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Difference between revisions of "The Joy of Sect"
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| | {{Quote|This new so-called religion is nothing but a pack of weird rituals and chants designed to take away the money of fools. Now let's say the Lord's Prayer 40 times, but first let's pass the collection plate.|[[Reverend Lovejoy]], addressing Springfielders at the [[First Church of Springfield]].}} | | {{Quote|This new so-called religion is nothing but a pack of weird rituals and chants designed to take away the money of fools. Now let's say the Lord's Prayer 40 times, but first let's pass the collection plate.|[[Reverend Lovejoy]], addressing Springfielders at the [[First Church of Springfield]].}} |
| − | {{episode | + | {{Episode |
| − | |image = The Forbidden Barn.jpg | + | |image= The Joy of Sect.png |
| − | |Caption = [[Homer]] and the brainwashed Springfielders stumble upon the [[Movementarianism|Movementarian]] [[The Leader|leader]]'s spaceship, hidden in [[The Forbidden Barn]]. | + | |caption = [[Homer]] and the brainwashed Springfielders stumble upon the [[Movementarianism|Movementarian]] [[The Leader|leader]]'s spaceship, hidden in [[The Forbidden Barn]]. |
| − | |Episode Number = 191 | + | |number= 191 |
| − | |productionCode = 5F23 | + | |season=9 |
| − | |originalAirdate = February 8, [[1998]] | + | |snumber=13 |
| − | |blackboardText = "Shooting paintballs is not an art form" | + | |prodcode= 5F23 |
| − | |couchGag = The family are now micro-sized and [[Santa's Little Helper]] takes [[Homer]] away. | + | |airdate= February 8, [[1998]] |
| − | |Written By = [[Steve O'Donnell]] | + | |blackboard= "Shooting paintballs is not an art form" |
| − | |Directed By = [[Steven Dean Moore]] | + | |couchgag= The family are now micro-sized and [[Santa's Little Helper]] takes [[Homer]] away. |
| | + | |showrunner1= David Mirkin |
| | + | |writer= [[Steve O'Donnell]] |
| | + | |director= [[Steven Dean Moore]] |
| | |DVD features=yes | | |DVD features=yes |
| | }} | | }} |
| − | "'''The Joy of Sect'''" is the one hundred and ninety first episode of ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and the thirteenth episode of the [[season 9|ninth season]]. | + | |
| | + | "'''The Joy of Sect'''" is the thirteenth episode of [[season 9]] of ''[[The Simpsons]]'' and the one-hundred and ninety-first episode overall. It originally aired on February 8, [[1998]]. The episode was written by [[Steve O'Donnell]] and directed by [[Steven Dean Moore]]. |
| | | | |
| | == Synopsis == | | == Synopsis == |
| − | Along with the majority of [[Springfield]], [[Homer]] and company are lured into the Movementarian cult by a slick pamphlet and tantalizing promises. But as [[Marge]] begins to realize that the cult only has money on its mind, she must try her hand at deprogramming to rescue her family. | + | {{desc|Along with the majority of [[Springfield]], [[Homer]] and company are lured into the Movementarian cult by a slick pamphlet and tantalizing promises. But as [[Marge]] begins to realize that the cult only has money on its mind, she must try her hand at deprogramming to rescue her family.}} |
| | | | |
| | == Plot == | | == Plot == |
| − | Homer takes Bart to the airport to greet the local football team after their championship loss. At the airport, Homer meets Glen and Jane, a pair of recruiters for a new religion called [[Movementarianism]]. They invite Homer to an introductory session at their resort, where a number of [[Springfield]] residents watch a video about the religion. The video explains that the Movementarians plan to take a spaceship to the planet Blisstonia. They are guided by a mysterious male figure known only as "[[The Leader]]." Most of the attendees are brainwashed into worshipping The Leader, but Homer does not pay enough attention to the video to be affected. After trying other methods, Glen and Jane finally convert him by singing the theme to ''{{W|Batman (TV series)|Batman}}'', replacing the word ''Batman'' with the word ''Leader.'' | + | [[Homer]] takes [[Bart]] out of school to go to the [[Springfield International Airport]] to see the local football team return from their championship loss. At the airport, they run into [[Glen]] and {{ap|Jane|The Joy of Sect}}, who tell Homer about [[Movementarianism]] and offer a free resort weekend. Homer and Bart then join the crowd to see the football team and the crowd proceeds to destroy the plane they arrived in. Back at home, Homer tells the family about the Movementarians, although [[Marge]] is reluctant to go as she feels that they'll try and talk them into something. |
| − | [[File:The Joy of Sect.jpg|left|thumb|[[Homer]] looks over a [[Movementarianism|Movementarian]] leaflet, given to him by cult recruiters, [[Glen]] and [[Jane]].]]
