Marge Simpson's Death Depicted in Season 36 Finale
Fans Express Shock and Sadness Over the Controversial Episode
Episode Set in the Future; Marge to Return in Upcoming Seasons
The final episode of season 36 of the popular American animated series The Simpsons has sparked controversy by depicting the death of Marge Simpson, the mother of the family.
According to American entertainment media outlets such as Vulture and People on June 25 (local time), the season 36 finale, which aired on May 18, featured a scene where Marge passes away and ascends to heaven.
In the funeral scene, the remaining family members are shown grieving. An elderly Homer is seen shedding tears, while the now-adult Bart, Lisa, and Maggie stand by. The gravestone reads, "Beloved wife, mother, pork chop glaze."
This episode, titled "Estranger Things," portrays the estranged relationship between the grown-up Bart and Lisa, who no longer watch the TV cartoon Itchy & Scratchy together. As Lisa and Bart drift apart, partly due to disagreements over caring for Homer, they come across a video recording of Marge's will. In the video, Marge advises, "Your father and I can't be with you forever. As you get older, you siblings will need to rely on each other." Afterward, they overcome their differences and watch Itchy & Scratchy together. From heaven, Marge observes them and says, "I'm so happy to see the kids getting close again." At Marge's side, Ringo Starr, a member of The Beatles, appears. Marge remarks, "I'm glad that in heaven, you can marry someone else."
Local media reported on the confusion and sadness expressed by fans, quoting, "With the show already announced to run through season 40, can The Simpsons really continue without Marge?" They added, "Although Marge dies in season 36, this is a story set in the future," and explained, "Viewers will still be able to see Marge alive in the next season."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
