The Simpsons episode featuring a submarine is most readily identified as “Das Bus,” from Season 9, Episode 14. While technically a school bus that ends up in the water and not a true submarine, the episode heavily features the children of Springfield Elementary in an underwater survival situation that often evokes the imagery and themes of submarine movies.
Delving Deeper: The Underwater World of Springfield Elementary
“Das Bus” is a comedic, albeit exaggerated, portrayal of survival in extreme circumstances, using the unlikely scenario of a school bus sinking after a storm. While the central premise isn’t explicitly about a high-tech submarine, the confined space, dwindling resources, and the children’s attempts at self-sufficiency create a narrative strongly reminiscent of classic submarine narratives. This association is why it is the episode most frequently associated with the search query “The Simpsons submarine episode.”
Setting the Stage: The Genesis of “Das Bus”
The episode begins with Principal Skinner ordering Otto to take the children of Springfield Elementary on a field trip. A violent storm diverts the bus, leading it to crash into the ocean. Stranded and facing starvation, the children are forced to create a rudimentary society and struggle for survival, complete with power struggles and a desperate search for food.
The Submarine Analogy: Confinement and Resource Management
The similarities to a submarine scenario are clear. The bus becomes a sealed environment, cutting the children off from the outside world. They must manage their limited supplies of food and water, mirroring the crucial resource management strategies employed on submarines. The claustrophobic nature of the bus further enhances this parallel, creating a sense of tension and desperation among the trapped children.
Survival Instincts: A Comedic Twist
The episode showcases the children’s resourcefulness (or lack thereof) in the face of adversity. Milhouse emerges as a surprisingly competent leader, albeit one who eventually succumbs to the pressures of the situation. Lisa attempts to maintain order and reason, while Bart reverts to his mischievous nature, often exacerbating the group’s problems. The comedic interplay between these characters adds a layer of absurdity to the otherwise tense situation, making “Das Bus” a memorable and entertaining episode.
Addressing Common Questions: Your Simpsons Submarine FAQ
To further clarify the details surrounding the “Simpsons submarine” episode and related topics, here are some frequently asked questions:
FAQ 1: Is “Das Bus” the only episode with underwater elements?
While “Das Bus” is the most prominent episode featuring a submerged vehicle and survival scenarios, other episodes contain brief underwater scenes or references. Notably, several episodes feature the waters of Springfield Lake. But in terms of extended periods featuring underwater survival, “Das Bus” remains the stand-out example.
FAQ 2: What specific movies inspired “Das Bus”?
The episode likely draws inspiration from classic submarine war films like “Das Boot” and “Crimson Tide,” although the comedic tone obviously sets it apart. The theme of confinement, dwindling resources, and the breakdown of social order are common elements shared between “Das Bus” and these movies. References to the novel Lord of the Flies are also explicit within the episode, indicating it draws influence from tales of survival.
FAQ 3: How long are the kids stranded in the bus?
The exact duration is not explicitly stated, but it appears they are stranded for several days, possibly a week or more. This is implied by the characters’ increasingly desperate state, the rationing of food, and the gradual deterioration of their physical condition.
FAQ 4: What happens to Otto the bus driver?
Otto is last seen struggling in the water after the bus crashes. His fate is left ambiguous within the episode itself. However, he later reappears in subsequent episodes, indicating that he survived the ordeal.
FAQ 5: Is there a sequel to “Das Bus”?
No, there is no direct sequel to “Das Bus.” While the Simpsons often revisit themes and scenarios, the specific circumstances of the stranded children are not explored again in detail.
FAQ 6: What kind of food do the kids find on the island?
The children initially find a supply of Ritz crackers, which they ration until they run out. They then turn to hunting and gathering, with less-than-successful results. Bart notably tries to catch a snake.
FAQ 7: Who emerges as the de facto leader of the group?
Initially, Milhouse emerges as a surprisingly competent leader, organizing the rationing of food and attempting to maintain order. However, the pressure of the situation eventually overwhelms him, and he loses his grip on leadership.
FAQ 8: What are the major comedic highlights of the episode?
Some of the most memorable comedic moments include Milhouse’s increasingly erratic leadership, Bart’s attempts to catch and eat a snake, Lisa’s futile attempts to maintain order, and the general absurdity of the children’s survival strategies. The scenes parodying Lord of the Flies are also particularly humorous.
FAQ 9: Is “Das Bus” considered a classic Simpsons episode?
Yes, “Das Bus” is generally considered a classic episode from the show’s “golden age” (Seasons 3-9). It is praised for its clever writing, memorable characters, and its ability to blend humor with social commentary.
FAQ 10: How does the episode end?
The children are eventually rescued after Lisa uses her scientific knowledge to attract a passing ship. They are found to be malnourished and emotionally scarred, but ultimately safe.
FAQ 11: Does the episode offer any life lessons?
While primarily comedic, “Das Bus” does offer some subtle life lessons about the importance of resource management, leadership, and the challenges of survival in extreme circumstances. It also satirizes the breakdown of societal norms in the face of adversity.
FAQ 12: Where can I watch “Das Bus”?
“Das Bus,” along with other episodes of The Simpsons, is typically available on streaming services such as Disney+, or can be purchased digitally through platforms like iTunes or Google Play. Availability may vary depending on your region.