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| − | After Homer joins the sect, he moves his family to the Movementarian compound. The compound is a fenced [[wikipedia:agriculture|agricultural]] facility where everyone is forced to grow and harvest [[wikipedia:Lima bean|lima beans]] from dawn to dusk. [[The Leader]] lives in a "[[The Forbidden Barn|Forbidden Barn]]", where his spaceship is supposedly stored. He only appears briefly, riding through the fields in a [[wikipedia:Rolls-Royce|Rolls-Royce]].
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| | | | |
| − | As Movementarianism gains popularity, [[Mr. Burns]] decides to start his own religion, jealous of The Leader's tax-exempt status. Burns declares himself a god at a grand display atop one of his buildings, with Springfield residents and Burns's employees looking on. However, the Springfieldians are unconvinced after his outfit catches fire in a [[wikipedia:pyrotechnics|pyrotechnics]] display. | + | Homer goes to the [[Movementarian Compound]] and immediately goes fishing there. As Glen and Jane try and talk Homer into joining the cult, Homer dismisses them as they tell him that they're not allowed to drink beer. Homer is then led to watch the orientation video, which talks about how [[The Leader]] is building a spaceship to take them all to [[Blisstonia]]. However, Homer resists the video's brainwashing attempts whilst the other people who attended got brainwashed into joining. Homer is then taken through other group activities to try and break his resistance, but all fails. Glen then starts to sing "{{ap|Leader|song}}" to the tune of the "{{W|Batman Theme}}" which finally breaks Homer. |
| | | | |
| − | Though defiant at first, all the Simpson children are converted to Movementarianism. Bart plans to cause trouble with his "Li'l Bastard Mischief Kit," but the Movementarians outwit him with a "Li'l Bastard Brainwashing Kit." [[Lisa Simpson|Lisa]] loathes that "The Leader" is the answer to every question at the Movementarian school, but she complies for the sake of her grades. [[Maggie Simpson|Maggie]] and other babies are brainwashed by [[wikipedia:Barney & Friends|Barney the Dinosaur]], who sings them a song about The Leader. [[Marge Simpson|Marge]] is the only family member to resist the Movementarians' methods, and she escapes from the compound, narrowly avoiding many obstacles along the way. Outside, she finds [[Reverend Timothy Lovejoy|Reverend Lovejoy]], [[Ned Flanders]], and [[Groundskeeper Willie]], and with their help, she poses as The Leader and tricks her family into leaving with her.
