Followers of The Simpsons have been left heartbroken as the iconic series has ‘ended the life’ of one of its primary characters for the first time in its storied history.
This groundbreaking animated show, known for its impressive longevity, has developed a reputation over the years for accurately forecasting future events.
Among the notable predictions made by the beloved series are Lady Gaga’s airborne entrance at the Super Bowl, the emergence of murder hornets in the US, a pandemic reminiscent of Covid-19, and Donald Trump’s presidency.
While these predictions are indeed remarkable, it’s the characters that play a pivotal role in the show’s enduring success.
If you’ve not kept up with the recent updates of the show, you might have missed the departures of recurring characters like Fat Tony and Edna Krabappel, with Ned Flanders experiencing widowhood again after Maude’s earlier passing.
The Simpsons has now been on air for 36 seasons, and in the finale of the latest season, the creators have unexpectedly ‘ended’ the journey of Marge Simpson.
The concluding episode, named Estranger Things, explores the evolving bond between Bart and Lisa as Marge worries about their growing distance when they no longer watch Itchy and Scratchy together.
The narrative then advances 35 years into the future, showing Lisa flourishing in her successful career while Bart operates an unlicensed retirement facility.
Interestingly, Lisa and Bart reference their ‘late mother’, implying Marge passed away before reaching her early 70s.
Homer also appears in the episode, residing in a care facility in Florida with Mr. Skinner and Milhouse, yet Marge is absent.
Upon discovering a letter from Marge meant to be opened posthumously, Lisa and Bart reunite to help Homer escape from Florida. Marge is depicted ascending to heaven, aided by The Beatles’ Ringo Starr.
Fans have taken to social media, expressing their dismay at Marge’s unexpected early departure.
“I haven’t even watched The Simpsons in 10+ years but they really killed MARGE?!” one individual expressed on Twitter.
Another added: “WHAT DO YOU MEAN THEY KILLED MARGE SIMPSON,” while a third commented: “Yo they killed Marge off the Simpsons!?!?!?! WHAT?!?!”
Despite its lengthy presence on television, The Simpsons has faced its fair share of criticism over the years, a situation that the show’s creator believes has actually been beneficial.
Matt Groening shared with Variety: “One of the best things that ever happened in the course of the show was that some people forbade the show.”