Original artwork, not a still
Aurora borealis!? At this time of year, at this time of day, in this part of the country, localized entirely within your kitchen?
— The Simpsons · 1989
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The joke is that Chalmers is not fooled for a second and says so with escalating, ridiculous precision, then lets it go anyway. The deadpan stacking of clauses is what fans quote. The scene became a popular internet meme in 2016, remixed into countless parodies, which made it a Simpsons clip people know without having seen the episode.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The SimpsonsShow the scene
From the "Steamed Hams" segment of "22 Short Films About Springfield", The Simpsons season 7, episode 21 (14 April 1996). Principal Skinner has invited Superintendent Chalmers to lunch, burns the roast, and secretly swaps in Krusty Burger hamburgers, which he passes off as "steamed hams". When Chalmers notices the smoke from the kitchen, Skinner claims it is the aurora borealis, which prompts this incredulous speech. Chalmers leaves anyway, admitting he liked the lunch. The segment was written by Bill Oakley, whose favourite character was Chalmers.
Sources (2)
- Simpsons Wiki: 22 Short Films About SpringfieldEpisode intro and Skinner's StoryReference checked
- Wikipedia: 22 Short Films About SpringfieldLead, Plot, ProductionReference checked
Context reviewed
