I Learned That From "The Simpsons" Quiz

Answer: William Henry Harrison

This rather cutting yet humorous performance sees some of the more forgettable "Simpsons" characters play the role of the "adequate, forgettable, occasionally regrettable, caretaker presidents of the USA". As well as Harrison, Taylor, Tyler, Fillmore and Hayes are all mentioned by name.

This quick skit taught me a little about some of the lesser-known presidents, with only a slight inaccuracy that William Henry Harrison died within 30 days of presidency (he, in fact, died 32 days into his presidency after contracting pneumonia during his inaugural speech).

Answer: Pulp Fiction

In "Pulp Fiction", two hit men (played by Travolta and Jackson) discuss such trivial topics such as what they call the quarter-pounder with cheese in France (a "royale with cheese"). The almost sinister switch between cold-blooded murder and childish chat and popular culture references is prevalent in other Tarantino films, notably "Kill Bill" and "Reservoir Dogs".

Another "Pulp Fiction" reference in "22 Short Films About Springfield" is when Chief Wiggum and Snake are held hostage by Herman Hermann (the one-armed shop-owner) who claims to have caught himself "a couple of flies".

Answer: Cheers

"Flaming Moe's" is based on the film "Cocktail", and sees Moe steal a drink idea from Homer (the drink was originally called a "Flaming Homer", since it was set alight prior to service) which makes Moe and his tavern a huge success. During this time of success, Moe's Tavern is portrayed as a "Cheers"-style bar, with Barney greeted with collective "BARNEY!" upon entering the tavern - a greeting reserved for Norm Peterson in "Cheers". The success doesn't last long, after a bitter Homer reveals that cough syrup is the secret ingredient of the beverage, meaning that the drink is easily reproduced by other establishments.

"Frasier" is a spin-off from "Cheers", and Kelsey Grammer, who played the title character, has also been the voice of Sideshow Bob. David Hyde Pierce, who played Frasier's brother Niles in "Frasier", has also played Sideshow Bob's brother (Sideshow Cecil) in "The Simpsons".

Answer: Goldfinger

"You Only Move Twice" sees Homer take on the role as the innocent and unwitting employee of the charming Hank Scorpio, who just happens to be a global villain. Whilst usually treating Homer with great affection and praising his work-ethic, Scorpio is seen torturing a Bond-like character (clearly based on Connery's Bond) by threatening his nether-regions with a laser.

The famous exchange of "Do you expect me to talk?" and "No, Mr. Bond, I expect you to die!" was taken from the 1964 film "Goldfinger".

Answer: Buzz Aldrin

Buzz Aldrin (real name Edwin Aldrin) followed Neil Armstrong to become the second man to set foot on the moon. He has since become a national hero and gave his name to Buzz Lightyear, one of the main characters in Pixar's "Toy Story". Aldrin also voiced himself in "Deep Space Homer".

In this episode, Homer feels undervalued after an inanimate carbon rod was given "Worker of the Week" ahead of him at the nuclear power plant. After going into space and saving the crew's lives upon re-entry, the carbon rod (which Homer used to jam the shuttle door and therefore avoid disaster) was again praised as the hero.

Answer: Jackie Bouvier

Jacqueline Bouvier is mother to Patty, Selma, and Marge, and has similarly lofty hair. Jackie Bouvier (later Jackie Kennedy and later still Jackie Kennedy Onassis), for whom Marge's mum is named, married John F. Kennedy in 1953 and became a style icon during Kennedy's presidency (1961-1963).

This is not the only allusion to the Kennedy family in "The Simpsons" - the entire Quimby clan are clearly based on the Kennedys, with Diamond Joe's characteristic muddled New York/Boston Irish accent mimicking that of JFK.

In "Sideshow Bob Roberts", Mayor Quimby debates Sideshow Bob in a parody of the 1960 Kennedy/Nixon debate, though here Quimby parodies the sweaty and awkward Nixon, rather than Kennedy.

Answer: Tennessee Williams

"A Streetcar Named Marge" centres on an amateur dramatic musical version of Tennessee Williams' "A Streetcar Named Desire". The usually meek Ned Flanders plays the brutish Stanley Kowalski, who clashes with Blanche DuBois on several occasions. Marge seems unable to generate the anger needed towards Stanley, until picturing Homer's face on Ned Flanders' body. Because of her frustration at Homer's lack of support for her acting, she flies into a rage and almost stabs Ned with a broken bottle.

Answer: The Trojan War

As I've grown up, I've become engrossed in Greek mythology, but whilst watching "Lemon of Troy" at age five (or thereabouts), I failed to appreciate the clever references to the Trojan War. Rather than a lemon tree, the original story tells of how Paris (a Trojan prince) steals Helen of Troy away from her husband Menelaus. Menelaus convinces his brother Agamemnon to support him in attacking the Trojans either to retrieve Helen or to gain revenge by killing Paris. "The Simpsons" references the Trojan War again in "Tales From the Public Domain", where Agnes Skinner is Helen of Troy, and describes herself as having the face the launched a thousand ships "the other way".

Answer: A cocktail

After inviting Homer and Marge to their house for dinner, Apu and Manjula begin to argue. The romantic Apu sets out to perform a series of grand displays of love for Manjula during the lead-up to Valentine's Day, much to the annoyance of the other Springfield husbands.

A mint julep is usually made with mint leaf, bourbon, sugar, and water, and is traditionally served in a silver or pewter cup. After Homer mishears (or chooses to mishear) Apu telling him about "sweet Manjula", Homer begins to drool and makes a quick exit for Moe's.

Answer: Don King

Don King was a controversial figure in boxing, but his success in promoting events were undeniable, with titles such as the "Thrilla in Manila" and "The Rumble in the Jungle" still being familiar to many. Lucius Sweet is described as being "exactly as rich and famous as Don King and looks just like him too".

In "The Homer They Fall" Lucius Sweet promotes the fight between Drederick Tatum (recently released from prison) and Homer (who trains in Rocky-style fashion).