Homer Vs. Patty and Selma

"Homer vs. Patty and Selma" is the 17th episode of The Simpsons' sixth season. This episode was originally broadcast on February 26, 1995. Homer attempts to earn some money through investing, and decides to invest in Halloween pumpkins. After losing his entire investment, he hides his financial problems from Marge. Homer approaches Marge's sisters Patty and Selma and asks for a loan. They agree, and in return Homer must agree to do what they tell him. Marge finds Homer's IOU note to Patty and Selma, and the sisters tell Marge about Homer's money troubles. After failing to become a chauffeur, Homer saves Patty and Selma from a bind by covering for them when they are caught smoking on the job, and they forgive Homer's debt. A subplot involves Bart taking up ballet lessons, and his instructor is voiced by actress Susan Sarandon.

Susan Sarandon had wanted to guest star on The Simpsons because her children were fans of the show - she made a later appearance in the series in the episode "Bart Has Two Mommies" as the voice of a computer. Mel Brooks also makes an appearance in "Homer vs. Patty and Selma", and had previously accompanied his wife Anne Bancroft to the recording studio when she had a role in the episode "Fear of Flying". The episode's script was written by Brent Forrester, and it was his first writing credit on the series. The episode was directed by Mark Kirkland, with David Mirkin as executive producer.

Chris Turner cites scenes from the episode in describing Homer's characteristic qualities in his book Planet Simpson: How a Cartoon Masterpiece Documented an Era and Defined a Generation. Turner notes that the episode illustrates Homer's impulsiveness, silliness, and "physical stupidity". Contributor Raja Halwani writes in the compilation work The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer that the episode shows Homer's preclusion to habitually lie to Marge, and cites Homer's covering for Patty and Selma when they are caught smoking as a positive aspect of his character. The episode received positive mention from Turner in Planet Simpson, Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood in their book I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide, and Colin Jacobson of DVD Movie Guide.