Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

The Homer of Seville

"The Homer of Seville" is the second episode of the nineteenth season of the American animated sitcom , originally broadcast on the Fox network on September 30, 2007. The episode, written by and directed by Michael Polcino, centers on , who discovers an extraordinary operatic singing voice after sustaining a during a chaotic incident at a funeral. This newfound talent propels Homer into the world of professional in , where he quickly rises to stardom, performing alongside renowned tenor (parodied as "P. Dingo") and captivating audiences with his powerful . As Homer's fame escalates, he hires a personal assistant named —voiced by guest star —who becomes obsessively infatuated with him, creating tension and danger in his personal life while Marge grapples with the disruptions to their family routine. The episode explores themes of sudden celebrity, the perils of obsessive fandom, and Homer's typical blend of incompetence and accidental success, earning a 6.5/10 rating from over 1,800 users and featuring musical performances that highlight voice actor Dan Castellaneta's vocal range.

Episode overview

Plot

The episode begins when the Simpson family crashes a funeral buffet after church, and Homer, serving as a pallbearer, falls into an open grave, injuring his back. Rushed to the hospital, Dr. Hibbert examines Homer and discovers that, when lying down, he possesses a powerful operatic voice, demonstrated by singing "If Ever I Would Leave You" from Camelot—but only when supine, as the position aligns his diaphragm optimally. Impressed by reports of Homer's voice, Mr. Burns recruits him to star as Rodolfo in a lavish production of Giacomo Puccini's at the , complete with a custom rotating bed for to perform from. The debut is a triumph, catapulting to local stardom; crowds flock to his shows, and opera legend appears briefly to coach him on technique and pronunciation. 's fame brings perks like fan adoration and media attention, but also chaos, including a performance at a hockey game where his high notes shatter arena glass. Meanwhile, takes pride in her father's artistic breakthrough and later helps uncover the danger from . Homer's rising celebrity attracts , a glamorous but unhinged who him from a of admirers and insists on becoming his and manager. As their professional relationship deepens, Julia's obsession intensifies after Homer rejects her advances; she attempts to assassinate him multiple times, including with a in his and a poison dart. Tensions escalate as Julia's affections turn possessive and violent, forcing Homer to navigate the perils of . The story reaches its climax during Homer's performance of . Julia, disguised, attempts to kill him with a poison dart from a blowgun, but Marge thwarts the plan by playing a French horn offstage, causing the dart to miss. Police snipers shoot at Julia, stopping her heart, and a chandelier crashes down; Dr. Hibbert later reveals these events inadvertently saved her life by expelling the poison she had ingested, and she is arrested, ending the threat. Shaken by the ordeal, Homer abandons opera and channels his lying-down talent into painting, producing a sprawling ceiling mural parodying Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel fresco—this one depicting the Simpsons family and Springfield residents in divine poses. The family returns to normalcy, with Homer content in his new, low-stakes pursuit.

Cast

The principal voice cast for "The Homer of Seville" consists of the core ensemble from The Simpsons, who portray the Simpson family and key Springfield residents. Dan Castellaneta voices Homer Simpson, as well as providing the operatic singing for the character's performances. Julie Kavner voices Marge Simpson. Nancy Cartwright voices Bart Simpson. Yeardley Smith voices Lisa Simpson. Hank Azaria voices Moe Szyslak and other minor roles, such as Carl Carlson. Harry Shearer voices Mr. Burns and Waylon Smithers, among additional characters. The episode features two guest stars: as himself, serving as Homer's opera mentor, and as Julia, Homer's obsessive fan and stalker. Additional voices include as and as various residents, such as Agnes Skinner. Castellaneta's operatic rendition ties directly into Homer's discovery of his singing talent following an injury.

Production

Development

"The Homer of Seville" was written by Carolyn Omine, who joined the writing staff of The Simpsons in 1997 after contributing to live-action sitcoms such as Stand By Your Man and Full House, as well as animated series including Aaahh!!! Real Monsters and The Wild Thornberrys. Omine has earned five Emmy Awards for her work on the series and also directs vocal performances for episodes. The episode was directed by Mike Frank Polcino. The production was overseen by Al Jean. It premiered on Fox on September 30, 2007, as the second episode of the nineteenth season. The standard development process for episodes begins with writers pitching ideas to the showrunner, who assigns scripts to selected pitches; Omine typically receives one script per season. This is followed by a week to develop an outline, two weeks for the first draft, multiple rounds of rewrites by the writing staff, a table read with voice actors for feedback, animation production, and final revisions after the animatic stage. To lend authenticity to the operatic elements, the episode featured guest star voicing himself in a key role.

