The Simpsons has become an iconic show that many fans associate with the Halloween season, mainly because of its long-running Treehouse of Horror specials.
These annual episodes, which have been a part of the series since Season 2 in 1990, are typically filled with spooky tales, references to classic horror, and, of course, the trademark Simpsons humor.
Over the years, these Halloween specials have evolved into a fan favorite, often standing out as the highlight of the season, no matter how the rest of the episodes fare.
One of the most recent Treehouse of Horror episodes, “Treehouse of Horror XXXV,” continues this trend, offering a particularly strong entry in a season that has generally been more good than bad.
Among the three segments of this episode, “The Fall of the House of Monty” stands out as the most notable.
While it is an excellent segment full, what makes it even more exciting for fans is the subtle Easter egg that connects it to the very first Treehouse of Horror from Season 2.
This moment not only serves as a nostalgic callback but also bridges two episodes in a way that will likely please longtime Simpsons fans.
The Callbacks to “The Raven”
As the segment “The Fall of the House of Monty” begins, the scene opens with a sweeping view of Victorian-era Springfield, eventually settling on the Burns & Co. Excellent Corn Syrup factory. As the camera pans, sharp-eyed fans may spot a familiar figure in the distance—a raven, perched ominously on top of the factory.
For fans who have watched the show for years, this sight will instantly call back memories of the very first Treehouse of Horror episode from Season 2.
In the segment “The Raven,” which is a direct adaptation of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem, the bird in question is portrayed by Bart Simpson (voiced by Nancy Cartwright).
The raven appears in the background of “The Fall of the House of Monty” as a clear nod to this classic Simpsons moment.
In the original segment from Treehouse of Horror I, the raven is a central figure in a retelling of Poe’s poem “The Raven.”
Homer Simpson (voiced by Dan Castellaneta) takes on the role of the narrator, a man grieving the loss of his love, Lenore (Marge, voiced by Julie Kavner), while Bart’s raven torments him with the ominous refrain “Nevermore.”
This segment is one of the rare instances where The Simpsons leans into genuine horror rather than humor. The haunting atmosphere, combined with the voice of James Earl Jones as the narrator, made the segment especially memorable for fans.
This eerie vibe is something that fans will also find in “The Fall of the House of Monty,” and the raven Easter egg acts as a bridge between these two “Treehouse of Horror” moments.
It’s a clever way for The Simpsons to acknowledge the long history of its Halloween specials while still keeping the spirit of Poe’s work alive in the 35th iteration of the show.
The raven, with its dark, mysterious energy, helps connect “The Fall of the House of Monty” to “The Raven” in a way that feels both nostalgic and fresh, and the connection to Poe’s work serves to heighten the eerie atmosphere of the episode.
“The Fall of the House of Monty”—A Nod to Poe and More
While “The Fall of the House of Monty” clearly draws from Edgar Allan Poe’s writings, it doesn’t limit itself to just one work. In fact, the title and full setup of the segment are a direct reference to one of Poe’s most famous stories, The Fall of the House of Usher.
In this tale, the Usher family is slowly driven to madness by a curse that haunts them, and their home—just like Monty Burns’ own mansion in the Simpsons segment—becomes a symbol of their inevitable doom.
In “The Fall of the House of Monty,” Monty Burns, Springfield’s wealthy and unscrupulous factory owner, faces a similar fate. Burns’ fortune, amassed from his corn syrup empire, mirrors the Usher family’s pharmaceutical riches in Poe’s tale.
Both families are warned by ominous spirits that the lives they have taken to gain their wealth will eventually come back to haunt them.
The corn syrup factory explosion, which causes the deaths of several workers, becomes a haunting reminder of the human cost of Burns’ empire.
While the segment directly references The Fall of the House of Usher, it also draws from other works by Poe, including The Masque of the Red Death, The Cask of Amontillado, and The Haunted Palace.
Each of these works features themes of doom, death, and the consequences of human actions, which are all present in the Simpsons segment. However, “The Fall of the House of Monty” doesn’t just play it straight.