| + | At home, Homer tells the family that he signed them all up to the cult and they are forced to move to the compound. Whilst the family starts to fall to the brainwashing, [[Reverend Lovejoy]] is left with an almost empty church due to his congregation joining Movementarianism. Meanwhile, [[Mr. Burns]] attempts to start his own cult too, but fails. Eventually, the Simpsons all get brainwashed, except Marge. Marge escapes the compound and goes to Reverend Lovejoy for help. [[Groundskeeper Willie]] also agrees to help and the three of them kidnap the family and take them to [[744 Evergreen Terrace|Ned's house]]. |
| | | | |
| − | [[File:Movimentarian's spaceship.jpg|right|thumb|The Movementarian fake spaceship, falling apart after flying out of "[[The Forbidden Barn]]"]]
| + | After finding that the Simpsons have been kidnapped, the Movementarians deploy their lawyers. In Ned's rumpus room, the kids are offered hover bikes (which are fake) to break their brainwashing. Meanwhile, Willie tries to break Homer's brainwashing, but almost gets won over himself. Homer is then offered a beer and as one drop hits his tongue, the lawyers show up and take Homer back to the cult. However, the Movementarians don't realize that Homer's brainwashing has been broken by the beer and he goes to show that [[The Forbidden Barn]] is empty. As he opens the doors, he reveals a flying saucer inside. The Leader tells everyone that they are doomed due to Homer's actions and the spaceship starts to fly off. However, it falls apart and it's revealed that The Leader is riding a flying bicycle with all the money he stole from the members with him. The Leader then crashes into [[Cletus's farm]] where [[Cletus]] takes the money from him. |
| − | In Flanders's [[wikipedia:Rumpus room|rumpus room]], Marge deprograms her children by promising them what appear to be hover-bikes. In reality, Marge had suspended regular bikes from the ceiling with wires, and Flanders provided hover-bike sound effects while hidden in a closet. Homer yields after Ned offers him a beer, but just as the first drop lands on Homer's tongue, he is captured by the Movementarians' lawyers. Back at the compound, Homer tells a crowd of Movementarians that he is no longer brainwashed. He opens the doors of the Forbidden Barn, hoping to expose the religion as a fraud. However, he is surprised to find "one hell of a giant spaceship," and The Leader proclaims that, due to Homer's "lack of faith," humanity will never reach Blisstonia. The Springfieldians fear that The Leader is speaking the truth, but as the spaceship begins to fly away, it falls apart, revealing The Leader on a pedal-powered aircraft departing with everyone's money. Everyone's faith is broken, but The Leader does not fly very far, crashing on [[Cletus Spuckler|Cletus Spuckler's]] front porch. | |
| | | | |
| − | As the Simpsons return home, Lisa remarks, "It's wonderful to think for ourselves again." However, the family soon becomes hypnotized by a FOX television commercial, which declares, "You are watching FOX." In unison, the family responds, "We are watching FOX."
| + | The family go back home and everything goes back to normal and talk about how wonderful it is to be able to think for themselves again. [[FOX]] then comes onto the channel and the announcer says "You are watching FOX", which the Simpsons then mindlessly repeat. |
| | | | |
| | == Production == | | == Production == |
| − | === Development ===
| + | The episode's title came from producer [[Jace Richdale]]. Showrunner [[David Mirkin]] was excited to do an episode about cults as he was fascinated by them, saying that he found them "comical, interesting, and twisted".<ref name="Mirkin">{{Com|Mirkin, David|The Joy of Sect|Ninth|(2006).|link=David Mirkin}}</ref> Shortly after [[Steve O'Donnell]] wrote the first draft, news about the {{W2|Heaven's Gate|religious group}} cult's mass suicide came out. The Heaven's Gate cult had many parallels to Movementarianism. This led to some of the story being changed to make it less like the Heaven's Gate cult.<ref name="O'Donnell">{{Com|O'Donnell, Steve|The Joy of Sect|Ninth|(2006).|link=Steve O'Donnell}}</ref> |
| − | The episode was the second and last episode written by [[Steve O'Donnell]] and was based on an idea from [[David Mirkin]]. Mirkin had been the [[List of The Simpsons show runners|show runner]] during [[Season 5|seasons five]] and [[Season 6|six]], but had been brought back to run two episodes during the ninth season. He said he was attracted to the notion of parodying cults because they are "comical, interesting and twisted."<ref name="Mirkin" /> The main group of writers that worked on the episode were Mirkin, O'Donnell, [[Jace Richdale]] and [[Kevin Curran]]. The episode's title "The Joy of Sect" was pitched by Richdale.<ref name="Mirkin"/> [[Steven Dean Moore]] directed the episode. | |
| | | | |
