In the Simpsons episode “Homer the Great” (season 6, episode 12), the leader of the secret Stonecutters organization is called Number One.

Let’s review some key moments in my experience watching this show:

• 7:38 – Lenny and Carl first mention Number One
• 8:18 – Number One speaks for the first time.  I recognize the voice of Patrick Stewart immediately
• 9:30 – I finally get the joke about Patrick Stewart being “Number One”

In previous commentaries for Simpsons episodes, David Mirkin has taken to explaining the jokes.  He’s made fun of himself for doing this, but I’d just like to say: evidently people like me can use the help.

Update: I’ve now listened to the commentary for this episode, where they didn’t mention the joke at all.  I now feel slightly less bad about it.