The Simpsons just aired the season finale of its 36th season, leaving fans with its most unexpected twist yet. Spoilers ahead, but the series decided to depict the death of one of its main characters, a first for a show that's been running for 36 years while retaining the same core characters.
Who died?
"The Simpsons" season finale, titled "Estranger Things," plays like a flash forward, many years into the future of the series' main timeline. The episode reveals that Marge Simpson is the first Simpson family member to die, depicting Homer, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, and more attending her funeral and reckoning with the loss.
"Beloved wife, mother, pork-chop seasoned," reads her tombstone. The plot of the episode revolves around this, with Lisa finding Marge's will and a video of Marge sending her love to her kids, inspiring Bart and Lisa to mend their relationship.
The episode concludes with Marge watching her kids from heaven, happy that they mended their relationship. She also shares a kiss with Ringo Starr, from The Beatles. "I'm so glad we're allowed to marry different people in heaven," she says.
What does this mean for the future of the series?
While "The Simpsons" is confronting the death of one of its most beloved characters, it doesn't mean that Marge is gone. Previous "The Simpsons" episodes have explored the future of the characters, depicting moments like Lisa's wedding, the family living on Mars, and more.
Since Marge's death takes place in the future, once the series returns for its next season, Marge will be back with her family in the main timeline. The show could also choose to discard it in the future and opt for a different fate for its characters.
Still, Marge's death has affected many of the show's viewers, who have grown up with her throughout the show's 36-year run. "The Simpsons" has been renewed through season 40, giving us much more time with all of the characters.