The Simpsons: 10 Times Homer Really Should Have Died

2. Sucked Into Space

Most of Homer's brushes with death occur in Springfield, as it seems he can't go two minutes without placing himself in mortal danger. But there are a handful of times where he makes it beyond his front door, where his idiocy almost kills him in new and unknown locations. "Deep Space Homer" sees our beloved patriarch become the first civilian to go into space following NASA's concern that their Nielsen ratings are too low. Shortly after launch, Homer reveals a bag of chips he has smuggled aboard. Tearing open the bag, the chips begin to fly around the shuttle in zero gravity. He smashes open the ant farm, releasing hundreds of the insects into the shuttle which destroy the navigation system. Musician James Taylor suggests they blow the hatch to suck the ants out into space, but just before the hatch is closed, Homer's double dose of stupidity almost see him sucked out into space - not only does he not think to strap himself into his chair, but he lets go of whatever he's holding onto whilst the hatch is still open. He grabs the handle as a last resort, and is pulled back inside before snapping off the handle to attack a fellow astronaut in a fit of rage - meaning the door won't shut for re-entry. Luckily, a carbon rod is on hand to keep the door shut, saving their lives. It's amazing to see Homer managing to withstand the force created by the vacuum with just one arm, as he clings to the door handle. It's also remarkable that the rod held the door closed as the shuttle returned to Earth. There's a reason why average people don't go into space, and even more reasons why Homer Simpsons don't.