“TIMES have changed,” declared Homer in the third episode of “The Simpsons’” current 35th season.
During a friendly talk with their new neighbor, Thayer, the Simpsons’ family patriarch Homer declared unequivocally that he is a changed man.
Thayer noticed Homer’s strong grip while the two were shaking hands in the scene. “See Marge, strangling the boy has paid off,” Homer replied, before adding, “Just kidding, I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed.”
Fans of “The Simpsons” will recognize the significance of this phrase, as Homer and Bart’s father-son dynamic has always entailed senseless physical violence.
This occurs when Homer, unable to control his emotions, vents his rage on Bart by strangling him to the point where his eyes and tongue pop out.
Given that this has been their dynamic since the show’s inception in 1989, many were disappointed that it had endured for 30+ seasons. The last time Homer strangle Bart on television was in the first episode of Season 31, which aired nearly four years ago.
It seemed many people were pleased with Homer’s new attitude toward his kid. Here are examples of fans’ reactions to a much-needed adjustment in Homer’s behavior:
However, some fans appeared to oppose modifying a long-running joke between Homer and Bart. Some felt that this was one of the most classic-running gags in television history and were outraged when it was deleted. Some even made “‘The Simpsons’ have become ‘woke’” remarks.
The strangling might not be over since the show’s executive producers responded with a drawing that said, “Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was busy strangling Bart.”
Was the previous episode just a clickbait for its viewers?
Even if producers decide to resume the depiction of a father strangling his son, fans shouldn’t find delight and entertainment in a child being strangled on television, even if it were on animation.
Regardless of how supporters feel about the show’s growth, it is not “woke” to condemn violence against children. The makers of “The Simpsons” must recognize that it’s about time that they improve their messaging to viewers.