Music

The music in "The Homer of Seville" prominently features Homer Simpson's operatic arias, performed entirely by voice actor , who trained specifically for the role to achieve a professional-level operatic tone. Guest star , appearing as himself, praised Castellaneta's singing as remarkable during production. Central to the soundtrack are licensed excerpts from Giacomo Puccini's , with Homer portraying Rodolfo in a production funded by . Key selections include Rodolfo's "" from Act I and portions of the opera's final act, particularly the Mimi's death scene, where Homer lies onstage to accommodate his injury-induced singing limitation. The episode also incorporates the overture from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's during a tense pursuit scene involving the villainous . Non-operatic elements enhance the theme, beginning with Homer's rendition of "If Ever I Would Leave You" from Lerner and Loewe's , which first reveals his vocal talent in the hospital and secures his opera debut. composed the episode's original background score, utilizing sweeping orchestral swells to underscore dramatic tension and the grandeur of sequences. integrates crowd applause and reactions with musical cues, culminating in effects for the chandelier crash during a performance, synchronized to amplify comedic chaos.

Cultural references and allusions

Opera parodies

The episode title The Homer of Seville parodies Gioachino Rossini's 1816 opera The Barber of Seville, reimagining Homer Simpson as a bumbling yet prominent operatic figure analogous to the resourceful barber Figaro, who navigates schemes and disguises in the original work. A central parody unfolds in the Springfield Opera House production of Giacomo Puccini's La bohème (1896), where Homer is unexpectedly cast as the poet Rodolfo after a construction accident grants him a resonant baritone voice. The staging exaggerates operatic conventions for humor, such as Homer's self-centered rendition of Rodolfo's aria in the final act, where he comically pushes the dying Mimi off the bed to position himself for a prolonged, showy solo, subverting the tragedy of her consumption-induced death. The episode satirizes classic opera tropes, including the obsessive diva stalker through Julia, a deranged fan who manages Homer's career while harboring unhinged affections, echoing the masked phantom's possessive pursuits in Andrew Lloyd Webber's (1986). Dramatic operatic deaths are lampooned in a chaotic chandelier crash during a backstage confrontation, mimicking the genre's penchant for fatal spectacle and resolutions. Celebrity worship in opera culture is highlighted when Homer receives vocal coaching from , underscoring the adulation and mentorship surrounding operatic icons. Visual gags amplify the satire, with Homer donning oversized costumes and heavy makeup that caricature the flamboyant attire of legendary tenors like or . The finale features a on the Simpsons' living room ceiling parodying Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel fresco (c. 1512), depicting Homer as Adam reaching toward a godlike Marge, blending operatic grandeur with divine pretension. The parodies are underscored by authentic excerpts from to heighten the comedic contrast between Homer's ineptitude and the music's elegance.

Other references

The episode incorporates several allusions to popular films beyond its operatic elements. A notable reference occurs when Julia, Homer's obsessive fan and bodyguard, closes her eyes to reveal "Love You" written on her eyelids, parodying a scene from the 1981 adventure film where does the same with "I love you" during a tense moment. This gag underscores the theme of celebrity obsession in the story. Similarly, Homer's rapid ascent to fame and subsequent challenges mirror the rise and fall of in ' 1941 classic , with visual pans and dramatic framing evoking the film's newsreel-style biography. Another film reference occurs when Homer slaps a cobra against the fridge and holds it up for to laugh at, parodying a scene from Disney's 1967 animated involving the snake Kaa. Television parodies are also prominent, with Homer's discovery as a singer evoking the talent competition format of , highlighted by a church event titled "Jesus: The Real American Idol" that satirizes reality TV's blend of entertainment and faith. Additional television parodies include Homer's entourage of Lenny and Carl, parodying the HBO series , complete with a reference to Jane's Addiction's theme song "Superhero," and Marge breaking up the group, alluding to Yoko Ono's influence on . The episode also features Mozart's overture during a tense scene. The Springfield opera venue draws architectural inspiration from the , its sail-like design symbolizing cultural prestige in the episode's setting. Other cultural touches include the chalkboard gag where Bart writes "The Wall Street Journal Is Better Than Ever," a direct poke at the newspaper's branding and business world satire. Lisa's line praising Andrea Bocelli's talent, noting he recorded a song lying down, alludes to the tenor's real-life performances and adds a layer of musical trivia to the narrative. Broader nods to celebrity culture appear in the stalking elements, portraying the dangers of fame through Julia's dual role as protector and threat. The episode features restaurant name parodies such as Griddler on the Roof () and Thank God It's Fried Eggs (T.G.I. Friday's).

