Homer Simpson’s decision to stop strangling his son, Bart, in the animated series “The Simpsons” has sparked a heated debate among fans. The showrunners of the long-running series made the decision to move away from the recurring gag of child abuse in the third episode of Season 35, titled “McMansion & Wife.” In this episode, Homer meets his new neighbor and announces that he will no longer be choking his cartoon son.
The revelation of Homer’s change of heart comes through a handshake with his neighbor, who compliments him on his firm grip. Homer jokingly responds, “See, Marge, strangling the boy paid off.” However, he quickly clarifies, “Just kidding, I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed.”
Many fans interpreted this scene as a not-so-subtle hint from Disney, the current owner of “The Simpsons” intellectual property, that they were retiring the long-running gag. The act of Homer strangling Bart has been a staple joke in the series for years. The decision to end this recurring theme has divided fans, with some viewing it as a positive step forward and others criticizing it as a sign of the show becoming “woke.”
This is not the first time the show has explored the idea of Homer evolving and refraining from strangling Bart. In Season 22, Homer attended therapy and learned about the harm he was causing by attacking his son. However, in subsequent seasons, there have been episodes where Homer choked Bart intermittently. The last time this occurred on the show was in 2019/2020. Now, it appears that the creators of “The Simpsons” are acknowledging that this recurring gag is over for good.
The decision to end the gag of Homer strangling Bart has sparked a wider discussion about the evolution of comedy and societal changes. Some fans argue that the show should adapt to modern sentiments and move away from jokes that involve child abuse. They see this as a necessary step towards creating a more inclusive and responsible form of entertainment. Others, however, feel that the show is sacrificing its comedic legacy and giving in to political correctness.
The controversy surrounding Homer’s decision to stop strangling Bart has generated significant attention on social media. A tweet from ToonHive featuring a clip from the episode received mixed responses from Twitter users, further fueling the debate. Some users applauded the show for acknowledging the need for change, while others criticized it for caving in to perceived cultural pressures.
It’s worth noting that “The Simpsons” has a history of tackling societal issues and providing commentary on contemporary issues. Over the years, the show has addressed topics such as politics, pop culture, and family dynamics. The decision to end the gag of Homer strangling Bart fits within this tradition of using satire and humor to comment on social norms and values.
In conclusion, the decision to have Homer Simpson stop strangling his son, Bart, in “The Simpsons” has sparked a divisive debate among fans. The showrunners’ choice to move away from the recurring gag of child abuse has been praised by some as a positive step towards more inclusive comedy, while others criticize it as a sign of the show becoming “woke.” Regardless of one’s opinion, it is clear that the evolution of comedy and societal changes are playing a significant role in shaping the direction of popular animated series like “The Simpsons.”
