The Simpsons, a legendary animated sitcom, has been a part of our lives for an incredible 35 seasons and continues to enthrall viewers with its unique brand of humor and creativity. “Treehouse of Horror“ episodes are one of the series’ most notable traditions. In Season 35, Episode 5, “Treehouse of Horror XXXIV,” the program continued to provide its distinctive mix of eerie stories with satirical humor. This post will examine the essential elements of the episode, examine the music that appears in it, and dissect the minute intricacies of the plot.

Which song plays in “Treehouse of Horror XXXIV”?

American rock musician David Lee Roth‘s rendition of “Just Like Paradise” is the main theme song of “Treehouse of Horror XXXIV.” This song, which was released after to Roth’s departure from Van Halen, became a significant hit and is a crucial component of the storyline of the episode. “Just Like Paradise” is a rock hit that has David Lee Roth’s distinctive signature. The lead track from Roth’s second solo album, “Skyscraper,” which was released in 1988, was produced by the artist himself and included the gifted guitarist Steve Vai. This catchy song quickly rose to the top 10 of the music charts after connecting with listeners in the US and Canada.

When did the song play in “Treehouse of Horror XXXIV”?

The Simpsons’ “Treehouse of Horror XXXIV” used the song “Just Like Paradise” by David Lee Roth in the third segment, “Lout Break.”The soundtrack provided a humorous and energetic backdrop to the events in this segment, enhancing the story’s humor and excitement.  The Simpsons’ Matt Selman tweeted his gratitude to David Lee Roth. Matt Selman said in a tweet, “@mattselman: Thank you to the immortal David Lee Roth for allowing @TheSimpsons to use ‘Just Like Paradise’ to orchestrate the theme of a world of all Homers.

Thank you to the immortal David Lee Roth for allowing @TheSimpsons to use "Just Like Paradise" to orchestrate the theme of a world of all Homers pic.twitter.com/xiRBZv9Tul

— Matt Selman (@mattselman) November 6, 2023

The plot of “Lout Break” centers on Homer’s never-ending love for doughnuts. It all starts when Mr. Smithers forbids Homer from continuing to eat a box of donuts while he is at work. A donut gets dropped by accident and rolls down the hallway of the power plant, collecting radioactive goo until it reaches the “Life Extension Laboratory,” where eating is also forbidden. After eating the donut, Homer gets a horrible stomachache. As the plot develops, more Springfield residents begin to experience strange side effects, such as sweating green goo and changing into figures reminiscent of Homer. The episode finishes with a Homer-ized Frink singing David Lee Roth’s “Just Like Paradise” alongside all the Homers in town.

In this hilarious scene, “Just Like Paradise” emphasizes how ridiculous the circumstances are. The soundtrack is a wonderful fit for the plot, adding to the viewers’ enjoyment of the change and mayhem. It acts as a soundtrack that draws the audience in and highlights the humorous aspects of the story, making for an enjoyable watch.

“He Is an Englishman” Gilbert and Sullivan

The song that plays in “Treehouse of Horror XXXIV” is “He Is an Englishman,” performed by Sideshow Bob. The song “He Is an Englishman” was not chosen at random for this episode; rather, it has a history in musical theater. The well-known team of Gilbert and Sullivan wrote the comedy opera “H.M.S. Pinafore,” from which the tune originally came. Since its 1878 premiere, this beloved opera has been praised for its clever and humorous satire on British politics, society, and the class structure.

The song is played in “part 2” at a spooky scene on a boat traveling to Springfield. It also plays later in the show at pivotal points, such as when the killer’s name is revealed and Lisa does something startling. The subtle reference to the opera “He Is an Englishman” in “Treehouse of Horror XXXIV” gives the episode a deeper level of meaning.

What Happened in The Simpsons Season 35 Episode 5 Recap?

The Simpsons has a long history of producing Halloween-themed episodes, and “Treehouse of Horror XXXIV” is just another installment. This episode’s structure adheres to the anthology format, showcasing three distinct stories that encapsulate the spirit of the occasion.

The mayor of Springfield announces the museum’s closing and the replacement of artwork with digital NFTs in the “Wild Barts Can’t Be Token”, which takes place at the Art Museum of Springfield. The idea of NFTs and their effects on the art world are explored in a lighthearted manner in this section. In order to convert a well-known painting into an NFT, Bart and Homer break into the museum. This sets off a hilarious chain of events that includes socialite Kylie Jenner, football player Ron Gronkowski, and talk-show presenter Jimmy Fallon. The narrative features David Lee Roth’s “Just Like Paradise” and deftly parodies modern trends and tech bubbles.

The second part “Ei8ht” of the show takes a sinister turn when it opens with a flashback to the iconic episode “Cape Feare,” in which Sideshow Bob tries to murder Bart. Thirty years hence, Lisa Simpson—a criminal psychology professor now—is called upon to crack the case of a serial killer using allusions to crime classics like “Se7en” and “The Silence of the Lambs.” As Lisa learns a startling fact about the murderer, the story takes a bizarre turn that culminates in an unexpected turn of events and a memorable song cameo by David Lee Roth.

The third part “Lout Break” offers a humorous perspective on viral-pandemic films that is akin to “Outbreak.” Because of his unquenchable love for donuts, Homer sets off a humorous series of events in which the entire town transforms into characters akin to Homer. The hilarious commentary “Lout Break” addresses societal trends and our tendency to follow fads. The finale of the show features a fun and upbeat sing-along with David Lee Roth’s “Just Like Paradise.”

In summary, “Treehouse of Horror XXXIV” is yet another excellent contribution to the Halloween specials produced by The Simpsons. In order to improve the viewing experience, each segment incorporates Treehouse of Horror XXXIV’s captivating and catchy song “Just Like Paradise” along with humor, satire, and pop culture references. This episode is a must-watch for both fans and novices alike since it upholds the show’s tradition of fusing humor, innovation, and music.