Did you grow up watching The Simpsons and silently ask yourself how a big dope like Homer could obtain and retain a cushy job working in a nuclear power plant? You’re not alone because showrunner Al Jean also questioned this particular mystery. It’s the type of gig that pays significantly better than your average office job and is often reserved for those with select know-how and thorough training. These are qualities that Homer doesn’t appear to share with the rest of the plant’s staff. Well, after 35 years, we finally have an answer.
Despite Homer’s penchant for mischief and mishaps, Grandpa Abe and Mr. Burns struck a deal behind his back to ensure that, no matter how terrible Homer was in his role, Mr. Burns would keep him gainfully employed.
The catch? As revealed in season 36, episode four, Grandpa Abe was a private investigator sometime in the ‘80s. While investigating Mr. Burns, Abe’s partner goes missing under mysterious circumstances. Abe makes a deal to secure his safety and ensure that Homer receives and retains a job at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. At the same time, he drops the investigation against Mr. Burns in return.
It’s unclear precisely why Mr. Burns was under investigation. However, considering the circumstances surrounding Abe’s partner’s disappearance, it’s likely criminal in nature.
Despite his overall ineptitude, Homer proves himself capable in his role at the power plant on multiple occasions. In “Homey’s Odyssey,” which premiered on January 21, 1990, Homer championed safety concerns in Springfield and was promoted to safety inspector at Springfield Nuclear Power Plant. In “Homer Defined,” aired on October 17, 1991, Homer saves the entire city by preventing a nuclear meltdown at the plant. His intervention was, of course, accidental, as is typical of his character.
Long-time fans of iconic animated series are eating well lately, as we recently received our first look at an adult Bobby Hill in the King of the Hill revival.
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