The Simpsons Season 35 Reverses a Key Homer Revelation to Sustain the Villainous Trend

The struggles with character development in The Simpsons have become more evident as the series progresses, with the main characters undergoing significant changes over the course of over 760 episodes. Despite Bart's occasional lessons in responsibility and Marge's exploration of life beyond her family, the show always reverts back to its original status quo.

In a recurring theme, The Simpsons season 35 continues to revisit storylines that the characters have previously experienced. Throughout this season, the Simpson family has acknowledged the familiarity of their latest escapades. For instance, in season 35, episode 11, “Frinkenstein’s Monster,” Homer embarks on a new career path only to be reminded by Smithers that this is the 691st time he has changed jobs. Similarly, in season 35, episode 7, “It’s A Blunderful Life,” Homer is wrongly accused at work, with his colleagues highlighting the numerous past mistakes he has made.

The Simpsons Season 35 Episode 12 Proves Homer Is Still A Terrible Driver

Homer and a car salesman in The Simpsons. - The Simpsons Season 35 Episode 12 Proves Homer Is Still A Terrible Driver

It was odd to see The Simpsons season 35 episode 12, “Lisa Gets An F1,” completely ignore the events of a recent series milestone, despite the show often making self-effacing jokes about its repetitive storylines. In the season 34 finale, “Homer’s Adventures Through the Windshield Glass”, Homer had a near-death experience while texting and driving, which served as a humbling moment. This significant episode also marked the show’s 750th outing. However, in “Lisa Gets An F1,” Homer disregarded the lesson about dangerous driving he learned in the previous episode, continuing to pose a hazard on the road much to Lisa’s dismay.

Homer’s reckless driving not only causes anxiety for Lisa in “Lisa Gets an F1,” but he also ends up crashing his car while on a FaceTime call right after their shared therapy session. The car crash in this episode mirrors the one in the season 34 finale, but the treatment of the incidents differs - while the earlier episode focused on the drama of the crash, the season 35 episode plays it for laughs. Despite the characters in The Simpsons never aging, it is still surprising to see them not retain their life lessons for long. It is particularly jarring to witness Homer dismiss something that had nearly cost him his life only a few episodes ago.

Homer’s Episode 12 Arc Repeats His Biggest Season 35 Storyline

Homer looking dismayed in Moe's Tavern in The Simpsons season 35 episode 11 - Homer’s Episode 12 Arc Repeats His Biggest Season 35 Storyline

In "Lisa Gets An F1," Homer's car crash is presented in a comedic manner, which falls in line with a trend seen in season 35 of the show. This season has featured several episodes where Homer is portrayed as the antagonist, showcasing his greedier, more callous, and thoughtless traits in episodes 1, 6, 10, 11, and now 12. Despite the absurdity of scenes like Homer crashing his car shortly after surviving a near-fatal accident, this approach effectively highlights the darker side of the show's antihero. By exploring Homer's flaws, The Simpsons demonstrates that he is a complex character and introduces compelling temporary villains in many episodes.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the ongoing struggle with character development in "The Simpsons," particularly in its current season, 35. Despite the show's longevity and over 760 episodes, the characters often revert to their original status quo, despite occasional attempts at growth. This lack of lasting change creates a sense of familiarity and predictability, as evidenced by recurring storylines and the constant acknowledgment of past experiences.

The article also points out the inconsistency in Homer's characterization, particularly in relation to driving. Despite a near-death experience in the season 34 finale, which served as a humbling moment, Homer quickly dismisses the lesson learned and continues to pose a hazard on the road in season 35, episode 12. This lack of character growth and the jarring contrast between the treatment of the car crash in the two episodes raises questions about the show's commitment to meaningful character development.