Simpsons Finale Says Goodbye to Itchy & Scratchy? You Won’t Believe What Happened!

Warning: SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 36, episode 18, “Estranger Things.”

In the final episode of The Simpsons’ Season 36, there are moments that seem like a farewell to two significant characters from the show’s past. The majority of the finale focuses on the relationship between Bart and Lisa. Interestingly, just two episodes prior, the series presented them with one of their most heartwarming storylines yet (though it ultimately leads to the planet’s destruction). The last episode featuring Bart and Lisa before Season 37 shows a future period where they experience a temporary rift in their relationship.

In much the same vein as some top-tier modern episodes of “The Simpsons”, “Stranger Things” demonstrates an affectionate appreciation for every aspect that shapes the bonds between its characters. Contrary to her usual aversion towards animated violence, Marge finds herself enjoying Itchy & Scratchy cartoons as a shared experience between Bart and Lisa. This is just one instance in the series where the show highlights their unique ability to surmount any obstacle through their collective skills. However, amidst the heartwarming scenes throughout the episode, there’s an undercurrent of melancholy that suggests a hidden farewell may have been whispered.

The Simpsons Season 36 Finale Feels Like A Farewell To Itchy And Scratchy

Could The End Credits Be A Low-Key In Memoriam?

In essence, the finale of The Simpsons season 36 was introduced more as a greeting than a farewell following the retirement of cast member Pamela Hayden. For the first time ever, The Simpsons replaced Milhouse in this season. While the finale introduces the new Milhouse, the end credits feature old Itchy & Scratchy cartoons accompanied by melancholic Sarah McLachlan music, which may be a subtle joke or hint about the potential focus on Itchy & Scratchy characters for some time. However, this could also leave fans speculating if the show might temporarily revolve around these characters to some extent.

I can’t help but raise a point that organically sprang from the storyline itself. While it’s not typically known for adhering strictly to its own lore, this episode seems to hint at a future where Bart, Lisa’s peers, and even they themselves, abandoned Itchy and Scratchy for a staggering 35 years. During the climax, as the classic theme of Itchy & Scratchy plays, their last on-screen appearance before the end credits is in a lackluster reboot, attempting to urbanize the once popular cartoon. This seems to be a witty commentary on the segment’s potential loss of contemporary charm from my perspective.

Itchy And Scratchy Have Been Around Since Before The Simpsons Premiered

The Cat And Mouse Were Around In The Tracey Ullman Days

Prior to the seasons commonly regarded as The Simpsons’ Golden Age, the characters Itchy and Scratchy debuted on The Tracey Ullman Show, a whole year before The Simpsons’ initial episode aired. In the “The Bart Simpson Show” segment of The Tracey Ullman Show, Homer expresses concern that Itchy & Scratchy is too violent for Bart to watch, leading Bart to find alternative ways to amuse himself. Subsequent episodes of The Simpsons often depict Marge disapproving of cartoon violence involving Itchy and Scratchy.

In the series “Stranger Things,” Marge views Itchy and Scratchy differently, seeing them as adorable mascots that symbolize the rare points of agreement between her squabbling kids. The Simpson family members have had significant storylines revolving around Krusty’s cat and mouse costars, making it challenging to imagine the show moving forward without them, given their deep-rooted significance in “The Simpsons” franchise history.

How Losing Itchy And Scratchy Would Affect The Simpsons Season 37

Krusty’s Show Would Have To Make Some Changes

Even though the series has delved into the backstories of various side characters to generate fresh concepts, like the recent exploration of Fat Tony’s origins from The Simpsons, some characters have received more attention than others. Although Krusty has a rich history within the franchise, he tends to lean heavily on The Itchy & Scratchy Show for his success. If that mainstay were removed, Krusty might be compelled to innovate by introducing a new animated segment in his show.

Allowing for diverse new concepts, such as inviting external animators to direct episodes within Krusty’s show, could enrich the series and potentially draw in fans of those guest animators. While the idea of replacing classic characters like Itchy and Scratchy might stir some controversy, any farewell could be brief if the show decides to part ways with them.

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2025-05-20 23:59