Trilogy of Error

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The Simpsons episode
"Trilogy of Error"
Image:Cabf14.jpg
Episode no.	266
Prod. code	CABF14
Orig. airdate	April 29 2001
Show runner(s)	Mike Scully
Written by	Matt Selman
Directed by	Mike B. Anderson
Chalkboard	"Fire is not the cleanser"
Couch gag	The family skateboards to the couch, jumping off a ramp and doing some aerial stunts before landing, except Homer, who falls off the edge of the ramp and is hit on the head with his own skateboard.
Guest star(s)	Frankie Muniz as Thelonius
Season 12 November 1 2000 – May 20 2001
Treehouse of Horror XI A Tale of Two Springfields Insane Clown Poppy Lisa the Tree Hugger Homer vs. Dignity The Computer Wore Menace Shoes The Great Money Caper Skinner's Sense of Snow HOMR Pokey Mom Worst Episode Ever Tennis the Menace Day of the Jackanapes New Kids on the Blecch Hungry, Hungry Homer Bye Bye Nerdie Simpson Safari Trilogy of Error I'm Goin' to Praiseland Children of a Lesser Clod Simpsons Tall Tales
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"Trilogy of Error" is the eighteenth episode of The Simpsons' twelfth season, which originally aired April 29 2001. It was written by Matt Selman and directed by Mike B. Anderson. It portrays one day from the viewpoints of three different characters: Homer, Lisa, and Bart, piecing them together to make a complete story, a la Rashomon.

[edit] Plot

Three intertwining tales offer different perspectives on a day (the first day of spring, according to the newspaper that is thrown onto the Simpson doorstep at the beginning) in the life of the Simpsons. First, Homer's attempt to get himself a freshly baked brownie results in Marge accidentally cutting off his thumb. They must race to the hospital to get it reattached. In the meantime, Lisa can not find her bike and is left without a ride to school on the day of the big science fair. Her invention, a robot named Linguo that corrects grammar, can not win first prize unless she enters on time. In her numerous attempts to get to school, she eventually crosses paths with the rest of the family. Meanwhile, Bart and Milhouse uncover a stash of fireworks. When Chief Wiggum catches up to them, he enlists their help in an undercover sting operation, with explosive results. As the mayhem of the day unfolds, it becomes clear how the actions of each family member directly affect the rest of the household.

[edit] Cultural references

The title is a reference to the 1975 three parts television horror film Trilogy of Terror.
This episode is based upon the films Run Lola Run and Go. It features music from the Run Lola Run soundtrack.
The scene where Rainer Wolfcastle attacks Marge's windshield with a golf club is a reference to a similar incident in 1994 involving Jack Nicholson breaking a driver's windshield with a golf club after the driver allegedly cut him off.
Krusty's chimp, Mr Teeny, driving his limo is a reference to the 1984 film Cannonball Run II.
The male student Lisa meets at West Springfield Elementary, Thelonius, is named after jazz musician Thelonius Monk.
Flanders' reactions to, and subsequent burning of a Harry Potter book, is a reference to real-life allegations by some Christian groups that the Harry Potter series promotes witchcraft.
In the French class, there is a poster that is a combined spoof of the four basic food groups and food pyramid.