| − | Aspects of the Movementarians were inspired by different cults, including Scientology, Jim Jones, the Unification Church and the Peoples Temple, the Heaven's Gate group, the Unification Church, the Oneida Society, and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.<ref name="Mirkin">{{cite video | people=Mirkin, David |year=2006|title=The Simpsons season 9 DVD commentary for the episode "The Joy of Sect"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref> In particular, the leader driving through the fields in a Rolls Royce was partly inspired by the Bhagwans, and the notion of holding people inside the camp against their will was a reference to Jim Jones.<ref name="Mirkin"/> The name "Movementarians" itself was simply chosen for its awkward sound.<ref name="Mirkin" /> The scene during the six-hour orientation video where those who get up to leave are induced to stay through peer pressure and groupthink was a reference to the Moonies and the est Training.<ref name="O'Donnell" /> The show's producers acknowledged that the ending scene of the episode was a poke at FOX as "being the evil mind controlling network."<ref name="Mirkin" /> The episode's script was written in 1997, at roughly the same time that the members of the Heaven's Gate cult committed Mass suicide. The writers noticed strange parallels between Mirkin's first draft and Heaven's Gate, including the belief in the arrival of a spaceship and the group's members wearing matching clothes and odd sneakers.<ref name="Mirkin" /> Because of these coincidences, several elements of the episode were changed so that it would be more sensitive in the wake of the suicides.<ref name="O'Donnell">{{cite video | people=O'Donnell, Steve |year=2006|title=The Simpsons season 9 DVD commentary for the episode "The Joy of Sect"| medium=DVD|publisher=20th Century Fox}}</ref>
| + | The Movementarians were inspired by several real cults and cult leaders, in particular {{W|Scientology}}, {{W|Jim Jones}} and the {{W|Peoples Temple}}, the {{W2|Heaven's Gate|religious group}} group, the {{W|Unification Church}}, the {{W|Oneida Society}}, and {{W|Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh}}. The Leader driving a Rolls-Royce was inspired by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, whilst people being held in a compound against their will was inspired by Jim Jones.<ref name="Mirkin"/> |
| − | | |
| − | === Themes ===
| |
| − | Chris Turner's book ''Planet Simpson'' describes the Movementarians as a cross between the Church of Scientology and Raelism, with lesser influences from Sun Myung Moon and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Moon's ideas of constant social interaction with very little privacy, as well as the mass marriages were referenced in the episode, as was [[wikipedia:Osho|Osho]], who was known for his large fleet of Rolls Royces which he would drive daily through his compound, waving to his followers. ''Planet Simpson'' also notes the Simpsons' chant at the conclusion of the episode as evidence of a "true high-growth quasi-religious cult of our time," referring to television. The book refers to a "Cult of Pop," which it describes as "a fast growing mutation ersatz religion that has filled the gaping hole in the West's social fabric where organized religion used to be". Martin Hunt of FACTnet notes several similarities between the Movementarians and the Church of Scientology. "The Leader" physically resembles L. Ron Hubbard; the Movementarians' "trillion year labor contract" alludes to the Sea Org's billion year contract; and both groups make extensive use of litigation.<ref>{{cite news | last = Hunt | first = Martin | coauthors = | title = Celebrity Critics of Scientology, Simpsons (TV show) | work = FACTnet | pages = | language = | publisher = | date = | url = http://www.factnet.org/Scientology/celebcrit.html#simpsons | accessdate = 2007-10-24}}</ref> ''The A.V. Club'' analyzes the episode in a piece called "Springfield joins a cult", comparing the Movementarians' plans to travel to "Blisstonia" to Heaven's Gate's promises of bliss after traveling to the Hale-Bopp [[comet]]. However, it also notes that "The Joy of Sect" is a commentary on organized religion in general, quoting Bart as saying, "Church, cult, cult, church. So we get bored someplace else every Sunday."<ref name="koski">{{cite news | last = Koski | first = Genevieve | coauthors = Josh Modell, Noel Murray, Sean O'Neal, Kyle Ryan, Scott Tobias | title = Features: Inventory: 15 ''Simpsons'' Moments That Perfectly Captured Their Eras | work = The A.V. Club | pages = | language = | publisher = 2007, Onion Inc. |date=July 23, 2007 | url = http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/inventory 15 simpsons moments/2 | accessdate = 2007-10-24}}</ref> ''Planet Simpson'' discusses ''The Simpsons''<nowiki>'</nowiki> approach to deprogramming in the episode, noting groundskeeper Willie's conversion to the philosophy of the Movementarians after learning about it while attempting to deprogram Homer. Author Chris Turner suggests that Marge should have instead gone with the "Conformco Brain Deprogrammers" used in the episode "[[Burns' Heir]]" to convince Bart to leave Mr. Burns and come back home.
