Major Changes Introduced in The Simpsons Season 36 After 32 Years of Tradition

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 36, episode 8, “Convenience Airways.”

The Simpsons Season 36: A Surprising Development

The Simpsons has recently experienced a creative renaissance, particularly highlighted in season 36, episode 8, which featured an unexpected twist that could potentially reshape the show’s narrative direction. Although a renewal for season 37 has yet to be confirmed, the series continues to assert its relevance by focusing on character-driven storytelling rather than the zaniness that marked some of its earlier episodes. Critics and fans alike are united in their assessment that “The Simpsons is good again,” a sentiment supported by Vulture and SuperEyepatchWolf.

A Rich History of Humor

Over its 35-year run, The Simpsons has evolved through various comedic phases. Earlier episodes were characterized by a darker, more cynical humor, whereas the show’s Golden Age, spanning seasons 3 to 11, is often viewed as its creative peak. Post-Golden Age, the series saw a gradual decline in critical reception, until seasons 34, 35, and 36 marked a significant comeback. Each of these recent seasons showcases a commitment to character comedy, shifting away from nonsensical humor, which has greatly contributed to the show’s renewed acclaim.

Maggie’s Unprecedented Speech in Convenience Airways

The Moment That Stunned Fans

One of the standout moments from “Convenience Airways” came when Maggie Simpson, the often-silent youngest member of the family, spoke for the second time in the series’ history. During a hectic flight, she called out “Mama!” as Homer searched for a changing area, marking a significant character development. This moment, amidst many celebrity cameos, has become one of the most memorable and surprising events in recent episodes.

Maggie’s Long Journey to Speech

The First Words and More

Maggie’s attempt at verbal communication has a storied past, with her first word, “Daddy,” famously voiced by Liz Taylor in season 4, episode 10. However, her dialogues have been few and far between. For instance, her earlier communication, including a silent emoji selection in season 34’s “Game Done Changed,” has not always been recognized as a true speech moment. Even in “Bart’s Birthday,” where she uttered “Woo-hoo,” it remained a playful nod rather than a genuine line.

The Nature of Maggie’s Speech: A Pattern of Retcons

Return to Voice in Various Episodes

Maggie’s few spoken lines often carry a catch—many have been retconned or exist outside the canonical storyline. For instance, her line “Sequel?” during the credits of The Simpsons Movie is widely viewed as non-canonical. Numerous Treehouse of Horror episodes have also showcased Maggie’s speech in supernatural contexts, further complicating her character’s consistent narrative within the main series.

Implications for the Future of The Simpsons

Paving New Storylines?

The revelation of Maggie’s ability to speak could signal an important shift in The Simpsons. While previous instances of Maggie’s speech have been very limited and often excluded from typical narrative arcs, the ongoing character-driven developments in season 36 raise the possibility that Maggie could have a more substantial role moving forward. The series has already made bold choices, such as killing off characters and experimenting with plot structures, suggesting an inclination toward transformation.

As the show continues its evolution, the writers may embrace Maggie’s character more fully, potentially leading to richer storytelling and character exploration. Viewers can catch new episodes of
The Simpsons every Sunday at 8 PM on Fox.

Sources: SuperEyepatchWolf (YouTube), Vulture

Source & Images