Homer’s time as a member of the Stonecutters is definitely a great episode of The Simpsons.

Plot: Homer finds out that all of his friends seem to be members of a secret society and he doesn’t stop until he becomes a member. But when Homer joins, things go a bit differently than he anticipated.

Why is it a great episode? With its hilarious parody of secret societies, Homer the Great takes a subject that has eternally fascinated people and makes it into an object of fun.The Simpsons excel at parodying American culture and their take on the mysterious subject of secret societies is quite entertaining. Watching Mr. Burns get knocked down a peg because of his Stonecutter rank is another nice touch.

The episode also features Sir Patrick Stewart in a terrific guest starring role as a no-nonsense authority figure. But what really makes this episode compelling is the fact that the Stonecutters have to accept the most ordinary member as their exalted leader.

But on a deeper level, Homer the Great really shows what makes Homer Simpson tick. Because not only does he not care for all the stuff that comes with leadership, he knows it’s not for him. He also doesn’t really like being bowed down to or put on a pedestal, especially when he knows it doesn’t fit the situation. But like anyone, Homer also doesn’t enjoy the sense of rejection that comes from being left out.

Homer may love the idea of making a quick buck, but when it comes to extended status and power he just doesn’t really care for it. It’s almost as if the thrill of hitting it big or a new venture is more satisfying to him than anything else. At the end of the day, Homer just wants to be one of the guys having a beer at Moe’s or watching TV on the couch.