A lot of the episode's plot is based on the film "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas". The oil spill is a reference to the "Exxon Valdez" oil spill. The Sea Captain is shown to be drunk at the helm, a reference to Joseph Hazelwood, the captain of the "Exxon Valdez" who was accused of being intoxicated. Reverend Lovejoy's line, "This house is a very, very, very fine house", is a reference to the Crosby, Stills, Nash, &amp; Young song "Our House". Homer responds to a "Do you know where your children are?" public service announcement by saying, "I told you last night — no!"