Krusty reveals the untold story of his past in his movie "The Sands of Space". Bart and Lisa learn about the early years of their parents' relationship when Homer and Marge were personal assistants on Krusty's film.
Tropes:
- The '80s: The flashback takes place somewhere late in the decade (with some early 90s references thrown in). Each crew member even gets a bag of white powder... that surprisingly is not cocaine.
- Already Met Everyone: Before they got married and had kids, Homer and Marge spent a summer working on the set of one of Krusty's films, during which time Marge worked closely with Krusty after becoming his assistant.
- By Wall That Is Holey: Krusty fantasizes about using a set to crush Homer in this fashion while leaving Marge unscathed.
- Comically Missing the Point: Marge didn't understand what Krusty meant by Shame If Something Happened to Homer.
- Does This Remind You of Anything?: Krusty choosing scales over feathers for the movie (as a headdress for the princess character) is reminiscent of how modern representations of dinosaurs are treated by the mainstream media.
- Fourth Wall Psych: The old points-tell-the-route trope...only those are no points, the bus is losing oil.Homer: Those things were literal?
- Framing Device: In a podcast episode Lisa and Bart listen to while their school bus is stuck in traffic, Krusty tells the story of his effort to make a movie others tried but failed to make. Almost all scenes are flashbacks of that time.
- Germans Love David Hasselhoff: In-Universe. Krusty's film becomes a cult classic in Mexico, where is thought of as a comedy. Despite the warm reception, he hates it.
- Morality Pet: Marge briefly serves as this to Krusty after becoming his assistant, which ends up explaining why they don't have any kind of a relationship in the present—he doesn't want to be a better person.Marge: You're a good man, Krusty.Krusty: Only when I'm with you. Which is why I never want to see you again.
- Pie in the Face: Krusty admits he's afraid of pies and all "pies" thrown at his face were cakes made to look like pies.
- Refusal of the Call: Discussed. One of the people Krusty pitched his idea to thinks a story where the hero initially refuses the call before accepting it makes no sense.
- Shame If Something Happened: Marge is a Horrible Judge of Character when it comes to Krusty.Homer: I'm telling you, your crazy boss is out to get me.Marge: No, he's not. Krusty loves our relationship. Every day, he says it would be a shame if something happened to you, then laughs and laughs.
- Shout-Out: Dune (1984), what else?
