The latest season finale of The Simpsons, Season 36, has left fans reeling after revealing the death of a key character-a moment that’s never been seen before in the long-running show. This episode, which unfolds partially in the future, depicts a world where Marge Simpson is no longer alive, leaving her family to cope with her loss.
To make things even more surprising, Marge is shown in heaven alongside Ringo Starr, who, for the record, is very much alive.
Throughout its history, The Simpsons has seldom killed off characters, making this season’s finale stand out. In a show known for its zany humor and surreal timelines, the events of this episode are far from typical. Marge’s death isn’t a temporary plot twist, but a permanent one for the storyline of this flashforward. As Bart and Lisa read a letter left by Marge, we learn that she’s asked them to stay close and take care of Homer, now living in a retirement home.
Despite The Simpsons boasting a notorious timeline filled with contradictions and fluctuating future scenarios, the show has maintained a level of internal consistency. For instance, there are a few characters who have been written off, like Maude Flanders and Edna Krabappel. The show’s recurring flashes to the future have also raised questions about their canonicity, as the events shown often don’t line up with previous depictions of what the future might hold for the Simpson family. One such episode, ‘Bart to the Future,’ depicted Lisa becoming president, succeeding a character oddly named Donald Trump. However, this vision of the future doesn’t align with ‘Holidays of Future Passed,’ where a much older Marge and Homer are still around.
The big question remains whether this tragic flashforward marks the end of Marge’s story or if we’ll see her return in the present timeline in the upcoming seasons. Given that the show has already been renewed through its 40th season, there’s no indication that Marge’s departure is permanent, though her death in this future timeline seems to be a major plot development for the series.
One thing is for sure: The Simpsons continues to surprise, even if it’s no longer the cultural juggernaut it once was. And with the show’s longevity, fans can only wonder what’s next for this ever-evolving family.
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