In the Season 36 final episode of The Simpsons the show ‘kills off’ one of the main character- Marge Simpson. The episode explores how Bart and Lisa drift apart, leading Marge to deliver a heartfel plea early on:
“Your father and I won’t be around forever… Whatever you do, don’t drift apart.”
The narrative then catapults viewers into a somber future where Lisa is an NBA commissioner and Bart runs a shady retirement home, prompting speculation about Marge’s fate.
Marge’s Death Reimagined
In this future world, Marge has passed away before Homer, a fact revealed through a poignant musical narration set to a parody of Sarah McLachlan’s “When She Loved Me.” Her tombstone reads “beloved wife, mother, pork‑chop seasoner.” Around this moment, we catch glimpses of a funeral—all part of a moving montage designed to evoke strong emotions. Yet, this death isn’t meant to persist. The show remains safe from permanent change, as previous flash-forwards—and a recent renewal through season 40—mean Marge will certainly continue to live on-screen.
Family Bonds Lost and Found
Following Marge’s death, her legacy reverberates: Lisa and Bart, now estranged, are spurred back into unity when Lisa discovers a video message from their mother. In it, Marge reiterates her plea for sibling solidarity. The message inspires them to launch a rescue mission to save Homer from a grim Florida elder-care facility—reunited through love for Itchy & Scratchy and childhood memories. The emotional climax sees the siblings reconcile, embracing an enduring idea: even amid loss, family bonds can heal.
Marge in the Afterlife—with Ringo
In a whimsical afterlife twist, Marge appears alongside Beatles drummer Ringo Starr, remarking:
“I’m just so glad we’re allowed to marry different people in Heaven.”
This fan-service moment adds a light-hearted beat to what could otherwise be a purely melancholic narrative.
Context and Canon Flexibility
Notably, The Simpsons has a history of these far-future scenarios not affecting its core timeline; even canonical entries like “The Marge-ian Chronicles” contradicted earlier endings. Showrunner Matt Selman has emphasized that such episodes serve as character-driven narratives, not permanent shifts. SoapCentral praised the episode, writing that Marge’s “passing serves as the episode’s emotional center… it felt earned rather than disposable”
Balancing Shock and Substance
While some events in Season 36 skew toward the surreal—like Marge briefly going blind due to a parody drug—the Marge death storyline delivers emotional resonance and narrative weight. This kind of storytelling, blending shock with substance, highlights the show’s evolving creative direction .
What’s Next for Springfield?
With The Simpsons renewed through Season 40, it’s clear this emotional twist is a narrative experiment, not a permanent farewell. As Springfield moves forward—Season 37 and beyond—viewers can expect more inventive exploration of familiar characters while the core reset-loop remains intact.
Final Thoughts
“Estranger Things” demonstrates that even after 36 seasons, The Simpsons can still produce bold, heartfelt storytelling. By pairing future-set emotional stakes with its trademark humor—Marge in heaven, Ringo Starr and all—the show reminds us of the enduring power of family, memory, and reinvention. While Marge’s death may not endure, its resonance certainly does.
