Difference between revisions of "Birch Barlow"

Revision as of 15:29, November 21, 2007

Birchibald "Birch" T. Barlow (voiced by Harry Shearer) has been featured prominently only in the episode Sideshow Bob Roberts, appearing from time to time in the background of subsequent episodes.

Role in The Simpsons

He is a right-wing conservative talk show host on the radio station KBBL, who in voice and appearance is obviously modeled after Rush Limbaugh. As of You Kent Always Say What You Want, he also has a show on Fox News, and serves as a parody of Fox News' conservative bias.

Governmental Power

On his radio show, he declares himself to be "the fourth branch of government" and "the fifty-first state".

Books

He is also the author of the book "Only Turkeys Have Left Wings".

Role in Sideshow Bob Roberts

Barlow played an important part in the episode Sideshow Bob Roberts, in which Sideshow Bob, while jailed, calls up Barlow on his radio show, giving him an outlet to voice how the prison treats him unfairly. Barlow, knowing Bob is a fellow Republican, sympathizes with his complaints, and influences the rest of Springfield to as well. This leads to Bob's prompt release and ensuing mayoral election-rigging.

Sexuality

In the book The Simpsons Guide To Springfield, Barlow is pictured enjoying a "festive meal with a group of close personal friends" — Waylon Smithers, John (from the episode "Homer's Phobia") and Buddy "Fallout Boy" Hodges — at the flamboyantly decorated Sha-Boom Ka-Boom Cafe. Typical of The Simpsons, this is meant to humorously imply that he may be homosexual.

Other Appearances

Barlow also appeared in the episode "We're on the Road to D'ohwhere" as a customer at Marge's prescription drug-laden "yard sale", a reference to Limbaugh's Oxycontin addiction scandal.