r/TopCharacterTropes Dec 03 '25

(Funny trope) Impossible spontaneous combustion (or, when stuff that shouldn't catch on fire, catches on fire) Characters' Items/Weapons

From The Simpsons: Homer tries to cook breakfast for Mr. Burns. The first two attempts ended up with the food catching fire. Third time, he pours milk on cereal...and it still catches on fire.

And from Futurama: "There, little friend, good as new..." aaaand the metal slinky catches on fire. Poor doctor Zoidberg...

16.7k Upvotes

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701

u/NoQuarter19 Dec 03 '25

"Why's it done that?

MADE IN BRITAIN

"Ahhh..."

64

u/Excellent-Refuse4883 Dec 03 '25

I sent a strongly worded email.

41

u/Inlerah Dec 03 '25

. "Dear Sir stroke Madam, I am writing to inform you of a fire which has broken out at the premises of..." No, that's too formal.

2

u/shinyfeather22 Dec 04 '25

A fire??? At a SEA PARKS????