I'm Goin' to Praiseland
Encyclopedia
"I'm Goin' to Praiseland" is the nineteenth episode of the twelfth season
of the American animated sitcom The Simpsons
. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on May 6, 2001. In the episode, Ned Flanders
builds a Christian-themed amusement park to commemorate his dead wife, Maude Flanders. The episode marked the return of the character Rachel Jordan (voiced by Shawn Colvin
), who had previously appeared in the season eleven episode "Alone Again, Natura-Diddily
". Since airing, "I'm Goin' to Praiseland" has received mixed reviews from critics.
at church, Ned Flanders
is reunited with Rachel Jordan, a woman he met once before after hearing her and her Christian rock band sing at church once. She quickly had to leave for the next stop on the band's tour after their first meeting, and they had not seen each other until this social. Rachel decides to stay with Ned instead of going to a motel, but leaves after being creeped out over Ned's obsession with making Rachel look like his deceased wife, Maude. Ned asks the Simpson family
to help him forget about Maude by throwing away everything in the house that reminds him of her. Homer uses a woodchipper
to get rid of all of Maude's possessions, except for a sketchbook. Ned looks through his late wife's many sketches until he finds designs for a Christian theme park
, called Praiseland. He decides to realize Maude's dream by building a Christian theme park in her honor.
Ned starts building Paiseland where an old amusement park used to be located and asks people from all over town to contribute anything that can be useful for the park. Various citizens pitch in and donate. When Praiseland is finally opened, the townspeople are put off by its wholesomeness and leave—until everyone sees a mask of Maude's face rise up in the air in front of a memorial statue of her. Eventually, anyone who stands in front of the statue collapses, writhes and has his or her own personal vision of Heaven
: Principal Skinner tells of being in a perfect elementary school where no one is late, the teacher's lounge is spacious, and Bart is not there to bother him; Disco Stu dances with Frank Sinatra
at a discotheque version of Heaven; and Comic Book Guy saves Captain Kirk from his malfunctioning chair aboard the Starship Enterprise and is offered sex with Uhura from the original Star Trek series, Catwoman from the 1960s Batman TV show, and Agent 99 from Get Smart
.
Ned explains to his children that this is God's will, until he notices Homer trying to work the gas grill at a concession stand. He then discovers that the gas line (near Maude's statue) is leaking gas, causing everyone to inhale the fumes. Ned tries to shut the place down, but Homer points out that Praiseland has brought everyone together, regardless of race, creed, color, and socioeconomic status. However, the joy is short-lived when Homer spots two orphans lighting a candle near the leaking gas line and tackle them before an explosion can happen. The townspeople believe Ned and Homer have maliciously assaulted the children and the park suffers. Ned finally shuts down Praiseland, and Rachel returns to ask Ned on a date. Ned accepts, after the two of them get rid of Maude's imprint on the bed by tightening the sheets.
and directed by Chuck Sheetz
as part of the twelfth season of The Simpsons (2000–2001). The idea for Praiseland came from the Christian theme park Heritage USA
that was built in Fort Mill, South Carolina
in the 1970s. The gas leak that occurs in Praiseland in the episode is based on a real life event that has happened at Disney World. The bible gum product that is sold at Praiseland was real unbeknown to the writers, and, according to executive producer Mike Scully
, they were sued by the owners of the company that produced the real product.
The episode marked the return of the character Rachel Jordan, who had previously appeared in the season eleven episode "Alone Again, Natura-Diddily
" (2000). Rachel was guest voiced by American musician Shawn Colvin
in both episodes. Colvin has told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
that being raised in Carbondale, Illinois
meant she did not have to do much research for the guest appearances: "It's just very isolated [in Carbondale]. There was church music and that was about it. [...] I didn't have to dig too deep for the role. I suppose the whole 'Simpsons' thing is kind of like a hick town."
for the episode. Deleted scenes from the episode, including an alternate ending, were featured on the box set as well.
Critics have given "I'm Goin' to Praiseland" generally mixed reviews. DVD Movie Guide's Colin Jacobson commented that "Given its theme, 'Praiseland' comes with a large risk of turning sappy. And it does! From its thin plot to its uninspired gags, the show never manages to get any legs under it. This is forgettable Simpsons." Nancy Basile of About.com
wrote in her review that episode "was part touching, part creepy and part hysterical. Homer was his old self: His heart was in the right place, but he screwed up everything. I felt for Ned, but at the same time grimaced when he touched Maude's imprint on the bed. My only real complaint is the very end. The last few episodes [of the twelfth season] have had typical sitcom wrap-up lines."
The Simpsons (season 12)
The Simpsons 12th season began on Wednesday, November 1, 2000 with "Treehouse of Horror XI".The season contains four hold over episodes from the season 11 production line. The show runner for the twelfth production was Mike Scully. The season features three episodes that were produced for the...
of the American animated sitcom The Simpsons
The Simpsons
The Simpsons is an American animated sitcom created by Matt Groening for the Fox Broadcasting Company. The series is a satirical parody of a middle class American lifestyle epitomized by its family of the same name, which consists of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie...
