Episode 3F24
Written by Ken Keeler
Directed by Jim Reardon
Also starring: Maggie Roswell
Special guest voice: Johnny Cash (as the coyote)

That title in full: El Viaje Misterioso del Nuestro Homer (The Mysterious Voyage of Homer)

Premise: Homer gorges down a superhot pepper at the Springfield Chili Cook-Out and commences a bizarre psychic journey under the guidance of his coyote spirit guide. His advice - he must discover his true soul mate and bond with him.

Features: Bumblebee Man, Lenny, Rev. Lovejoy, Helen Lovejoy, Dr Nick, Nelson, Mr Burns, Otto, Ms Krabappel, Carl, Lunchlady Doris, Herman, Dr Frink, Ned Flanders, Todd Flanders, Rod Flanders, Smithers, Moe, Chief Wiggum, Eddie, Lou, Miss Hoover, Jimbo Jones, Jasper, Ralph, Dr Hibbert, Mayor Quimby, Krusty, Barney, Kent Brockman, Captain McCallister.

Couch: The family parachute on to the sofa - except Homer, who drops like a stone.

Trivia:

• Amongst the various chili stands are Muntz Family Chili ('it takes weeks to make Muntz'); Old Eliku's Yale-Style Saltpeter Chili, Professor Frink's Virtual Chili, Moe's Chili Bar and Firehouse Ned's Five-Alarm Chili.
• Homer's record collection includes albums by Jim Nabors, Flint Campbell and The Doodletown Pipers.

Homage: Dances With Wolves (Kevin Costner, 1990) provides a lot of the Native American imagery.

Look out for: The smug tortoise.

Notes: Homer's chili-induced trip is brilliant, complete with the surreal tortoise and Indian spirit guide.