The Simpsonsaired a faux series finale with its most controversial character reappearing after 27 seasons. Being the longest-running sitcom of all time,The Simpsonsseason 36premiered with a novel premise: its series finale. The episode is a star-studded event, with celebrity likenesses appearing in the audience, and formerSimpsonswriter Conan O’Brien hosting the finale. The episode is then written by AI, overflowing with references and callbacks that poke fun at TV finale tropes.
Speaking withVulture,ShowrunnerMatt Selman reveals why the real Seymour Skinner returns in a brief cameo appearance. Appearing in season 9, episode 2 “The Principal and the Pauper,” it is revealed that Principal Skinner is an impostor, real name Armin Tamzarian, and took over the identity of Vietnam vet Seymour Skinner. The real Skinner returns to Springfield, only to be banished by the end of the episode. It is often regarded as one of the worst episodes of the series. The real Skinner returns in a cameo in season 36, with Agnes Skinner saying “Real Son.”
That we just added pretty late in the game. We were just like, screw it. Let’s just burn it down. Let’s poke the bear.
Season 36 Kicked Off With A Great Series Finale
Can The Simpsons Ever Have A Traditional Finale?
The idea of a properSimpsonsfinale seems like a Herculean task. As no sitcom has ever run this long, or with so many characters, it would seemimpossible to offer a satisfying conclusion with a half-hour episode. “Bart’s Birthday” offers an interesting idea, having the perpetual 10-year-oldBart finally turn 11. But instead of having it be a traditional finale,The Simpsons,of course, had to make it a season premiere.
The Simpsons: All 10 Show-Changing Plot Twists In Season 36, Episode 1 Explained
The Simpsons season 36 episode 1 featured some of the show’s wildest twists in its 35 year history, but the biggest surprise was saved for last.
The episode serves as a tribute toThe Simpsons’past while delivering a satisfying story. It has jokes about O’Brien, its history, other finales, AI, and its audience. While not the actualSimpsonsfinale, it demonstrates that the show still has fresh takes and a style unto its own.Every character finding a traditional happy ending inThe Simpsonswould not be true to the show, and it lampoons those ideas wonderfully.
Our Thoughts On The Real Seymour Skinner
The Online Reaction Is Overblown
While The Principal and the Pauper" is often considered to be one of theworstSimpsonsepisodes, I have never understood that take. Coming toward the end of the regularly referred to “golden age” of the show, the episode is still memorable. It shows another side of the Skinner we all know and gets to make fun of the idea of sitcoms typically maintaining the status quo. The worst offenders for any show are the ones that feel neutral or generic, and this isn’t one of those. Any timeThe Simpsonsreferences this episode now, it’s always a welcome callback.
Source:Vulture
The Simpsons
“The Simpsons” is a legendary American animated franchise that debuted in 1987 as short segments onThe Tracey Ullman Showbefore becoming a standalone series in 1989. The show follows the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie—who live in the fictional town of Springfield. The franchise is renowned for its satirical and humorous take on various aspects of American culture, society, and the human condition. Over the years, “The Simpsons” has expanded into films, video games, comic books, and theme park attractions, becoming a cornerstone of popular culture.
