After more than three decades of animated antics, The Simpsons shocked fans with a somber twist in its latest season finale, hinting at the death of none other than Marge Simpson. The final episode of the season, titled Estranger Things, took a deep dive into the evolving relationship between siblings Bart and Lisa, while showcasing Marge’s growing concern over whether they’d remain close into adulthood. But in an unexpected turn, the story jumps 35 years into the future, and delivers the bombshell revelation that Marge has passed away.
Lisa refers to her “late mother” during the time-jump sequence, confirming Marge’s fate without elaborating on how or when she died. The show depicts Homer now living alone without Marge, eventually being taken to Florida by Springfield’s senior services after Lisa files a formal complaint about his living conditions.
The emotional weight of the episode comes through a letter Marge left behind, pleading with her children to maintain a strong bond. As Bart and Lisa reunite to retrieve their father, Marge is seen watching over them from a cloud, an ethereal nod to her offscreen passing. Though her exact cause of death is never revealed, the storyline suggests that Marge dies before reaching her early 70s, making her one of the first major characters in the show’s timeline to pass away naturally in the future. Notably, other Springfield residents are shown to have outlived her.
‘The Simpsons’ Fans Slam Series After Marge’s Shocking Fate
Many fans took to social media to share their reactions, with some expressing disappointment over the show’s direction. One longtime viewer remarked, “I used to love The Simpsons, but the show has been unwatchable for a long time,” while another added, “The show hasn’t been good in 20+ years. It’s not even the same anymore.” Comparisons to other animated series also surfaced, with one user claiming, “The Simpsons is boring. Family Guy is so much better and funnier, too.” Still, a few viewers took the twist in stride, noting that Marge’s fate wasn’t entirely unexpected. As one commenter bluntly put it, “Nobody lives forever. Not shocking at all.”
The twist comes at a time of transition for the iconic series. Just last year, it was announced that voice actress Pamela Hayden would retire after 35 years on the show. Hayden voiced fan-favorite Milhouse Van Houten, Bart’s nerdy best friend with a lifelong crush on Lisa. Her replacement? Kelly Macleod, lead singer of the female-fronted rock band Private Life, who has now officially stepped into the role, continuing Milhouse’s legacy in the ever-expanding world of Springfield.
While The Simpsons continues to evolve, this latest episode serves as a reminder of the show’s ability to still surprise and stir up emotional reactions, even after all these years. Whether Marge’s offscreen death marks a larger shift in tone remains to be seen, but one thing’s certain. It’s the end of an era.
