The Simpsons Season 36 Violates Character Death Rule Again

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 36, episode 9, “Homer and Her Sisters.”

The Simpsons Season 36: A Bold Departure

The Simpsons has made a remarkable impact on television since its debut in 1989, amassing over 770 episodes. Known for rarely killing off characters permanently, the series deviated from this tradition in its 36th season, specifically in episode 9. While the show’s central characters remain ageless, its storytelling style and humor have evolved significantly over the decades. The early seasons featured a darker tone, while the Golden Age from seasons 3 to 11 offered a refined balance of humor and character depth, followed by a noticeable downturn.

However, recent years have seen a resurgence in critical acclaim for The Simpsons. The show has shifted focus from its increasingly zany antics to a more character-driven narrative approach. Although the renewal for season 37 is still pending, the critical reception has greatly improved since season 33. This revitalization can be attributed to the significant changes in narrative style and format, signaling a departure from the show’s longstanding formula.

Episode Highlights: Krusty’s Aunt Sadie Meets Her End

A Pattern of Character Loss

The ninth episode, titled “Homer and Her Sisters,”stands out for its conventional plot amidst a season known for experimental storytelling. Previous episodes featured complex narratives, such as episode 6, “Women In Shorts,”which reintroduced a variety of underutilized female characters from Springfield. In contrast, “Homer and Her Sisters”focused on Homer reconciling with Patty and Selma, culminating in an unexpected turn of events.

A pivotal moment occurs when Marge enrolls her sisters and Homer in a relationship advice program run by Krusty’s Aunt Sadie, who is known for her tough-love approach. This situation backfires as Aunt Sadie bluntly tells Marge that her role as a peacekeeper is detrimental to Homer and her sisters’ relationships. While Marge is offended, her retaliation is darkly humorous—Aunt Sadie dies suddenly, marking a significant departure from the norm.

Uncommonly High Stakes: Character Deaths in The Simpsons

Rare Permanent Deaths

Though deaths within the series are not unprecedented, The Simpsons has historically avoided permanent character eliminations. Noteworthy exceptions include Frank Grimes, Bleeding Gums Murphy, and Maude Flanders. With only about a dozen characters having permanently exited the show, Aunt Sadie’s demise—after being struck by a stage light—carries significant weight. The episode concludes with a funeral, further solidifying the shock of her death.

Interestingly, this episode continues a trend within season 36, where another character has also been permanently killed off. Earlier, the duplicitous Nick the Realtor met his end at the hands of a sea otter. Similarly, Larry the Barfly passed in season 35. While these previous deaths were intertwined with their respective plotlines, Aunt Sadie’s abrupt departure stands out for its unexpectedness.

The Shift in Storytelling: Why More Characters Are Dying

A Shift in Creative Direction

The creative team behind The Simpsons has begun relaxing its established narrative conventions, particularly since season 34. This change has positively influenced the reception of the show, inviting further experimentation as the current season progresses. Notably, the premiere episode of season 36 used a self-referential “series finale” concept to critique the show’s longstanding reluctance to change its storylines. Episodes that followed demonstrate a willingness to disrupt previous conventions, culminating in Aunt Sadie’s surprising exit from the series.

For fans eager to follow the latest developments, new episodes of The Simpsons air every Sunday at 8 PM on Fox.

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