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| − | | |
| − | In ''The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer'', the authors cite "escaping from a cult commune in 'The Joy of Sect'" as evidence of "Aristotle's virtuous personality traits in Marge." As the title suggests, the book ''The Psychology of the Simpsons: D'oh!'' examines "The Joy of Sect" from a psychological point of view. It discusses the psychology of decision-making in the episode, noting, "Homer is becoming a full-blown member of the Movementarians not by a rational choice, ..but through the process of escalating behavioral commitments." ''The Psychology of the Simpsons'' explains the key recruitment techniques used by the Movementarians, including the charismatic leader, established authority based on a religious entity or alien being (in this case "Blisstonia"), and the method of taking away free choice through acceptance of the Leader's greatness. The book also analyzes the techniques used during the six-hour Movementarian recruitment film. In that scene, those who rise to leave are reminded that they are allowed to leave whenever they wish. They are, however, questioned in front of the group as to specifically why they wish to leave, and these individuals end up staying to finish watching the film. The book describes this technique as "subtle pressure," in contrast to the "razor wire, landmines, angry dogs, crocodiles and evil mystery bubble Marge confronts to escape, while being reminded again that she is certainly free to leave." ''The Psychology of the Simpsons'' writes that "the Leader" is seen as an authority figure, because "He has knowledge or abilities that others do not, but want." Instead of traditional mathematics textbooks, the children on the compound learn from ''Arithmetic the Leader's Way'' and ''Science for Leader Lovers''.
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| − | | |
| − | In Pinsky's ''The Gospel According to the Simpsons'', one of the show's writers recounted to the author that the producers of ''The Simpsons'' had vetoed a planned episode on Scientology in fear of the Church's "reputation for suing and harassing opponents". Pinsky found it ironic that Groening spoofed Scientology in spite of the fact that the voice of Bart Simpson, [[Nancy Cartwright]], is a Scientologist,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.guardian.co.uk/g2/story/0,,1274066,00.html|title=That's my boy|accessdate=2007-05-14|author=Emma Brockes|date=2004-08-02|publisher=The Guardian}}</ref> having joined in 1989.<ref>{{cite news | last = Burnett | first = John | coauthors = | title = All things Considered: Scientology | work = All Things Considered | pages = | language = | publisher = National Public Radio | date = March 12, 1997 | url = http://www.solitarytrees.net/racism/collar.htm | accessdate = 2007-10-28}}</ref> Pinsky notes that [[Matt Groening]] later "took a shot at Scientology" in ''[[Futurama]]'' with the fictional religion "Church of Robotology". Groening said he received a call from the Church of Scientology concerned about the use of a similar name.<ref>{{cite video| people=Groening, Matt|year=2003|title=[[Futurama]] season 1 DVD commentary for the episode "Hell Is Other Robots"| medium=DVD |publisher=20th Century Fox |quote=I did get a call from a Scientologist who had somehow gotten hold of the script.}}</ref>
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| | | | |
| | == Reception == | | == Reception == |
| − | === Ratings ===
| + | As of June [[2023]], the episode has an 8.3 rating on {{W|IMDb}}.<ref>[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0779676/ IMDb - "The Joy of Sect"]</ref> |
| − | "The Joy of Sect" was viewed by approximately 9.4 million households and garnered a 9.6 Nielsen rating, making it the fourth highest-rated show on the FOX network the week it aired.
