Simpson Safari
| "Simpson Safari" | |
|---|---|
| The Simpsons episode | |
| Episode no. | 265 |
| Directed by | Mark Kirkland |
| Written by | John Swartzwelder |
| Showrunner(s) | Mike Scully |
| Production code | CABF13 |
| Original air date | April 1, 2001 |
| Chalkboard gag | "I will not flush evidence" |
| Couch gag | The family forms a chorus line which turns into a large circus extravaganza. |
| Commentary | Mike Scully Ian Maxtone-Graham Matt Selman Tim Long Yeardley Smith Mark Kirkland Michael Marcantel |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
|
Frank Welker as assorted animal voices |
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Season 12 episodes
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| Seasons | |
Frank Welker as assorted animal voices
"Simpson Safari" is the seventeenth episode of The Simpsons' twelfth season. It first aired on the Fox network in the United States on April 1, 2001. When the Simpsons run out of food thanks to a bag boy strike, the family finds an old box of Animal Crackers in their attic. In the box is a golden cracker that was part of a contest conducted by the owners of Animal Crackers. Finding out that anyone that found the golden cracker would win a trip to Africa, Homer shows it to the company's owners, who refuse to honor the prize. When he is injured by one of the box's sharp corners however, the family is given a free trip to Africa as compensation.
Although "Simpson Safari" was written by John Swartzwelder, the idea for the episode was pitched by a former staff writer Larry Doyle. The episode was directed by Mark Kirkland, who had been to Africa as a child. Because of his visit there, Kirkland attempted to make the episode look as authentic as possible, even though the Simpsons trip to Africa was "all over the place" geographically.
The episode features Frank Welker as all the animals in Africa. In its original broadcast, the episode was seen by approximately 7.7 million viewers, finishing in 42nd place in the ratings the week it aired. Following its broadcast, the episode received mixed reviews from critics. The episode was also nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series in 2001, which it ultimately lost.
While Marge takes Maggie to the hospital after Maggie swallowed an issue of Time magazine whole, Homer, Bart and Lisa go grocery shopping. Homer and other shoppers at the store mistreat the bag boys, which results in every bag boy in Springfield going on strike. Presumably and strangely having no ability to shop without bag boys to pack their bags, they are unable to buy more food. When the Simpsons run out of food in their home, the family follows Santa's Little Helper into the attic, where he finds a 30-year-old box of animal crackers.
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