marriage