Shock Ending Sparks Fan Confusion
The Simpsons Season 36 finale left viewers stunned as it depicted Marge Simpson’s death in a flash-forward scene. In the episode titled Estranger Things, Homer is shown mourning at Marge’s grave. The tombstone read, “Beloved wife, mother, pork-chop seasoner,” while Sarah McLachlan’s voiceover noted, “Marge passed before Homer, if you can believe it.”
Matt Selman Clarifies the Scene
Executive producer Matt Selman responded to public reaction by dismissing concerns about Marge’s fate. Selman told Variety, “There is no canon. The Simpsons doesn’t even have canon!” He explained that flash-forward episodes have always featured contradictory futures. “Marge will probably never be dead ever again. The only place Marge is dead is in one future episode that aired six weeks ago,” he added.
Matt Selman clarifies that there is no canon in The Simpsons
Headlines Criticised for Stirring Reaction
Selman criticised misleading media coverage, stating, “Websites need traffic, and headlines equal traffic. And then you can explain that the headline was misleading at the very end of the article. Every single media outlet that ran this story knew that in no way was Marge dead. They all knew it, but they ran the headline anyway.”
Flash-Forward Episode Explained
In Estranger Things, the show presents a future where the Simpsons family is fractured. Lisa has become NBA commissioner while Bart runs a rogue retirement home where Homer resides. Marge later appears via a pre-recorded message, urging Lisa and Bart to reconcile. The episode ends with Marge, now in heaven, happily reunited with Ringo Starr. “I’m just so happy my kids are close again,” she says. “I’m just so glad we’re allowed to marry different people in heaven.”
A Season of Experiments and Farewells
The Simpsons, renewed through a 40th season, has leaned into creative risks as it passes traditional TV longevity. Earlier in the season, a fake finale hosted by Conan O’Brien showed Bart turning 11, prompting storyline changes that played with audience expectations. Estranger Things followed this by exploring themes of mortality and family disconnection.
Character Mortality Reflected in Voice Changes
Long-time viewers have noticed vocal changes in the characters. Julie Kavner, who voices Marge, turns 75 this year. Kavner’s performance has become raspier, often compared to the voice of Marge’s mother, whom she also plays. Harry Shearer, voicing Ned Flanders and Mr Burns among others, has also experienced vocal deepening with age.
Cultural Shifts in Real Time
Voice actor transitions are happening as the show adapts to evolving standards. Milhouse was recast following Pamela Hayden’s departure, acknowledging the demands of portraying a 10-year-old decades on. Changes have also occurred as non-white characters are now voiced by actors of corresponding backgrounds.
Narrative Themes Touch Viewers
The emotional core of Estranger Things lies in Bart and Lisa’s estrangement, not Marge’s fictional death. They grow apart after realising their shared love of Itchy and Scratchy now appeals to babies. Their bond fractures as Maggie wears baby-themed pyjamas featuring the characters.
Also Read: Marge Simpson’s Future Farewell Sparks Nostalgia and Reignites The Simpsons’ Cultural Relevance
A Commentary on Letting Go
The episode’s humour blends with commentary on cultural shifts and personal identity. The show addresses growing out of cherished media and coping with change. The reset at the episode’s end reinforces The Simpsons’ long-standing ability to remain static, yet emotionally resonant.
Longevity Carries Consequences
After 36 seasons, The Simpsons confronts ageing in subtle ways. Its animation remains timeless, but voices change and viewers evolve. The show’s humour about endings contrasts with its resistance to actual conclusions. Matt Selman’s creative leadership has pushed the show toward emotional depth and reflective storytelling.
Still a Cultural Mainstay
Despite ongoing jokes and viral headlines, the show’s latest stories continue to spark conversations. Selman acknowledged, “I guess this speaks to the fact that people care about Marge. At the end of the day, it’s probably good for business even when these ridiculous, misleading stories go viral!”
Looking Ahead
The Simpsons remains one of television’s most enduring institutions. As Season 37 looms, the show will likely continue experimenting with format and narrative while keeping its core characters unchanged. For fans, the future of Springfield will remain as unpredictable as ever—yet unmistakably familiar.
