The Simpsons’ Time Jump Would Fix Its Biggest Problem, But At A Huge Cost

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As a dedicated fan, I ponder over the potential shift in The Simpsons. They could indeed respond to common criticisms by leaping forward from the season 36 finale, but this decision might entail significant sacrifices for the show’s cherished aspects. Previously, the series has dabbled with future scenarios, offering glimpses into potential endings for our beloved Simpson family and Springfield as a whole. The finale of season 36, titled “Estranger Things,” has stirred up additional interest due to its unique premise: Marge’s passing and the subsequent disintegration of our family. This drastic alteration is bound to be reversed by reversion to the show’s intentionally consistent timeline.

The timeless essence is a key element that has contributed significantly to The Simpsons maintaining its status as a lasting staple in television programming. A potential leap into the future presents an intriguing prospect, though. Since the time jump essentially ages Bart and Lisa closer to their real-life counterparts, The Simpsons might offer new storytelling opportunities within a more relatable and satirical context. This hypothetical approach to the show’s future is thought-provoking, even if it never materializes in reality.

The Simpsons Season 37’s Time Jump Would Have Solved Its Age Problem

The Simpsons Shifting Decades Ahead In Time Would Present Plenty Of New Story Possibilities

In my perspective, proposing a new timeline for The Simpsons where Marge isn’t present could offer an intriguing solution to the show’s ongoing canon dilemma. Yet, such a change might rob the series of one of its most enduring strengths – the bond between family members, particularly between Bart and Lisa, that has always been a cornerstone of the show’s appeal.

Revisiting this setting for another episode, much like how season 25’s “Days of Future Future” was a direct sequel to season 23’s “Holidays of Future Passed,” would offer numerous narrative possibilities that the usual timeline might not be able to address. Essentially, The Simpsons could delve into an alternate reality where the consequences are more tangible and authentic.

As a dedicated fan of The Simpsons, I’ve always wondered how the show would evolve if Homer became a widower. Such a plot has immense narrative possibilities, yet it would significantly alter the unyielding essence of Springfield, which is deliberately static yet continually expanding. By exploring this idea in a hypothetical future for standalone episodes, The Simpsons can delve into this concept without being permanently tied to it, much like other character-defining deaths that have left an indelible mark on the series continuity.

Transitioning completely to this scenario opens up even more opportunities. The characters Bart and Lisa from “Stranger Things” are depicted at an age similar to if they had grown up in real life, offering a fresh perspective on familiar faces. This aligns with the audience who’ve grown alongside “The Simpsons,” and would add depth to the over-the-top yet emotionally authentic universe by making events matter more.

This could potentially take on a more biting satire, embodying the cynical and politically charged perspective that “The Simpsons” is known for, mirroring how “Stranger Things” portrays Florida as a perilous place for the elderly. It would also provide the creators with flexibility to revamp existing characters or introduce fresh faces into Springfield.

Pondering the idea, having a time-traveled version of The Simpsons as a potential scenario could indeed be intriguing. The future depicted in the season 36 finale would provide ample opportunities for satire, offering a fresh take on Springfield. Yet, such a shift would involve significant alterations to the show’s established format, and it may not outweigh the costs.

The Simpsons Season 37 Doing A Time Jump Means Marge Will Remain Dead

Marge Is The Bedrock Of The Simpsons, And Removing Her Would Radically Change The Show

In “Stranger Things,” a full-time jump into the future might prove fatal for Marge, a twist that could be too significant for the series’ usual narrative flow to accommodate. On the other hand, the occasional glimpses of alternate futures in “The Simpsons” are appealing because we know the show will revert back to its original timeline by the next episode.

The long-running nature of the show and its stable setting along with well-developed characters are key factors contributing to its longevity and ability to explore various stories. Moreover, episodes such as “Lisa’s Wedding,” “Future-Drama,” “Barthood,” and “Estranger Things” stand out because they provide closure to the characters in a way that the regular series doesn’t often have the opportunity to do.

Experiencing a scenario where Marge isn’t around, altering the dynamics of the family, raises an intriguing question: “What if?” This alternate reality offers a fresh perspective, particularly focusing on Bart and Lisa’s sibling bond. However, fully committing to this timeline could significantly restrict the various storylines that The Simpsons have traditionally explored, unlike any other narrative change in its history.

In the main storyline, losing Maude Flanders as a character significantly impacts the dynamic among other characters, and her absence is likely to influence every subsequent plot.

Having Marge’s character permanently depart from The Simpsons would significantly diminish the elements that keep the show engaging and relevant even after all these years. A drastic time leap forward like the one in “Stranger Things” (or any other hinted-at future scenarios) might restrict the show’s potential, which it should ideally avoid.

Why The Simpsons’ Elastic Canon Is A Double-Edged Sword

They’ll Never Stop The Simpsons

The team responsible for creating The Simpsons decided years ago to maintain the family within a consistent environment, using animation to prevent their characters from visibly aging or changing significantly. While this approach has preserved Springfield’s timeless feel, some viewers argue that it also diminishes the emotional depth and relatability derived from witnessing characters evolve alongside real-world events.

Yet sticking to such a method might have hindered “The Simpsons” from crafting narratives of any sort, ranging from heartfelt stories about time travel and mourning widowers to satirical imitations of nature documentaries. At its peak, “The Simpsons” manages to make each standalone future or fantasy episode seem coherent with the core characters’ development and progression.

In those specific episodes, they provide opportunities for resolution that the main series doesn’t have. As humorously portrayed in season 36’s “Bart’s Birthday,” neat and tidy endings go against the nature of The Simpsons’ world. It’s a whimsical universe where anything can occur, as long as the characters remain true to themselves, disregarding closure.

What has sustained The Simpsons through 36 seasons and will continue until at least season 40 is its unique ability to adapt and evolve. Shows like “Estranger Things” are intriguing because they create a sense of finality for individual narratives, but The Simpsons would lose that charm if characters like Marge were absent frequently.

It would be intriguing to revisit the future depicted in “Stranger Things,” especially if it delivers on hinted aspects of Lisa’s romantic destiny with Valerie, given her character’s organic growth. Yet, this setting should not dominate the series. The show’s adaptable storyline may lessen the tension, but it guarantees that there will always be tales to explore in The Simpsons.

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2025-07-06 16:48