You know, some days are just stressful. We all wish there was someplace we could go to just get away from it all. Of course, TSTO is that place for some of us so is it any surprise Level 49 brought us a relaxing place within it as a premium offering? Of course, any building that comes with a mafia don needs to be explained so that’s where your resident walking carpet come in. Let’s take a look at the origin for Rancho Relaxo.
This new building comes from the 50th episode of the Best. Show. Ever. In “Homer Alone” (S3:E15), poor Marge Simpson reaches a breaking point. Broken vases from Bart and Homer recreating Roadrunner/Wile E. Coyote antics, normal baby care for Maggie, special orders for lunches, a complaining/needy family, chores chores chores, kids missed the bus, grocery shopping, horrible radio and spilled milk! Is it any wonder poor Marge Simpsons has a nervous breakdown?
Marge stops traffic on the Springfield Memorial Bridge. She’s overworked and underappreciated. Homer talks her down from the standoff but Marge is arrested for the disturbance. Thankfully Quimby convinces Wiggum to let her go. The night of her release, Marge sees a commercial for none other than Rancho Relaxo.
“Many years ago the Spanish explorers discovered a little piece of heaven nestled in the Springfield mountains. They called it Rancho Relaxo and so do we. Today it’s Springfield’s only two star health spa. Swim, play tennis or just sit and stare at the walls. At Rancho Relaxo, you’re the boss. Remember, you can’t spell Relaxo without relax.”
Marge needs a vacation to unwind and this is just the ticket for her frazzled nerves. Mud baths, scenic views, excellent TV offerings, low calorie delicious food AND massages from Gregory. I mean heck, the spa even plays easy listening songs about clouds.
Marge has a whole bed just to herself. Bungee jumping, kayaking, calligraphy, cigar making and hula dancing are all activities available at Rancho Relaxo. You can seriously have it your way. No reason not to order a hot fudge sundae with whipped cream, chocolate chip cheesecake and a bottle of tequila from room service. All the better to relax in the tub watching Thelma & Louise.
NERD BONUS: This episode was written to give Marge her own storyline. The writer, David Stern, titled it “Homer Alone” as a tribute to his brother Daniel Stern who was one of the Leaky Bandits in Home Alone. Also, the Troy McClure segments were added in because the writers felt the show needed more funny in it. Phil Hartman was considered the go to guy for laughter. I agree and miss him so it’s nice to hear his voice in older episodes.
So that’s Rancho Relaxo. I bought it even if it does look different than in our games and has nothing to do with Don Vittorio. I just picture Troy McCLure having a nice mud bath and massage so I can pretend he’s in my game. This building has definitely been something that tappers have been asking for. Now I need to figure out how to expand my design to look more like the episode it’s from. What do you think of it? Do anything cool with your design? Got it nestled up in the mountains? Sound off below and stay classy friends.
TTFN… Wookiee out!
In the episode “Home Sweet Home-Diddily-Dum-Doodily” Homer treats Marge to a day at the spa.
[Homer and Marge are relaxing in a sauna]
Marge Simpson: This is so relaxing. Homie, this was a wonderful idea.
Homer: [chuckling] Yeah. If that mafia guy weren’t staring at us, I’d take off my towel.
Don Vittorio: Oh, don’t mind me. Look, I do it first!
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0701108/trivia?tab=qt&ref_=tt_trv_qu
They never say the name of the spa in this episode. I could be wrong but I think that’s why he came with Rancho Relaxo.
I think that’s why Don Vittorio comes with Rancho Relaxo. Thought I should make that clear.
Interesting theory! 🙂
Hey guys. Do you think we’ll ever get Troy McClure? His segments on the Simpsons were always great!
Since they retired his character on the show, I honestly don’t think we’ll end up getting him in the game. Of course it’s EA and they’ve been known to do some interesting stuff with who they bring back into the game, so I wouldn’t be surprised.
Oh dang.
even though he is retired, he isnt dead in the show, so i think its a possibilty.. maybe for the 50th level since that needs something bigger than usual?!
Here’s hoping!
Why doesnt Marge have a task at Rancho Relaxo? Maybe a week long one like Apu’s 7 day shift.
The pool from the episode sure would make a great decoration! Hint-hint EA 😉 😉
I think we really need some indoor task with visual. Like you tap on a building and the animation pops up showing the character doing funny tasks. That would be nice.
I remembered this episode, and wondered why Don Vittorio cam with it but just figured maybe there was another episode where he was there for a quick second or something. Glad to know it’s just tsto randomly pairing a good character with a cool building.
Wookiee- Any chance that the Don might be in the background in one of the scenes at the spa?
I didn’t see him.
I bought it may also, move it now that I read your post. I didn’t see episode so glad I can come here and read about it. Life is very stressful & this sounds like heaven on earth, where do I sign up to go?
As usual a great return from relapse of memory regarding a re-run of the show! Plus, the realization that the combo makes NO SENSE AT ALL!!!
What’s next?!
Introducing Tabitha Vixx …with the Town Sundial?
NERD BONUS CORRECTION: Daniel Stern and Joe Pesci were the Wet Bandits not the Leaky Bandits.
I don’t understand what the Dons connection to this building is but whatever. I really wish they would have given Marge a 10 hr task to go with it
Wow. Thanks for the refresher. I had assumed it was the Don’s home or headquarters. I remember this episode now, but it’s been many years since I’ve seen it. I plan on getting the combo, I even have a spot reserved for the ranch, though now I may place it elsewhere. I’m not sure.
I just wish they gave Marge the option of a task there. That is one of the reasons I bought it, before I read the write up you guys did.