They Killed Marge in The Simpsons — and It’s the Best Decision Yet: Even Those Who’ve Quit Should Tune Back In
The finale of the 36th season was a triumph of risk-taking.
Marge Simpson’s death — sounds like a tabloid headline or a Treehouse of Horror plot, right? But it really happened. The finale, aptly titled Stranger Things, sent Marge off to the great beyond and those three-eyed fish. Yet if you haven’t kept up with the show lately, it’s easy to miss the point: this isn’t just shock for shock’s sake. It’s a daring creative choice that breathes fresh magic into the series.
Not Just Death — A New Beginning
Marge dies in an accelerated timeline — it’s non-canon, but that doesn’t diminish the emotional weight of the episode. Fans know The Simpsons have been experimenting more recently. This season saw the Earth get blown up (thanks to Lisa and Bart), Mona Simpson returning in Homer’s hallucinations, and Maggie uttering her first word in 32 years.
The Finale as a Symbol of a New Approach
Yes, Marge’s death technically "doesn’t count." But what matters more is the tone: the writers are playing again, provoking, unafraid to upset fans or break unwritten rules. It’s the vibe of the early seasons, when anything could happen and you never quite knew what was coming next.
The Simpsons Are Alive and Well
The show has been officially renewed through to season 40. If it keeps this fresh, playful, and heartfelt tone — moments like Homer reacting to Maggie saying "Mama" — it could be the best run the show’s had in two decades. These experiments might not always stick to canon, but they’re exactly what make the series relevant again.
So, if you gave up on The Simpsons around season 20 — it’s time to come back. They’ve found their spark again. Or, as Marge might say from above:
"Homer, don’t forget to turn off the stove."
