The episode title is a reference to Midnight Cowboy.IGN: Midnight Towboy Review Louie's trapdoor is activated by a bust of Jon Bon Jovi, à la the 1960s Batman TV show. Homer, Bart, Lisa, Ralph, and Milhouse parody a scene from Animal House, and sing "Shout" in togas.The Simpsons: Midnight Towboy – TV Squad "Mr. T is The Lion King" is seen on a billboard while Homer drives to Guidopolis. Maggie owns a stuffed animal, Justin Timberwolf, a reference to Justin Timberlake. The message in Maggie's blocks is a reference to Homer's "message" in “My Mother the Carjacker.”
