Popular Culture Review Vol. 13, No. 1, January 2002 | Page 28
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Popular Culture Review
Mr. Smithers’ Coming Out
As I have tried to demonstrate, a gay sensibility is strongly evident on
The Simpsons. However, a discussion of gay life on The Simpsons would not be
complete if it did not center on the show’s gay character, the self-described
sycophant, Waylon Smithers. As I noted above, it is essentially gay male life on
display in The Simpsons. Those who have faithfully watched the show over the
course of several years know that there has been a slow but steady coming out
process for Smithers. They know also that the object of his affections is his boss,
Mr. Bums. Smithers’ concern for the well-being of Bums was well established
early on. The aforementioned episode “Bmsh with Greatness,” in which Bums
contracts Marge to paint his portrait, provides an example of Smithers’ devotion.
At the Simpson home. Marge accidentally walks into the bathroom to find Bums
exiting from the shower, naked, and Smithers offering him a towel. Marge
apologizes for the intmsion and quickly leaves. Smithers asks: “Would you feel
more comfortable if I left too, sir?” “Of course not, Smithers. You’re ... you’re
like a doctor.” The comment positions Smithers in the role of caretaker and has the
effect of both desexualizing their contact and affirming Bums’ heterosexuality.
But, for the viewer, it also provides an indication of both the physical and emotional
closeness of the two men, which evidently fuels Smithers’ desire. A similar
circumstance is found in “Bums Verkaufen der Kraftwerk.” After Bums sells the
plant to a German consortium, Smithers is saddened by the loss of his job and,
subsequently, his ties to Mr. Bums. Bums meanwhile occupies himself with bocce
ball and beekeeping. But he too misses the camaraderie, so he invites Smithers for
a drink at his estate. When Smithers arrives. Bums politely introduces him to the
bees he is tending. Pointing, he says: “That’s Buzz, that’s Honey, and see that
Queen over there? Her name is Smithers.” Smithers replies: “That’s very flattering,
sir.” O f course, this is subtle; understanding how this scene implies a homosexual
proclivity requires a certain in-group knowledge of the term “queen,” which some
viewers might be lacking. Smithers’ desire is a bit more overtly on display in “Dog
of Death,” in which Homer reluctantly turns to Bums for a loan to cover the cost of
an operation for Santa’s Little Helper, the family dog. Bums cannot understand the
attachment and asks Smithers: “[w]hy anyone would spend good money on a dog.”
“People like dogs, Mr. Bums,” Smithers replies. “Nonsense,” says Bums. “Dogs
are idiots. Think about it Smithers. Iff came into your house and started sniffing at
your crotch and slobbering all over your face, what would you do?” Smithers non
committal reply: “Mmmmm...ifyow did it, sir?” Presumably, he is savoring the
image.
The first overt and truly audacious reference to Sm ithers’ sexual
orientation—the one that got many fans viewing the show in a whole new light—
was made in an episode from the fourth season, “Marge Gets a Job.” Marge goes