It also includes elements of horror from other sources, notably the Netflix series The Fall of the House of Usher, a show created by Mike Flanagan.
This series features grotesque and disturbing imagery, much like the explosion in the corn syrup factory in “The Fall of the House of Monty,” which results in the deaths of workers.
The similarities between these two works highlight just how The Simpsons is able to blend multiple references from different horror sources into a single cohesive segment.
The factory explosion and the subsequent haunting of Burns by the spirits of the dead workers is a direct homage to the kind of eerie, unsettling atmosphere that Poe and Flanagan both excel at evoking.
“The Fall of the House of Monty” and Winchester
The homage to horror doesn’t stop there. While The Fall of the House of Monty is heavily influenced by Poe, it also includes a reference to a completely different story—one that comes from real life.
The segment takes inspiration from the 2018 film Winchester, which is based on the true story of Sarah Winchester (played by Helen Mirren).
In Winchester, Sarah is haunted by the ghosts of those who died due to her family’s wealth, which was made through the creation of the famous Winchester rifle.
In order to keep the spirits at bay, Sarah continuously builds a mansion with strange features: staircases that lead nowhere, doors that open into walls, and rooms that are sealed off with nails.
This concept of a house constantly under construction is echoed in “The Fall of the House of Monty,” where Burns’ mansion has also been under construction for years.
As Lenny (voiced by Harry Shearer) points out, Burns’ father and grandfather both died while building the mansion.
This construction is not just a metaphor for the decay of the Burns family—it’s also a physical representation of the house’s haunted nature, with Burns being tormented by the spirits of those who died in his factory.
The inclusion of these elements from Winchester further emphasizes the Simpsons writers’ ability to blend multiple horror influences into one segment.
By combining Poe’s tales of doom and madness with a more contemporary horror story like Winchester, the show creates a segment that is both a tribute to the past and a nod to modern horror storytelling.
More Poe References in The Simpsons
“The Raven” and The Fall of the House of Usher are not the only references to Edgar Allan Poe found in The Simpsons. Throughout the show’s long history, there have been multiple homages to the iconic writer.
One of the most notable examples comes from the Season 6 episode Lisa’s Rival, in which Lisa Simpson (voiced by Yeardley Smith) is driven to confess her sabotage of Allison’s (voiced by Winona Ryder) diorama.
Lisa’s behavior mirrors that of Poe’s protagonist in The Tell-Tale Heart, who is similarly haunted by the sound of a beating heart that drives him to madness.
However, despite the multiple references to Poe’s works, one thing was missing from “The Fall of the House of Monty”—no Bart as the raven. It’s a small but noticeable detail, especially since the raven has become such a defining image in The Simpsons’ Halloween history.
Still, the segment does an excellent job of blending Poe’s themes with a Simpsons-style twist, making it both a tribute to the writer and a standalone piece of horror storytelling.
Treehouse of Horror XXXV is a great example of how The Simpsons continues to be a cultural touchstone for fans of both comedy and horror.
With its clever references to Edgar Allan Poe’s work and the inclusion of nods to modern horror stories like Winchester, the episode manages to blend humor with genuine scares.
Still from The Simpsons (Credit: Fox)
The Easter egg of the raven from the first Treehouse of Horror episode serves as a reminder of the show’s long history of Halloween specials and its ability to pay homage to its roots.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Simpsons or a newcomer to the series, “The Fall of the House of Monty” is a standout segment that showcases the show’s versatility and its knack for weaving together classic and contemporary horror influences in a way that is uniquely Simpsons.
It’s time for the Group B Finals of The Masked Singer Season 12, and the night kicks off with the three remaining contestants – Goo, Wasp, and Bluebell. They take the stage for an exciting rendition of “Fun, Fun, Fun” by The Beach Boys.
The performance sets the tone for the ’60s-themed night, and the audience is immediately brought back to the groovy, carefree days of the decade.
The masked singers bring their energy, but the panel faces a difficult challenge: one will be eliminated, and only one will move on to the next round.
