Ep. 15 - Thelma & Louise
Adam and Nate watch Thelma & Louise (1991), a groundbreaking road movie about two women escaping the patriarchy, as well as The Simpsons full spoof episode “Marge on the Lam” (S5E6). This movie brings together a breakout screenplay, career performances by Susan Sarandon and Gina Davis, and the high style of Ridley Scott.
Also in this episode:
Does Marge also have her arms stuck in her own metaphorical vending machines?
How Thelma & Louise became the Barbie phenomenon of its day
A star-making performance from a very young, very hot Brad Pitt
When a movie parody isn’t a parody
The movie’s cliff-top climax has been spoiled and parodied to death, but does it fly today?
Next time, Adam and Nate load up Full Metal Jacket (1987) and “Bart the General” (S1E5)!
Every Reference to Thelma & Louise on The Simpsons
By our count in The Simpsons Movie Reference Database, Thelma & Louise has been directly referenced in 3 episodes of the first 13 seasons of The Simpsons, including 1 full-episode plot parody. The first reference appears in “Homer Alone” (S3E15) from 1991, the same year as the release of the movie.
Scene & Plot Parodies
Marge on the Lam (S5E6): This episode uses Thelma & Louise as a basis for Marge and Ruth’s “getaway.” It hits many of the same beats, including heartfelt diner conversations, bumbling husbands, shooting at a stranger’s property, and the famous cliff-jump ending.
Small References
Homer Alone (S3E15): On her vacation at Rancho Relaxo, Marge watches Thelma & Louise on TV (instead of The Erotic Awakening of S or The Happy Little Elves Meet Fuzzy Snuggleduck).
Marge Simpson in: ‘Screaming Yellow Honkers’ (S10E15): When Marge is pulled over by Chief Wiggum, he tells her, “Can the sweet talk, Thelma and Louise.“
Extra Credit
Looking for more like this or an interesting double feature? Here are our recommendations.
From Adam: Monster (2003), Uncut Gems (2019) & Promising Young Woman (2020)
From Nate: The Straight Story (1999) & Wild (2014)
Further Reading & Viewing
Article: Sheila Weller, “The Ride of a Lifetime,” Vanity Fair, February 10, 2012.
Article: Manuela Lazic, “Brad Pitt Took His Shirt Off in ‘Thelma & Louise.’ Men Were Never the Same.“ The Ringer, May 22, 2020.
Article: Kevin E. G. Perry, “‘I was screwing up his audition’: Geena Davis on the moment she knew Brad Pitt was perfect for Thelma & Louise,“ Independent, October 22, 2022.
Article: Diane Titos, “The Ultimate Thelma & Louise Road Trip,” Lazytrips, May 22, 2023.
Essay Collection: “Three Routes Through Thelma & Louise,” Criterion, May 30, 2023.
