Ah the Boardwalk. Not just the first word of an awesome HBO show, but a word defining a boarded promenade /pedestrian walkway bringing you extra enjoyment near a body of water. Atlantic City, Seaside Heights, Venice Beach, Coney Island and many more. Of course, Springfield has its very own version in Squidport and today, we’re going to look at the origin of the newest building we received for it… Bloaters at the Squidport. (As a bonus, I also ramble about other Squidport items.)
Bloaters comes to us via “My Sister, My Sitter” (S8:E17). For fans of The Simpsons, this is known as the Lisa fails as a babysitter episode. Sure she almost kills her brother but didn’t he have it coming? For our newest decoration, it enters the episode because Homer and Marge go on a date at the newly opened South Street Squidport, hence the need for a babysitter.
Amidst all the great sight gags and buildings at the boardwalk is Bloaters at the Squidport. Homer and Marge (well Homer mainly) enjoy jell-o shooters there.
Besides Bloater’s, you can also watch this episode for glimpses of Turban Outfitters, Just Rainsticks, My 1st Tattoo, Much Ado About Muffins, Crypto Barn, The Itchy & Scratchy Store, Malaria Zone and Planet Hype. Honestly, my favorite scene from this episode has to be Homer getting stuck in the Boardwalk Fountain… gets me every time.
NERD NOTE: This episode is also the origin for Marge’s 5 hr “Go on A Romantic Stroll with Homer” task.
For a future sighting of Bloaters, we fast forward to “Love is a Many Splintered Thing” (S24:E12). As a big fan of the Mary Spuckler/Bart romance, I love this episode. During one scene where Bart is being caricatured at the Squidport, we see Bloaters in the background.
Just because I pointed out a lot of building origins in this post, I probably should also mention the episode “Father Knows Worst” (S20:E18). In the first few minutes, you may recognize quite a few things available for your game. I just want to know why the juggler doesn’t have a task to juggle Bart, Lisa and Homer?
Well friends… that’s about all I have to say about that. Keep on tapa-tapa-tapping in the free world and all that jazz.
TTFN… Wookiee out!