How Some of the Best Jokes in ‘The Simpsons’ Saved Multiple Lives

Right from the start of ‘The Simpsons’ sitcom, there were a number of iconic running jokes, ranging from humorous circumstances, to physical comedy, to memorable catchphrases. Choking was one type of physical humour that was repeatedly used in the earlier seasons of show, specifically in relation to Homer and him managing to choke himself due to eating either too fast or recklessly. Arguably, the most iconic choking joke in the history of the series is from the 7th episode of the 3rd season, ‘Homer at the Bat’, which originally aired in February 1992. In the instalment, the Nuclear Power plant’s softball team go on a winning streak, largely thanks to Homer, ostensibly due to his secret weapon, his self-made wonder bat. The episode is widely considered to be one of the best, if not the best episode of all time, and is noteworthy for a number of reasons, most of which have to do with baseball. But there’s a classic joke from the instalment that often gets overlooked. In the opening scene of the episode, Homer chokes on a donut. At one point, as Homer thrashes in agony, a poster detailing the medical emergency technique for choking, the Heimlich manoeuvre, can be seen, which, strangely, would have a significant impact in the real world. Because, as of March 2023, the scene has been credited with helping to save at least one person’s life. Moreover, it’s not the only scene from the Simpsons credited with saving lives, completely by accident.