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| − | | |
| − | === Critical ===
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| − | Jeff Shalda of ''The Simpsons Archive'' used the episode as an example of one of the "good qualities present in The Simpsons," while analyzing why some other aspects of ''The Simpsons'' make Christians upset. The book ''I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide'' commented that the episode was "an odd one," with "a lot of good moments," and went on to state that it was "a nice twist to see Burns determined to be loved." However, the book also noted that "The Joy of Sect" is "another one where the central joke isn't strong enough to last the whole episode." In a 2006 article in ''USA Today'', "The Joy of Sect" was highlighted among the six best episodes of [[The Simpsons (season 9)|''The Simpsons'' season 9]], along with "[[Trash of the Titans]]," "[[The Last Temptation of Krust]]," "[[The Cartridge Family]]," "[[Dumbbell Indemnity]]," and "[[Das Bus]]."<ref>{{cite news | last = Clark | first = Mike | coauthors = | title = New on DVD | work = USA Today | pages = | language = | publisher = Gannett Co. Inc. |date=December 22, 2006 | url = http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/reviews/2006-12-21-new-on-dvd x.htm?csp=34 | accessdate = 2007-10-24}}</ref> ''The A.V. Club'' featured the episode in its analysis of "15 ''Simpsons'' Moments That Perfectly Captured Their Eras."<ref name="koski" /> The episode is used by the Farmington Trust (UK), an organization which encourages Christian education in schools, colleges and universities.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2005/04/02/db0201.xml |title=Bobby Wills - Telegraph |accessdate=2007-11-19 |format= |work=}}</ref> In their lesson plan, ''An Introduction to Philosophy: The Wit and Wisdom of Lisa Simpson'', the episode is described in a section on "False Prophets" as applicable for "..studying the more outrageous manifestations of ‘religion’ or those simply alert to the teachings of Christ on the subject." This episode is the origin of the term "Jerkass Homer," used by alt.tv.Simpsons members to describe a perceived change in Homer's personality around season nine or so. Homer shouts "Outta my way, Jerkass!" while driving into the Movementarian compound, and once again when he's told there will be a free movie.
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| | == Gallery == | | == Gallery == |
| − | {{Images|ep=yes}}
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| | <gallery> | | <gallery> |
| − | File:The Joy of Sect Promo.gif|Promotional image | + | File:The Joy of Sect - Promotional art.png|Promotional image |
| | </gallery> | | </gallery> |
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| | {{Reflist}} | | {{Reflist}} |
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| | + | {{Images|ep=yes}} |
| | {{Season 9}} | | {{Season 9}} |
| | {{DEFAULTSORT:Joy of Sect, The}} | | {{DEFAULTSORT:Joy of Sect, The}} |
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| − | [[Category:Episodes]]
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| − | [[Category:Season 9]]
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| − | [[Category:Religion-themed episodes]]
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| | [[Category:1998]] | | [[Category:1998]] |
| | [[Category:Homer episodes]] | | [[Category:Homer episodes]] |
| | [[Category:Marge episodes]] | | [[Category:Marge episodes]] |
| | + | [[Category:Religion-themed episodes]] |
| | + | [[Category:Episodes written by Steve O'Donnell]] |
| | + | [[Category:Episodes directed by Steven Dean Moore]] |
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| | [[sv:The Joy of Sect]] | | [[sv:The Joy of Sect]] |
Latest revision as of 11:24, April 14, 2024
- "This new so-called religion is nothing but a pack of weird rituals and chants designed to take away the money of fools. Now let's say the Lord's Prayer 40 times, but first let's pass the collection plate."
