The Simpsonsshowrunner and executive producer Matt Selman addresses the backlash connected to Marge’s death. Inthe finale ofThe Simpsonsseason 36, “Estanger Things”, Margie dies. Partly a tribute to Itchy & Scratchy, and an exploration of what happens to Bart and Lisa after she’s gone, the episode doesn’t leave a lot of room for Homer.
The episode begins by acknowledging that Bart and Lisa became close thanks to watching Itchy & Scratchy, that gory cartoon from the world of Krusty the Clown, albeit they drifted apart after deciding that the cartoon was no longer cool to watch together. They drift apart and grow up to be wildly different adults, withMarge passing before Homer.
In an interview withScreenRant’s Brandon Zachary, Selman responded to whether the animated series plans to explore the timeline that’s introduced in “Estranger Things.” Selman noted that the episode is more focused on Bart and Lisa,striking a doubtful note about revisiting a future in which Marge is dead. Read his comments below:
“In that episode, we didn’t really address Homer’s grief. It’s not really a Homer episode. It’s a bit of a Bart and Lisa episode, we skipped the grief… [will we ever return to that timeline?] no, I think one dead Marge was enough.”
What This Means For The Simpsons
Marge’s Death Is Not Canon
Marge’s death created a bit of controversy, withthe show’s producers having to clarify thatthere is noSimpsonscanon. This means, of course, that Marge is in no way gone forever. The episode is just another alternate history that the Fox staple has liked to indulge in for almost as long as it’s been on the air.
Though the plotline did cause a bit of a stir once lapsed viewers caught wind of it, Marge has no issues with her demise. By the end of the episode, she is happily looking down on her family and glad that she gets to remarry in heaven. So much of the series is understandablydevoted to Homer and Marge, “Estranger Things” goes in a bit of a different direction.
The Simpsonsseason 37 debuts later this year.
The finale is all about the Bart and Lisa relationship, which has been fertile ground for some of the best moments in the series. But it is also a sly tribute to Itchy & Scratchy, and the ways that growing up watching a TV show can bond two people together. It is a beautiful story that uses Marge’s death as a catalyst, more than anything.
Our Take On The Simpsons Season 36 Ending
Marge’s Death Is The Least Interesting Thing About It
Heading intoThe Simpsonsseason 37, the long-running show gave a bit of a toast to Bart and Lisa and the power of watching TV together. Considering the show’s status as a truly global TV icon, it is meta and weirdly sweet.
