 A lot of the episode 's plot is based on the film The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas . The oil spill is a reference to the Exxon Valdez oil spill . The Sea Captain was shown to be drunk at the helm , which is a reference to Joseph Hazelwood , who was the captain of the Exxon Valdez and was accused of being drunk . Reverend Lovejoy says " This house is a very , very , very fine house " , a reference to the Crosby , Stills , Nash , & Young song " Our House " . The vehicle driven by the environmentalist on the beach is called the " Begley 2000 " after environmentalist Ed Begley Jr . 