- ―Reverend Lovejoy, addressing Springfielders at the First Church of Springfield.
"The Joy of Sect" is the thirteenth episode of season 9 of The Simpsons and the one-hundred and ninety-first episode overall. It originally aired on February 8, 1998. The episode was written by Steve O'Donnell and directed by Steven Dean Moore.
Synopsis[edit]
- "Along with the majority of Springfield, Homer and company are lured into the Movementarian cult by a slick pamphlet and tantalizing promises. But as Marge begins to realize that the cult only has money on its mind, she must try her hand at deprogramming to rescue her family."
Homer takes Bart out of school to go to the Springfield International Airport to see the local football team return from their championship loss. At the airport, they run into Glen and Jane, who tell Homer about Movementarianism and offer a free resort weekend. Homer and Bart then join the crowd to see the football team and the crowd proceeds to destroy the plane they arrived in. Back at home, Homer tells the family about the Movementarians, although Marge is reluctant to go as she feels that they'll try and talk them into something.
Homer goes to the Movementarian Compound and immediately goes fishing there. As Glen and Jane try and talk Homer into joining the cult, Homer dismisses them as they tell him that they're not allowed to drink beer. Homer is then led to watch the orientation video, which talks about how The Leader is building a spaceship to take them all to Blisstonia. However, Homer resists the video's brainwashing attempts whilst the other people who attended got brainwashed into joining. Homer is then taken through other group activities to try and break his resistance, but all fails. Glen then starts to sing "Leader" to the tune of the "Batman Theme" which finally breaks Homer.
At home, Homer tells the family that he signed them all up to the cult and they are forced to move to the compound. Whilst the family starts to fall to the brainwashing, Reverend Lovejoy is left with an almost empty church due to his congregation joining Movementarianism. Meanwhile, Mr. Burns attempts to start his own cult too, but fails. Eventually, the Simpsons all get brainwashed, except Marge. Marge escapes the compound and goes to Reverend Lovejoy for help. Groundskeeper Willie also agrees to help and the three of them kidnap the family and take them to Ned's house.
After finding that the Simpsons have been kidnapped, the Movementarians deploy their lawyers. In Ned's rumpus room, the kids are offered hover bikes (which are fake) to break their brainwashing. Meanwhile, Willie tries to break Homer's brainwashing, but almost gets won over himself. Homer is then offered a beer and as one drop hits his tongue, the lawyers show up and take Homer back to the cult. However, the Movementarians don't realize that Homer's brainwashing has been broken by the beer and he goes to show that The Forbidden Barn is empty. As he opens the doors, he reveals a flying saucer inside. The Leader tells everyone that they are doomed due to Homer's actions and the spaceship starts to fly off. However, it falls apart and it's revealed that The Leader is riding a flying bicycle with all the money he stole from the members with him. The Leader then crashes into Cletus's farm where Cletus takes the money from him.
The family go back home and everything goes back to normal and talk about how wonderful it is to be able to think for themselves again. FOX then comes onto the channel and the announcer says "You are watching FOX", which the Simpsons then mindlessly repeat.
Production[edit]
The episode's title came from producer Jace Richdale. Showrunner David Mirkin was excited to do an episode about cults as he was fascinated by them, saying that he found them "comical, interesting, and twisted".[1] Shortly after Steve O'Donnell wrote the first draft, news about the Heaven's Gate cult's mass suicide came out. The Heaven's Gate cult had many parallels to Movementarianism. This led to some of the story being changed to make it less like the Heaven's Gate cult.[2]
The Movementarians were inspired by several real cults and cult leaders, in particular Scientology, Jim Jones and the Peoples Temple, the Heaven's Gate group, the Unification Church, the Oneida Society, and Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. The Leader driving a Rolls-Royce was inspired by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, whilst people being held in a compound against their will was inspired by Jim Jones.[1]
Reception[edit]
As of June 2023, the episode has an 8.3 rating on IMDb.[3]
Gallery[edit]
References[edit]
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