THE CLASSICS: FLAMING MOE'S

Written by Rob Cohen

Directed by Rich Moore and Alan Smart

Original Airdate: November 21, 1991

FLAMING MOE’S….where nobody knows your name.

SYNOPSIS
Homer must escape Lisa’s slumber party, and, not surprisingly, he ends up at his favorite watering hole. There, he finds the sullen proprietor singing the blues over a general downturn in his business. As Moe’s expertise as a barkeep mainly consists of his ability to draw a lukewarm Duff’s, Homer suggests a concoction derived from his rich heritage of guerilla boozing. Dubbed the “Flaming Homer”, its key ingredient is Krusty’s Non-Narkotic Kough Syrup”. The drink, as it stands, is “not without its charm”, but it really packs a wallop after you put a match to it. Not only does it provide the required buzz, but it also loosens that pesky phlegm! In his usual appreciative fashion, Moe takes complete credit for the drink’s existence and the newly renamed ”Flaming Moe” becomes the signature beverage of his newly renamed “Flaming Moe’s.”

The news filters back to the corporate offices of that eminent Goodtime Eating and Drinking Emporium, Tipsy McStaggers’s. A representative is dispatched to Springfield to purchase the recipe. Moe refuses the offer and why not? The bar has taken on a Studio 54-like atmosphere complete with surly doormen, hoards of paparazzi and high profile celebrities like Aerosmith and Krusty the Klown. (Oh, if Krusty only knew what brand of Non-Narkotic Kough syrup was integral to a highly successful commercial enterprise. Oy!). All of this leaves Homer out in the cold, literally and figuratively. Seeking a face –to-face with Mow, he’s forced to sneak in through a window. He tries to present his case, but his words are lost amidst the din of the Flaming Moe’s phenomena. After the agent from McStaggers returns with an offer of one million dollars, Moe is convinced to sell the recipe and split the proceeds with Homer. However, before the agreement is signed, a crazed Homer makes a dramatic entrance among the rafters. “The Phantom of Moe’s” reveals the secret ingredient, the deal is off and every joint in town is now hawking their own version of the drink. As for “Flaming Moe’s, it quietly reverts back to its Fodor’s “Dive Bar” status….and that seems to suit Moe and Homer just fine.

EVEN if FLAMING MOE’S had kept its attention solely on the main subject matter, it would still rank as a major effort. The corporate posturing of Tipsy McStagger’s (….”a composite of other successful logos.”) is brilliantly realized. You can almost smell the fried zucchini on their representative’s suit. Another priceless moment is the appearance by Aerosmith, who are lured on stage by the promise of free pickled eggs. I guess it’s the little things when you reach their age. FLAMING MOE’S will also be remembered as the episode where Bart finally hits a wall in his successful string of crank phone calls.. Coincidentally, on this night, there really is a gentleman by the name of “Hugh Jass” on the premises. The two share a civilized, even convivial conversation and we come away momentarily renewed in our faith in the human condition.

Events are skipping along so merrily that we initially resent a distinct CHEERS strain introduced into the proceedings, but these elements provide the episode with some of its best moments. The material is skillfully integrated into the narrative without elaborate set-ups or labored fanfares. It’s just there and all the better for it. “Norm!” becomes “Barney!” and we get the overqualified waitress who becomes embroiled in the same innuendo-laced banter and sexual tension absence that exemplified the Sam-Diane years.

She’s gone by episode’s end, reportedly to pursue a film career. “Frankly, I think she was better off here”, comments Moe, a caustic reference to Shelley Long’s ill-conceived career choice that brought such classics as TROOP BEVERLY HILLS and FROZEN ASSETS. Best of all is a grand send-up of the CHEERS opening title sequence. Instead of extolling the virtues of tavern camaraderie, the quaint balladeer presents a decidedly darker side, singing of a joint “where you can drink your misery away.” This little ditty is perfectly complemented by nostalgic tableaus depicting the warm glow of a gathering place replete with images of broken bottle skirmishes, prone bodies sprawled on the sidewalk and certain slutty schoolteachers picking up sailors. Remember….”happiness is just a Flaming Moe away.”

FLAMING MOE’S marked the first extended appearance by tavern owner Moe Szyslak. The episode would help define his personality and his turn-on-a-dime relationship with Homer. Sadly, they’re probably each other’s best friends.