Reception

Viewership

"The Homer of Seville" premiered in the United States on the on September 30, 2007. The episode achieved a 4.2 rating in the adults 18–49 demographic with an 11 percent share, drawing 8.4 million total viewers during its initial broadcast. According to final Nielsen measurements, household viewership reached 8.51 million. In comparison to other episodes in season 19, the viewership was slightly below the season premiere "He Loves to Fly and He D'ohs," which attracted 9.7 million viewers and a 4.7 rating in the 18–49 demographic. Nonetheless, it performed solidly in the animation-dominated Sunday night time slot and exceeded the season's overall average of 7.95 million viewers. The episode aired internationally shortly after its U.S. debut, including on in the on October 7, 2007.

Critical response

The episode received mixed reviews from critics upon its premiere. awarded it an A- grade, commending its cohesive narrative, strong animation, and Dan Castellaneta's versatile vocal performance as , particularly noting, "I laughed out loud when ’s operatic cracked into his usual honk and back again." Conversely, Robert Canning of gave it a 4.5 out of 10, criticizing the predictable storyline and the hit-or-miss quality of the jokes. "The Homer of Seville" earned a nomination for the 2008 Award for Outstanding Achievement in Animation, credited to writer , but the award went to another episode from the series, "Kill Gil, Volumes I & II," written by Jeff Westbrook. It did not receive any nominations for the . The episode's legacy includes recognition for its integration of operatic elements and guest appearances by and , as highlighted in surveys of musical moments across ' history. Retrospective discussions have positioned it as a representative, if uneven, entry in season 19, valued by fans for its humorous take on and Homer's singing sequences.

