Episode 2F11
Written by John Swartzwelder
Directed by Bob Anderson
Also starring: Pamela Hayden, Maggie Roswell

Premise: As a punishment, Bart is forced to join Seymour Skinner at 4.30 a.m. to do a spot of astronomy. Bart spots a new comet which is, unfortunately, on a collision course for Springfield. And who has the only shelter? The Flanders, of course.

Features: Principal Skinner, Groundskeeper Willie, Richard, Martin Prince, Milhouse, Nelson, Lewis, Jimbo Jones, Sherri and Terri, Wendell, Mayor Quimby, Moe, Dr John Frink, Rev. Lovejoy, Arnie Pie, Kent Brockman, the Flanderses, Barney, Apu, Krusty, Dr Hibbert, Chief Wiggum, Otto, Capt McCal lister, Dolph, Jimbo Jones, Kearney, Carl, Dr Nick Riviera, Helen Lovejoy, Patty and Selma, Mrs Hibbert, Sideshow Mel, Lenny, Mr Largo, Mr and Mrs van Houten.

Couch: In black and white, the Simpsons are animated Max Fleischer-style.

Trivia:

• Bart's nickname given to him by the SuperFriends is Cosmos.
• Oh, and for those interested in such things, Kent Brockman's list of gay people is made up of Simpsons production staff including Matt Groening, David Silverman, Bill Oakley and David Mirkin.

Homage: The plot mirrors that of Meteor (Ronald Neame, 1979). There are also some nods to Back to the Future. The nerdy gang the Super Friends are named after a seventies Hanna Barbera cartoon series.

Notes: An excellent episode, in which just about everyone in Springfield becomes friends - and a great moment when the ever-pious Maude Flanders happily sacrifices her Neddy. Homer's clever plan to escape Springfield - by driving away - is also worthy of mention.