The Simpsons Season 36 Revives Controversial Gag and Escalates the Debate

The Simpsons season 36, episode 11 has reignited discussions around one of the show’s most contentious recurring gags involving Homer Simpson’s infamous act of strangling his son Bart. As the longest-running scripted primetime series in American television history, alongside being the longest-running animated show and sitcom, The Simpsons has undoubtedly evolved since its debut in the late 80s. With the show’s continuation into a potential season 37 yet to be confirmed, it’s clear that societal attitudes have shifted considerably since the show’s inception.

This shift in perception came to light in a previous episode—season 35, episode 3, titled “McMansion & Wife” —where Homer reflected on his past behavior, acknowledging that while he had once found humor in strangling Bart, he had moved away from corporal punishment, citing that “Times have changed.” Despite this acknowledgment, discussions erupted among fans and critics about whether Homer had genuinely abandoned this harmful behavior, an indication of a deeper societal debate over the normalization of such actions in media.

The Simpsons Season 36 Episode 11 Embraces Homer’s Gag

Homer Suggested Strangling Bart to Smithers

In the aptly titled episode “Bottle Episode, ” the series plays into its history with Homer’s violent antics. Homer is faced with the task of delivering a $1 million bottle of wine to Mr. Burns, but his neglect leads to Marge using the wine in a stew. Upon discovering the mishap, an exasperated Homer lightheartedly tells Smithers that if it helps relieve his frustration, he could simply strangle Bart. Bart, in a display of dark humor, cheerily responds, saying, “It’s what I bring to the table.”

This instance illustrates how Homer’s neglectful and often cruel treatment of Bart has remained a persistent theme throughout the show’s progression. Although the series has gradually toned down such depictions in recent seasons, episodes like season 22’s “Love Is a Many Strangled Thing” and even moments from The Simpsons Movie highlight the longstanding nature of this dynamic.

Addressing the Homer-Bart Dynamic

James L. Brooks on Homer’s Ongoing Role

This recent gag in “Bottle Episode” reflects a meta-commentary on the show’s past controversies. In an interview with People, co-creator James L. Brooks assured audiences that Homer would indeed continue to strangle Bart into the foreseeable future, suggesting an unwavering commitment to maintaining certain humor staples despite cultural sensitivities evolving.

However, it is essential to acknowledge that jokes involving Homer strangling Bart do not resonate as they once did. The need for The Simpsons to renovate its comedic approach means it risks feeling outdated if it doesn’t adapt to contemporary standards. Viewer engagement has proven more fruitful with innovative storylines—episodes like the recent Treehouse of Horror specials have resonated more strongly with audiences than standard episodes.

Previous References in Season 36

Season Premiere Tackles the Controversial Gag

Notably, in the season 36 premiere episode titled “Bart’s Birthday, ” the series managed to inject a fresh twist into the familiar strangling gag by utilizing meta-humor. Bart finds himself trapped in an AI-generated series finale filled with cliches but cleverly escapes by leading Homer back into the familiar act of strangling him. This plot device serves as a stark reminder of how outdated the gag has become when placed under scrutiny, suggesting that a quick fix of nostalgia can halt a predictable narrative.

Season 36 Episode 11 Highlights a Wider Concern

Limited Role of Bart in Recent Seasons

The use of the strangling joke in “Bottle Episode” brings to the fore the reality that Bart’s character has experienced reduced screen time in season 36. This diminished presence affects the delivery of the gag, rendering it unintentionally harsh. Despite having significant roles in the season 35 finale and the premiere of season 36, Bart has largely slipped into the background during subsequent episodes.

Episodes such as “Shoddy Heat” and “Desperately Seeking Lisa” focused on other characters, leaving Bart sidelined. As a result, Homer’s strangling comment in “Bottle Episode” feels unnecessarily mean-spirited, as it highlights Bart’s diminished role in the family dynamic. It’s crucial for the series to address this imbalance moving forward; restoring Bart’s prominence would allow the humor surrounding his relationship with Homer to return to its roots—a nostalgic nod rather than an uncomfortable punchline.

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Source: People

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