. It originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on May 6, 2001. In the episode, Ned Flanders
Ned Flanders
Nedward "Ned" Flanders, Jr. is a recurring fictional character in the animated television series The Simpsons. He is voiced by Harry Shearer, and first appeared in the series premiere episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire". He is the next door neighbor to the Simpson family and is generally...
builds a Christian-themed amusement park to commemorate his dead wife, Maude Flanders. The episode marked the return of the character Rachel Jordan (voiced by Shawn Colvin
Shawn Colvin
Shawn Colvin is an American singer-songwriter and musician.-Childhood and early career:Colvin was born in Vermillion, South Dakota. Her formative years were spent in the town of Carbondale, Illinois, where she attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She learned to play guitar at the age...
), who had previously appeared in the season eleven episode "Alone Again, Natura-Diddily
Alone Again, Natura-Diddily
"Alone Again, Natura-Diddily" is the fourteenth episode of the eleventh season of The Simpsons, and marks the final regular appearance of the character Maude Flanders. In the episode, she is killed in an accident while watching a speedway race, devastating Ned Flanders and prompting Homer to find a...
". Since airing, "I'm Goin' to Praiseland" has received mixed reviews from critics.
Plot
During an ice cream socialIce cream social
An ice cream social, also known as an ice cream party, is a planned event, the primary focus of which is ice cream served to the guests. It is often a neighborhood event or welcoming party, normally held during the summer.-History:...
at church, Ned Flanders
Ned Flanders
Nedward "Ned" Flanders, Jr. is a recurring fictional character in the animated television series The Simpsons. He is voiced by Harry Shearer, and first appeared in the series premiere episode "Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire". He is the next door neighbor to the Simpson family and is generally...
is reunited with Rachel Jordan, a woman he met once before after hearing her and her Christian rock band sing at church once. She quickly had to leave for the next stop on the band's tour after their first meeting, and they had not seen each other until this social. Rachel decides to stay with Ned instead of going to a motel, but leaves after being creeped out over Ned's obsession with making Rachel look like his deceased wife, Maude. Ned asks the Simpson family
Simpson family
The Simpson family is a family of fictional characters featured in the animated television series The Simpsons. The Simpsons are a nuclear family consisting of the married couple Homer and Marge and their three children Bart, Lisa and Maggie. They live at 742 Evergreen Terrace in the fictional town...
to help him forget about Maude by throwing away everything in the house that reminds him of her. Homer uses a woodchipper
Woodchipper
A tree chipper or wood chipper is a machine used for reducing wood into smaller parts, such as wood chips or sawdust. They are often portable, being mounted on wheels on frames suitable for towing behind a truck or van. Power is generally provided by an internal combustion engine from to...
to get rid of all of Maude's possessions, except for a sketchbook. Ned looks through his late wife's many sketches until he finds designs for a Christian theme park
Amusement park
thumb|Cinderella Castle in [[Magic Kingdom]], [[Disney World]]Amusement and theme parks are terms for a group of entertainment attractions and rides and other events in a location for the enjoyment of large numbers of people...
, called Praiseland. He decides to realize Maude's dream by building a Christian theme park in her honor.
Ned starts building Paiseland where an old amusement park used to be located and asks people from all over town to contribute anything that can be useful for the park. Various citizens pitch in and donate. When Praiseland is finally opened, the townspeople are put off by its wholesomeness and leave—until everyone sees a mask of Maude's face rise up in the air in front of a memorial statue of her. Eventually, anyone who stands in front of the statue collapses, writhes and has his or her own personal vision of Heaven
Heaven
Heaven, the Heavens or Seven Heavens, is a common religious cosmological or metaphysical term for the physical or transcendent place from which heavenly beings originate, are enthroned or inhabit...
: Principal Skinner tells of being in a perfect elementary school where no one is late, the teacher's lounge is spacious, and Bart is not there to bother him; Disco Stu dances with Frank Sinatra
Frank Sinatra
Francis Albert "Frank" Sinatra was an American singer and actor.Beginning his musical career in the swing era with Harry James and Tommy Dorsey, Sinatra became an unprecedentedly successful solo artist in the early to mid-1940s, after being signed to Columbia Records in 1943. Being the idol of the...
at a discotheque version of Heaven; and Comic Book Guy saves Captain Kirk from his malfunctioning chair aboard the Starship Enterprise and is offered sex with Uhura from the original Star Trek series, Catwoman from the 1960s Batman TV show, and Agent 99 from Get Smart
Get Smart
Get Smart is an American comedy television series that satirizes the secret agent genre. Created by Mel Brooks with Buck Henry, the show starred Don Adams , Barbara Feldon , and Edward Platt...
.
