The Amazing History of Troy McClure's Musical "Stop the Planet of the Apes!"
The Simpsons is renowned for its unforgettable moments and surprising turns because of its expansive and funny universe. One such instance is the unexpected musical performance from the seventh season episode "A Fish Called Selma," which stars the late Phil Hartman as the unfortunate Hollywood star Troy McClure. McClure's career was significantly more colorful than the public service announcements that most people associate with him. He starred as Sir Lancelot in "The Muppets Go Medieval!" and ventured onto Broadway with a musical based on the renowned science fiction series "Planet of the Apes."
From "Amadeus" to Falco and Back Again: The Development of a Joke
"Abolish the Planet of the Apes!" Josh Weinstein, a former showrunner for The Simpsons, stated that the "I Want To Get Off!" segment resulted from several proposals. Five different concepts—from a Falco parody of "Amadeus" to particular words and visual gags—gradually came together to form the show's last, unforgettable musical act. This approach emphasizes an important comedy writing tip: accept all ideas, regardless of how absurd they may sound at first.
Hollywood Star Troy McClure: The One Who Never Quite Made It
From his involvement in "Muppets Go Medieval!" to his own passion project "The Contrabulous Fabtraption of Profesor Horation Huffnagel," McClure's career took him outside of Springfield, but it was never without its difficulties. He returned to prominence with his affair with Selma Bouvier, which was a significant plot aspect in "A Fish Called Selma," but in the end, his career collapsed once more. Hartman's unfortunate untimely death forced The Simpsons to conclude his run with his final appearance in "Bart the Mother."
"A Fish Named Selma" and the Magic of Comedy: An Outstanding Moment
More than just a brief joke, the musical segment in "A Fish Called Selma" is a perfect example of The Simpsons' comedic mastery. The show's capacity to transform seemingly unrelated things into something humorous and unforgettable is demonstrated by its catchy tune, visual gags, and the surprising juxtaposition of the original "Planet of the Apes" designs with a Broadway musical.
Honoring Phil Hartman and The Simpsons
Troy McClure's musical "Planet of the Apes" is proof of The Simpsons' creative team's ability to combine seemingly unrelated concepts into a funny and well-coordinated whole. It also serves as a moving reminder of Phil Hartman's abilities and impact, whose untimely death left a gaping hole in the comedy community. The sequence honors his contributions and demonstrates The Simpsons' lasting influence—a comedy series that never fails to uplift and amuse viewers with its unique mix of satire, humor, and unexpected moments.
