R.I.P. Marge? The Simpsons’ Season 36 Finale And Its Flash-Forward Farewell

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Following many years as the constant, blue-haired soul of The Simpsons family, Marge Simpson appeared to have met her end, although not literally so. In an episode titled “Estranger Things,” which aired on May 18, there were hints suggesting her demise. However, it’s important to note that the show hasn’t actually bid farewell to Marge. Instead, there seems to be some creative storyline twist at play.

A Future Where Everything Falls Apart

The story begins innocently as Bart and Lisa enjoy The Itchy & Scratchy Show together, but soon realize it’s geared towards toddlers. Their preferences diverge, screens part, and of course, Marge becomes concerned. She expresses a heartfelt message about the significance of sibling relationships: “Be careful not to grow apart,” she advises them tearfully, her eyes glistening. “You embark on a unique journey with your siblings that no one else will ever fully grasp.” The tale then swiftly leaps forward 35 years.

Looking ahead, I find myself in an exciting new role as commissioner for the recently combined MNBA (the merged men’s and women’s basketball league). However, my beloved brother Bart has unfortunately strayed from the right path. Instead of upholding the values we were raised with, he’s been exploiting vulnerable elderly individuals, taking advantage of their Social Security benefits. The once close-knit Simpson family is now facing a significant rift due to these unfortunate circumstances.

I believed my dear husband Homer was safely residing in a retirement home; little did I know that he had been unceremoniously returned to our beloved Springfield, not by choice but as a result of Bart’s questionable management skills.

Instead of the storyline directly stating Marge’s death, it is depicted through a series of images (montage), while Sarah McLachlan’s voiceover simply and clearly announces Marge had passed away before Homer. Her tombstone reads, “Adored spouse, mother, and pork-chop seasoner.” A pre-recorded video serves as Marge’s final words, which she addresses to Bart and Lisa, expressing her hope that they would look after each other even after her departure. Somehow, this message resonates deeply with the two siblings, who then team up to save Homer from his new predicament – being transported to Florida, now marketed as a high-security retirement home for the elderly.

Closure Or Cop-Out?

a possible future. Similar to many Simpsons standalone episodes before it, this one probably won’t be mentioned again in the main storyline. Marge still lives in the primary timeline.

Marge’s passing might have been widely reported, but Stranger Things primarily focuses on the emotional aftermath rather than the specifics of her demise. It’s less about how she died and more about what transpired afterward – a hypothetical exploration. Coincidentally, I had recently recovered from Larry the Barfly’s passing.

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2025-06-26 16:39