References

  1. [1]
    "The Simpsons" Homer of Seville (TV Episode 2007) - IMDb
    Rating 6.5/10 (1,809) Homer becomes an opera star after an injury improves his singing voice. His newfound popularity forces him to hire a personal assistant.
  2. [2]
    "The Simpsons" Homer of Seville (TV Episode 2007) - Full cast & crew
    Directors · Mark Kirkland · Mark Kirkland. supervising director · Mike Frank Polcino · Mike Frank Polcino. directed by (as Michael Polcino) ...
  3. [3]
    The Homer of Seville Summary - Season 19 Episode 2 Guide
    The Simpsons Season 19 Episode 2: The Homer of Seville Summary: While receiving treatment for an injured back at the hospital, Homer discovers that he has ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  4. [4]
    Domingo is vocal about 'Simpsons' - Los Angeles Times
    Aug 7, 2007 · In an episode titled “The Homer of Seville,” slated to air Sept. 30, Domingo, playing himself, receives tips from the Simpson family's ...Missing: plot | Show results with:plot
  5. [5]
    "The Simpsons" Recap: The Homer of Seville
    Oct 1, 2007 · Homer quickly rises to the top of the Springfield opera circuit, where he meets legendary tenor Placido Domingo (P. Dingo, to his friends) and an obsessive ...
  6. [6]
    The Homer of Seville/Credits | Simpsons Wiki - Fandom
    Supervising Director. Mark Kirkland. Produced By. Richard Raynis. Produced By. Bonita Pietila. Produced By. Denise Sirkot. Produced By. Richard Sakai. Written ...Missing: writer | Show results with:writer
  7. [7]
    Nancy Cartwright Chats With 'Simpsons' Writer/Consulting Producer ...
    May 22, 2007 · In her bi-monthly column, Nancy Cartwright chats with Carolyn Omine, Simpsons writer and consulting producer.
  8. [8]
    https://www.awn.com/animationworld/nancy-cartwright-chats-simpsons-writerconsulting-producer-carolyn-omine
  9. [9]
    Plšcido Domingo to Appear on The Simpsons in September | Playbill
    titled "The Homer of Seville" — this way to the website ComingSoon ...
  10. [10]
    Humour and Classical Music: The Simpsons - MusicWeb International
    Jan 25, 2024 · The final major involvement of classical music is in Season 19's “The Homer of Seville ... There are plenty of Simpsons excerpts on YouTube ...
  11. [11]
    5 pop offshoots of La Bohème, from Rent to The Simpsons | CBC News
    ### Summary of Music in "The Homer of Seville" (The Simpsons)
  12. [12]
    The Simpsons - Season 19 Soundtrack & List of Songs | WhatSong
    S19:EP1 He Loves to Fly and He D'ohs · I'm A Man · My Kind of Town · S19:EP2 The Homer of Seville · Superhero · Overture From Don Giovanni · If Ever I Would Leave You.
  13. [13]
    The Homer of Seville/Credits - Wikisimpsons, the Simpsons Wiki
    Jun 5, 2015 · Created by. Matt Groening. Developed by. James L. Brooks · Matt Groening · Sam Simon. Executive Producer. Ian Maxtone-Graham.Missing: writer | Show results with:writer
  14. [14]
    La bohème in pop culture - ENO
    The Simpsons. You might assume The Simpsons' episode 'The Homer of Seville' would parody Rossini's famous opera, but in fact, La bohème is the focus.
  15. [15]
    Homer Of Seville / Bobby Rae / Movin' Out (Brian's Song) / The ...
    I really hope there's a good Dale, Peggy, or Bill storyline coming up—those characters typically bring out the most laughs, something this week really lacked.Missing: summary | Show results with:summary<|separator|>
  16. [16]
    ShoutOut / The Simpsons - TV Tropes
    Martin ends as the Phantom of the Opera, playing "A Fifth of Beethoven" in ... The Homer of Seville. Julia closing her eyes, revealing "Love You" on her ...
  17. [17]
    Movie references in The Simpsons [Page 5] - Rate Your Music
    Movie references in The Simpsons ; The Jungle Book (1967). Episode 402: "The Homer of Seville" ; Episode 402: "The Homer of Seville" ; Juno (2007). Episode 439: " ...
  18. [18]
    Homer of Seville - Academic Dictionaries and Encyclopedias
    Infobox Simpsons episode episode name = The Homer of Seville image caption = Homer and Plácido Domingo. episode no = 402 prod code = JABF18 airdate ...
  19. [19]
    The Homer of Seville/References | Simpsons Wiki - Fandom
    The Homer of Seville/References. General. References/Trivia. Gags · Appearances ... The episode title is a reference to the Rossini opera The Barber of Seville.
  20. [20]
    The Complete History Of Art References In The Simpsons - Complex
    Jan 9, 2012 · Season 19, Episode 2 - "The Homer of Seville" - At the end of the episode Homer paints his version of the creation of Adam on the ceiling of ...
  21. [21]
    ABC Sunday down, but still potent - Variety
    Oct 1, 2007 · Fox's animated anchors “The Simpsons” (prelim 4.2/11 in 18-49, 8.4 million viewers overall) and “Family Guy” (prelim 4.2/10 in 18-49, 7.9 ...
  22. [22]
    http://www.sitcomsonline.com/boards/archive/index.php/t-210552.html
  23. [23]
    Broadcast TV Ratings for Sunday, September 23, 2007
    Sep 23, 2007 · 8:00 & 8:30 p.m.: Starting off the comedies, was the 19th season premiere of The Simpsons (5.6/9 HH rating/share, 9.43M viewers, 4.7/12 A18-49 ...
  24. [24]
    The Simpsons (season 19) | JH Movie Collection Wiki - Fandom
    Matt Groening described this season as "just about our most ambitious yet". The season's "The Homer of Seville" was nominated for a Writers Guild of America ...Missing: synopsis | Show results with:synopsis
  25. [25]
    List of The Simpsons episodes premieres in the UK & Ireland
    Jun 7, 2025 · List of The Simpsons episodes premieres in the UK & Ireland ... "The Homer of Seville", JABF18, November 7, 2011 6pm. "Midnight Towboy ...
  26. [26]
    The Simpsons: "The Homer of Seville" Review - IGN
    Rating 4.5/10 · Review by Robert CanningOct 1, 2007 · The Simpsons: "The Homer of Seville" Review. Homer the opera singer. By Robert Canning. Updated: May 14, 2012 ...Missing: plot summary
  27. [27]
    HBO tops WGA Award noms with five - The Hollywood Reporter
    Dec 13, 2007 · The Homer of Seville (The Simpsons), Written by Carolyn Omine; FOX. Kill Gil Volumes 1&2 (The Simpsons), Written by Jeff Westbrook; FOX. Stop ...Missing: details | Show results with:details
  28. [28]
    2008 WRITERS GUILD AWARDS WINNERS ANNOUNCED | Press ...
    Feb 9, 2008 · ANIMATION – any length – one airing time. KILL GIL VOLUMES 1&2 (THE SIMPSONS), Written by Jeff Westbrook; FOX. COMEDY/VARIETY – (INCLUDING ...
  29. [29]
    https://www.grammy.com/news/simpsons-30-complete-history-every-band-thats-ever-rocked-springfield
  30. [30]
    402. The Homer of Seville - Me Blog Write Good
    Dec 5, 2012 · Act three involves professional opera singer Homer trying to drop his personal assistant who wants to fuck him, who then tries to kill him.<|control11|><|separator|>