Ned explains to his children that this is God's will, until he notices Homer trying to work the gas grill at a concession stand. He then discovers that the gas line (near Maude's statue) is leaking gas, causing everyone to inhale the fumes. Ned tries to shut the place down, but Homer points out that Praiseland has brought everyone together, regardless of race, creed, color, and socioeconomic status. However, the joy is short-lived when Homer spots two orphans lighting a candle near the leaking gas line and tackle them before an explosion can happen. The townspeople believe Ned and Homer have maliciously assaulted the children and the park suffers. Ned finally shuts down Praiseland, and Rachel returns to ask Ned on a date. Ned accepts, after the two of them get rid of Maude's imprint on the bed by tightening the sheets.
Production
"I'm Goin' to Praiseland" was written by Julie ThackerJulie Thacker
Julie Thacker is an American television writer. She has written for The Simpsons, and along with her husband The Simpsons writer and producer Mike Scully she has co-created The Pitts and Complete Savages.-The Simpsons episodes:...
and directed by Chuck Sheetz
Chuck Sheetz
Chuck Sheetz is an animation director on The Simpsons. He was the producer on 'What's new, Scooby-Doo?", the director of the TV series, Recess. He has also done work on Bobby's World, Rocko's Modern Life, King of the Hill, Recess, and Welcome to Eltingville in addition to directing the Drawn...
as part of the twelfth season of The Simpsons (2000–2001). The idea for Praiseland came from the Christian theme park Heritage USA
Heritage USA
Heritage USA was a Christian theme park, water park, and residential complex built in Fort Mill, South Carolina, USA, by PTL Club founders televangelist Jim Bakker and Tammy Faye Bakker Messner...
that was built in Fort Mill, South Carolina
Fort Mill, South Carolina
Fort Mill is a fast-growing suburban town in both York and Lancaster counties in the U.S. state of South Carolina, and a suburb of the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Rock Hill...
in the 1970s. The gas leak that occurs in Praiseland in the episode is based on a real life event that has happened at Disney World. The bible gum product that is sold at Praiseland was real unbeknown to the writers, and, according to executive producer Mike Scully
Mike Scully
Mike Scully is an American television writer and producer. He is known for his work as executive producer and showrunner of the animated sitcom The Simpsons from 1997 to 2001. Scully grew up in West Springfield, Massachusetts and long had an interest in writing. He was an underachiever at school...
, they were sued by the owners of the company that produced the real product.
The episode marked the return of the character Rachel Jordan, who had previously appeared in the season eleven episode "Alone Again, Natura-Diddily
Alone Again, Natura-Diddily
"Alone Again, Natura-Diddily" is the fourteenth episode of the eleventh season of The Simpsons, and marks the final regular appearance of the character Maude Flanders. In the episode, she is killed in an accident while watching a speedway race, devastating Ned Flanders and prompting Homer to find a...
" (2000). Rachel was guest voiced by American musician Shawn Colvin
Shawn Colvin
Shawn Colvin is an American singer-songwriter and musician.-Childhood and early career:Colvin was born in Vermillion, South Dakota. Her formative years were spent in the town of Carbondale, Illinois, where she attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale. She learned to play guitar at the age...
in both episodes. Colvin has told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer
Seattle Post-Intelligencer
The Seattle Post-Intelligencer is an online newspaper and former print newspaper covering Seattle, Washington, United States, and the surrounding metropolitan area...
that being raised in Carbondale, Illinois
Carbondale, Illinois
Carbondale is a city in Jackson County, in the state of Illinois, within the Southern Illinois region. It is located at the junction of Illinois Route 13 and U.S. Route 51, southeast of St. Louis, Missouri, on the northern edge of the Shawnee National Forest...
meant she did not have to do much research for the guest appearances: "It's just very isolated [in Carbondale]. There was church music and that was about it. [...] I didn't have to dig too deep for the role. I suppose the whole 'Simpsons' thing is kind of like a hick town."
Release
The episode originally aired on the Fox network in the United States on May 6, 2001. On August 18, 2009, it was released on DVD as part of the box set The Simpsons – The Complete Twelfth Season. Staff members Mike Scully, Al Jean, Ian Maxtone-Graham, Carolyn Omine, Don Payne, Matt Selman, Tom Gammill, and Chuck Sheetz participated in the DVD audio commentaryAudio commentary
On disc-based video formats, an audio commentary is an additional audio track consisting of a lecture or comments by one or more speakers, that plays in real time with video...
for the episode. Deleted scenes from the episode, including an alternate ending, were featured on the box set as well.
Critics have given "I'm Goin' to Praiseland" generally mixed reviews. DVD Movie Guide's Colin Jacobson commented that "Given its theme, 'Praiseland' comes with a large risk of turning sappy. And it does! From its thin plot to its uninspired gags, the show never manages to get any legs under it. This is forgettable Simpsons." Nancy Basile of About.com
About.com
About.com is an online source for original information and advice. It is written in English, and is aimed primarily at North Americans. It is owned by The New York Times Company....
wrote in her review that episode "was part touching, part creepy and part hysterical. Homer was his old self: His heart was in the right place, but he screwed up everything. I felt for Ned, but at the same time grimaced when he touched Maude's imprint on the bed. My only real complaint is the very end. The last few episodes [of the twelfth season] have had typical sitcom wrap-up lines."