‘The Simpsons’ Very Firmly Reacts To Claims That Homer Will Stop Strangling Bart
Image via IMDb
The Simpsons, one of the longest-running animated series and a prevailer of “woke culture,” has responded to recent claims regarding the end of a recurring gag in the show involving Homer Simpson strangling his son, Bart. And, d’oh—it’s simply “clickbait,” after all.
In a recent episode in the 35th season, titled McMansion & Wife, Homer Simpson makes a historic acknowledgment. After shaking hands with a new neighbor, he jokingly mentions how strangling his son has strengthened his grip, but he quickly adds, “Just kidding, I don’t do that anymore. Times have changed.”
The choking gag, which has been present in the show since its early days, is loosely based on creator Matt Groening’s relationship with his father who often spanked him as punishment when he was little. The joke has generated some controversy over the years, so the revelation that the cartoon dad would take on a gentler parenting approach has understandably stirred some reactions among viewers.
We used to be a proper country pic.twitter.com/Xido3AB8e0
— JAM the CEO (@JAMnit_JAM) November 5, 2023
Have we gone so soft already? 😢 pic.twitter.com/zM0KjWnnqK
— Lachesis (@LachesisHD) November 5, 2023
For better or for worse, Homer won’t actually turn over a new leaf. James L. Brooks, co-creator and producer of The Simpsons, has clarified with PEOPLE that there are currently no plans to alter this aspect of the show.
An older Homer choking a teenage Bart in Mr Lisa’s Opus. Image via IMDb
Brooks emphasized that nothing in the show is being “tamed” or changed in response to recent developments, and that Bart will continue to be loved by his dad “in a specific way.”
In light of the misunderstanding, The Simpsons creators have taken to social media to share an illustration of Homer doing what he has long perceived as the best way to deal with his son. He strangles Bart, who is seen holding up a smartphone with a headline that reads: “Simpsons: No More Strangling.”
Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was busy strangling Bart. pic.twitter.com/Yh6koeqTQS
— The Simpsons (@TheSimpsons) November 9, 2023
The father is shown exclaiming, “Why you little clickbaiting-!!”, referencing his catchphrase. Meanwhile, the post’s caption notes, “Homer Simpson was unavailable for comment as he was busy strangling Bart.”
It’s worth noting that the last time Homer wrapped his hands around Bart’s neck on the show was during season 31, which aired between 2019 and 2020—so it’s actually been a while since the gag played out.
This article was crafted with assistance from an AI engine, and has been manually reviewed & edited.
