Popular Culture Review Vol. 13, No. 1, January 2002 | Page 28

24 Popular Culture Review Mr. Smithers’ Coming Out As I have tried to demonstrate, a gay sensibility is strongly evident on The Simpsons. However, a discussion of gay life on The Simpsons would not be complete if it did not center on the show’s gay character, the self-described sycophant, Waylon Smithers. As I noted above, it is essentially gay male life on display in The Simpsons. Those who have faithfully watched the show over the course of several years know that there has been a slow but steady coming out process for Smithers. They know also that the object of his affections is his boss, Mr. Bums. Smithers’ concern for the well-being of Bums was well established early on. The aforementioned episode “Bmsh with Greatness,” in which Bums contracts Marge to paint his portrait, provides an example of Smithers’ devotion. At the Simpson home. Marge accidentally walks into the bathroom to find Bums exiting from the shower, naked, and Smithers offering him a towel. Marge apologizes for the intmsion and quickly leaves. Smithers asks: “Would you feel more comfortable if I left too, sir?” “Of course not, Smithers. You’re ... you’re like a doctor.” The comment positions Smithers in the role of caretaker and has the effect of both desexualizing their contact and affirming Bums’ heterosexuality. But, for the viewer, it also provides an indication of both the physical and emotional closeness of the two men, which evidently fuels Smithers’ desire. A similar circumstance is found in “Bums Verkaufen der Kraftwerk.” After Bums sells the plant to a German consortium, Smithers is saddened by the loss of his job and, subsequently, his ties to Mr. Bums. Bums meanwhile occupies himself with bocce ball and beekeeping. But he too misses the camaraderie, so he invites Smithers for a drink at his estate. When Smithers arrives. Bums politely introduces him to the bees he is tending. Pointing, he says: “That’s Buzz, that’s Honey, and see that Queen over there? Her name is Smithers.” Smithers replies: “That’s very flattering, sir.” O f course, this is subtle; understanding how this scene implies a homosexual proclivity requires a certain in-group knowledge of the term “queen,” which some viewers might be lacking. Smithers’ desire is a bit more overtly on display in “Dog of Death,” in which Homer reluctantly turns to Bums for a loan to cover the cost of an operation for Santa’s Little Helper, the family dog. Bums cannot understand the attachment and asks Smithers: “[w]hy anyone would spend good money on a dog.” “People like dogs, Mr. Bums,” Smithers replies. “Nonsense,” says Bums. “Dogs are idiots. Think about it Smithers. Iff came into your house and started sniffing at your crotch and slobbering all over your face, what would you do?” Smithers non committal reply: “Mmmmm...ifyow did it, sir?” Presumably, he is savoring the image. The first overt and truly audacious reference to Sm ithers’ sexual orientation—the one that got many fans viewing the show in a whole new light— was made in an episode from the fourth season, “Marge Gets a Job.” Marge goes