The judges, dressed in their best ’60s-inspired outfits, give their all as they try to figure out the identities of the contestants. With the “Ding Dong Keep It On” Bell available to help save one contestant, there’s a lot of tension in the air.
The panel is debating whether this group of competitors deserves to send two contestants to the Quarter Finals. After all, this could be one of the toughest groups yet, with each masked singer showing impressive talent.
The Groovy Vibe of the Night
Host Nick Cannon reveals that this night will not be all peace and love, despite the ’60s theme. The competition is fierce, and the contestants are more determined than ever to prove their abilities.
As the evening unfolds, the audience is treated to one of the most competitive episodes of The Masked Singer so far. There’s a potential double elimination on the line, adding to the excitement.
While it’s clear the competition is heating up, Nick hints that the identities of the celebrities behind the masks are not as easily guessed as they might seem.
Some clues leave the judges and the audience scratching their heads. Despite that, the panel remains focused on the performances, which are truly spectacular tonight.
As the contestants continue to perform, they each reveal their unique talents, making it even harder for the judges to decide who should stay and who should go.
Bluebell’s Emotional Farewell
Bluebell is the first to perform tonight, and her journey is about to come to a heartbreaking end. In her clue package, Bluebell shares a personal story about her love for singing, dancing, and expressing her creativity.
She talks about a time when she struggled with a lack of inspiration and felt stuck in her career.
Once at the top of her field, Bluebell began to feel disconnected from her passion when things went wrong in her life. But everything changed when she became a mother, and the inspiration returned to her.
Throughout her clue package, Bluebell’s story touches on themes of personal growth, resilience, and finding new purpose.
There are images of a torn carnival ticket and a jar of sugar that hint at her identity, but the clues don’t come together quite yet.
The final clue of the package is particularly revealing, as it references an artist’s hit song titled “Torn,” which could give a significant clue to Bluebell’s identity.
For her performance, Bluebell delivers a lively rendition of “Do You Love Me” by The Contours. She nails the ’60s vibe with a fun and energetic performance that gets the audience moving.
While her vocals aren’t as powerful as some of the other contestants, Bluebell wins over the crowd with her charisma and ability to get people to dance. The panel is impressed with her performance, and they praise her for bringing the spirit of the ’60s to life.
Still from The Masked Singer (Credit: Fox)
During the panel’s guesses, there are a variety of names tossed around. Ken Jeong thinks Bluebell might be Rose Byrne, based on her role in the film Neighbors with Seth Rogen. However, Bluebell gives a cryptic answer, saying that Jeong is both right and wrong.
While she did appear in Neighbours (the hit Australian TV series) as Beth Brennan, she is not the actress Ken suggests.
Rita Ora guesses another star from Neighbours – the pop sensation Kylie Minogue – while Jenny McCarthy believes it could be Naomi Watts.
Despite all the guesswork, the truth is revealed when Bluebell is eliminated. After an emotional farewell, Bluebell is unmasked to reveal that she is none other than Natalie Imbruglia.
The panel is stunned by the reveal, with each judge offering their own guesses about who Bluebell might be.
Jenny McCarthy guesses Naomi Watts, Robin Thicke suggests Isla Fisher, Ken Jeong picks Rose Byrne, and Rita Ora chooses Kylie Minogue.
However, none of them are correct. It’s a bittersweet moment as Bluebell takes off her mask, leaving fans surprised by the reveal.
The House of Rising Goo
Next up is Goo, whose performance takes the competition to the next level. In his clue package, Goo talks about feeling “warm and gooey inside.”
He tells a story about a time when he was working hard to achieve a major goal and had to scrape together every last bit of money to make it.
After years of hard work, Goo got a rare call that changed everything. With a newfound belief in himself, he’s now rising to greatness, showing that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself.
The images in his clue package feature a rook chess piece, a sack of gold, and a music stand with a conductor’s baton.
The rook chess piece could be a reference to his time in sports, possibly hinting at someone like Kobie Turner from the Los Angeles Rams.
Goo takes the stage with his signature style and delivers a stunning performance of “The House of the Rising Sun” by The Animals.
