Chalkboard: None

Couch: Repeat of the couch gag from "My Mother, The Carjacker" where The Simpsons rapidly decay and turn to dust.

Lisa: Dad, I still have a couple of questions about this. Mom never drives drunk, and the crash was in your car. Also the driver's seat was adjusted for your stomach.
Homer: Lisa, Lisa your suspicions are important to me and will be answered in the order received.

Bart: That sucked.
Lisa: I can't believe 'The Gathering Shadow' was senate redistricting.
Comic Book Guy: Worst! Cosmic! Wars! Ever! I will only see it three more times. Today.

(Homer is on the phone with the rehab clinic)
Homer: I can't talk to my wife for 28 days. Sir, she is not an alcoholic. You can't put me on hold, I'll put you on hold. (singing) I am a lineman for the county. (speaking) Your call is important to us. Please continue to hold. (singing) And I drive the main road. (speaking) There are…eight calls ahead of you. (singing) And the Wichita lineman is still on the li-li-li-li-li-li-li-li-li-li-li-li-line.

This episode's title may be a reference to “Independence Day”, the 1996 alien invasion film starring Will Smith, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Margaret Colin, Vivica A. Fox, Mary McDonnell, Judd Hirsch, Robert Loggia, Randy Quaid.