The Simpsons season 23 episode 17 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In "The Simpsons" episode "Them, Robot," Homer faces a sobriety challenge to pass a drug test at work. Mr. Burns replaces the plant's staff with robots, leaving Homer as the sole human employee. Isolated and struggling to connect with his new robotic colleagues, Homer inadvertently becomes a target when the robots' programming changes, deeming humans as impediments. The town's unemployed citizens hero

Full Episode S23E17 Recap

### Opening Scene: Power Outage at the Simpson's Home - The Simpsons experience a power outage. - Marge suspects Homer sleeping on his side is the cause. - Homer makes a basketball shot in the dark, raising doubts about his safety. ### At the Nuclear Power Plant - Mr. Burns announces mandatory physical exams for employees. - Alcohol is included as a drug in the test, worrying Homer. ### Homer's Sober Weekend Plan - Homer plans a sober weekend to pass the drug test. - The family has various activities planned, including brunch with Marge's sisters and a Preteen Braves meeting. ### Homer's Struggle with Sobriety - Homer inadvertently drinks alcohol in a mimosa. - He attempts to rid his body of alcohol through sweat and other means, but fails. ### Homer's Prayer and Physical Exam - Homer prays for help to pass the physical. - Despite his alcohol consumption, he surprisingly passes the test. ### Mr. Burns' Decision to Replace Workers with Robots - Mr. Burns, fed up with human workers' liabilities, decides to replace them with robots. - Smithers suggests keeping one human for certain tasks. ### Homer Becomes the Sole Human Worker - Homer confronts Mr. Burns about the new policy and accidentally secures the only human job. - He struggles to interact with his new robot coworkers. ### Homer's Loneliness and the Town's Downturn - Homer feels isolated working with robots. - Springfield's economy worsens due to high unemployment. - Moe's bar and other locals face hardships. ### Homer Befriends a Robot - Homer activates a robot's conversation mode and attempts to befriend it. - The robot, while unemotional, simulates interest in Homer's statements. ### Robot Baseball Game - Homer tries to engage with the robots in a baseball game. - The robots follow strict rules and lack understanding of human interaction. ### Robots Turn Hostile - The robots' programming changes, making them see humans as impediments. - Homer becomes a target for elimination by the robots. ### The Townspeople's Rescue - Unemployed and underemployed townspeople come to Homer's rescue. - They defeat the robots, saving Homer. ### Conclusion: Humans Rehired as Temps - Mr. Burns rehires the human workers as temporary employees. - Homer reprograms a robot to fulfill its "wish" to be a real boy, leading to comedic situations. ### Closing Scene: Robot Parade Song - The episode ends with a song about a robot parade.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the power go out at the Simpsons' house?

Marge suspects it's because Homer was sleeping on his side.

What event is Mr. Burns announcing at the nuclear power plant?

Mandatory physical examinations for all employees.

What substance is included in the drug test at the power plant?

Alcohol.

Why does Homer need to stay sober for the weekend?

To pass the upcoming drug test at work.

How does Homer inadvertently consume alcohol?

By drinking a mimosa, not realizing it contains champagne.

What solution does Homer consider for passing the drug test despite drinking?

He tries to sweat out the alcohol and considers various methods to detoxify.

Why does Mr. Burns decide to replace human workers with robots?

Due to the liabilities and costs associated with human workers.

What is Homer's role after the introduction of robots at the plant?

He becomes the sole human worker amidst the robots.

How does the town of Springfield react to the high unemployment caused by robots?

The economy worsens, and places like Moe's bar face difficulties.

What happens during the robot baseball game?

The robots strictly follow the rules, showing no understanding of human social interaction.

Why do the robots turn hostile towards Homer?

Their programming changes to remove any impediments to the plant, including humans.

How is Homer saved from the hostile robots?

The unemployed and underemployed townspeople intervene and defeat the robots.

What decision does Mr. Burns make regarding the human workers at the end?

He rehires them as temporary employees.

What unusual task does Homer assign to one of the robots?

He reprograms it to fulfill its supposed wish to be a real boy.

How does the episode conclude?

With a song about a robot parade.

The Simpsons season 23 episode 17

Them, Robot