Video Clip Summaries

Below are descriptions of clips from some of the episodes of The Simpsons. These clips provide different pieces of information that one might use to determine the state where Springfield is located. Depending on which ones you use as the basis for you argument, it is possible to reach different regarding the location of Springfield. You do not need incorporate something from every clip; use only the clips that support the conclusion you think is correct. Even though you may find additional clues in other episodes of the show, you must limit yourself to these clips.

  • Introduction
    This is the opening of the show. It provides a view of the city and in the center of the opening shot is a nuclear power plant. This is the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant.
  • "Homer Alone" (Episode 8F14, Original airdate: Feb. 6, 1992).
    In this clip, Marge is taking a vacation at Rancho Relaxo. As she checks in a radio in the background is playing. The deejay announces the call letters of radio station as WKOMA.
  • "Bart Gets an Elephant" (Episode 1F15, Original airdate: March 31, 1994).
    In this episode, Bart wins an elephant from the local radio station. The local radio station in Springfield is KBBL.
  • "Homer Badman" (Episode 2F06, Original airdate: Nov. 27, 1994).
    A graduate student at Springfield University accuses Homer of sexual harassment in this episode. In an effort to clear his name, he goes on the local public access television station. While setting up the stage, Grandpa hangs up a flag with only 49 stars. Marge asks about this, and Grandpa responds by saying, "I'll be deep in the cold, cold ground before I recognize Missoura." It seems likely that Springfield is, therefore, not in Missouri.
  • Bart on the Road" (Episode 3F17, Original airdate: May 31, 1996).
    Bart manages to get a fake drivers license. With this, he and several of his friends rent a car and go on a road trip during spring break. Their road trip begins in Springfield goes through Branson, Missouri, and ends in Nashville, Tennessee.
  • "You Only Move Twice" (Episode 4F03, Original airdate: Nov. 10, 1996).
    Homer unwittingly takes a job with a super-villain named Hank Scorpio who is trying to take over the world. His family has become dissatisfied with their new life. Near the end of the show, Hank Scorpio is fighting the government forces as Homer announces his resignation and his intention to move his family back to Springfield. As Hank accepts Homer's resignation, he tells Homer to look him up if Homer ever is on the East Coast. Based on this it seems unlikely that Springfield is in an eastern state.
  • "Boy Scoutz N the Hood" (Episode 1F06, Original airdate: Nov. 18, 199).
    Bart joins the Junior Campers and goes on a father and son white water rafting trip in this episode. They end up sharing a raft Ned Flanders and his son and manage to get lost out in the ocean. They are saved when they land on an oil derrick that has a Krusty Burger. They find this from a map Homer has. The oil derrick with the Krusty Burger is in the northern Atlantic.
  • "Oh Brother, Where Art Though?" (Episode 7F16, Original airdate: Feb. 21, 1991).
    Homer finds out that he has a half brother. When he locates his brother Herb, it turns out that Herb is owner of an automobile company called Powell Motors. Homer manages to bankrupt the company, and as they head back to Springfield, they pass a sign indicating that they have left Michigan.

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