» Niskayuna – and Upstate NY – makes ‘The Simpsons,’ just not in a ‘woohoo!’ kind of way

PHOTOGRAPHER: FOX

The "Niskayuna" water tower on Sunday's 'Simpsons'

Share on Facebook

Save

NISKAYUNA – Niskayuna made Sunday night’s episode of “The Simpsons.”

Um, Woohoo?

Probably not exactly.

In Sunday night’s episode, Homer and his ageless family made their way to Niagara Falls for a vacation as Homer breaks out in a song sung to the tune of the decidedly not Upstate “New York, New York.”

The song goes on in such a way that it’s very clear that Homer and the writers have seen a New York State map.

Homer touches on loss of population (Utica and a backwards-running population meter) and loss of jobs (Kodak in Rochester.)

Update: Niskayuna supervisor responds to ‘Simpsons,’ invites Homer, Marge, family for return visit, April 29, 2019
Also see: Foss: ‘Simpsons’ episode contained some hard truths, May 1, 2019
Also see: Jocelyn and Chris Arndt give musical response to ‘Simpsons’ episode, May 1, 2019

Much of rest of the song, however, might best be described as cliches or issues that could be applied to anywhere, like, we’re thinking, Shelbyville. (Or maybe even Springfield?)

As Homer checks cities from across upstate, the Capital Region appeared largely spared by name, except for some reason Niskayuna.

As the Simpson family drives past down below, a wide shot shows a water tower emblazoned with the name “Niskayuna.”

“There is no fancy part of it,” Homer sings as the “Niskayuna” tower springs a leak.

See the episode at FOX.com: D’oh Canada

The real Niskayuna does, indeed, have a water tower with its name on it. As for the rest of the scene, well, not so okely dokely.

Homer’s “ode” to Upstate ends with the big “New York, New York” flourish that includes a seeming Saratoga County and Battle of Saratoga reference that shows Homer at least picked up something in history class, if only it comes across as another Upstate jab.

“Can’t make it anywhere, but I can make it there,” Homer sings. “I love you so, Upstate NY – Benedict Arnold fought here, baby!”

At least we don’t recall Upstate ever trying to build a monorail.