His voice carries with incredible range, and he demonstrates a wide range of skills, from smooth soul to powerful rock vocals.
The performance stands out as one of the most exceptional moments in The Masked Singer history, and it’s clear that Goo is a serious contender for the win this season.
The judges are in awe of his performance, and even though they haven’t yet guessed his identity, it’s clear that Goo has a special talent. As part of the ‘60s theme, a clue is revealed that connects to an invention from the decade: Jello.
Inside the Jello, there’s a whistle, which prompts Goo to perform a comical rendition of the National Anthem. The clue seems to suggest that Goo might be Kobie Turner, known for his pre-game National Anthem performances at sports events.
The panel’s guesses are varied, with names like Brian McKnight, Anthony Hamilton, and Leon Bridges all being considered.
The mystery surrounding Goo’s identity continues, but one thing is certain: his performance tonight was one of the best in the show’s history.
Wasp’s Emotional Tribute
Wasp’s turn on stage is as emotional as it is powerful. In his clue package, he dedicates his performance to his mother, who was his hero.
He recalls how she used to protect him from monsters under his bed and from bullies in the neighborhood. However, as he got older, he saw the cracks in her armor.
Despite all the love and money in the world, nothing could heal her broken wings. Wasp expresses that, while he feels like a superhero under the Wasp costume, his mother would have loved this experience. There are clues, like a treasure map and a stethoscope, that add to the mystery of his identity.
For his performance, Wasp sings “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin. His soulful rendition of the classic hit brings an emotional atmosphere to the room, and his voice leaves a powerful impact. The panel is visibly moved, with Rita Ora even shedding a tear during the performance.
Wasp’s ability to seamlessly transition into his falsetto makes him stand out as an incredibly skilled singer. The judges are on their feet, applauding his emotional and powerful performance.
As part of the ’60s theme, Wasp’s invention clue is the ATM (Automatic Teller Machine). The machine dispenses bills with Robin Thicke’s face on them, adding a humorous touch to the moment.
Wasp jokes that he, too, has “hit a million,” which could refer to his success in the music industry or his impressive performance tonight.
The panel’s guesses for Wasp include names like Mario, Craig David, Eric Benet, and Jason Derulo. But only time will tell if any of these guesses are correct.
The Battle Royale: Goo vs. Wasp
With Bluebell eliminated, the competition comes down to Goo and Wasp. The two contestants face off in a dramatic Battle Royale, where they each perform their version of “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye.
It’s the most competitive Battle Royale in The Masked Singer history, with both contestants bringing their A-game.
First up is Goo, who delivers a smooth, modern rendition of the classic hit. His performance is cool and laid-back, yet filled with emotion.
Wasp, on the other hand, goes with a more traditional approach, bringing his powerful falsetto to the forefront as he belts out the song. The panel is impressed by both performances, and it’s clear that either contestant could make it to the finals.
After much deliberation, the panel announces the winner of the Battle Royale: Wasp. He will be moving on to the Quarter Finals, joining Buffaloes in the next round.
The decision is met with cheers from the audience, and it’s clear that Wasp’s emotional and vocal strength won the judges over.
Still from The Masked Singer (Credit: Fox)
However, just as Goo is about to be unmasked, Jenny McCarthy rings the “Ding Dong Keep It On” Bell.
Goo’s performance was so impressive that the panel decides to save him and allow him to continue to the Quarter Finals alongside Wasp. It’s a dramatic moment, and Goo’s fate is sealed for now.
The Final Word
The Group B Finals are over, and it’s been an unforgettable night of performances, reveals, and tough decisions.
Bluebell’s emotional exit leaves the panel and the audience feeling bittersweet, but the night ends with Goo and Wasp advancing to the Quarter Finals.
The competition is only heating up, and fans can’t wait to see who will take home the ultimate prize. The Masked Singer continues to bring excitement and surprises every week, and with more contestants ready to reveal their identities, the journey is far from over.
The Masked Singer airs Wednesdays at 8:00 pm on Fox. All episodes are available to stream on Hulu.
