There’s always a shock waiting in the wings for viewers of The Simpsons, even after 36 seasons. The 36th season finale, Estranger Things, doesn’t only consider the future direction of Springfield—it masterfully ponders its history as well.

In a brilliantly heart-wrenching turn of events, Marge Simpson does something that is downright unfathomable: she hypothetically so orders her kids to sit down and watch The Itchy & Scratchy Show, the cartoon she infamously rallied against watching in season two. Character reflections on the evolution of motherhood are often overlooked, but this narrative moment brilliantly showcases smart and emotionally resonant writing.

In this touching narrative shift, Marge steps away from the violence and aggressive nature of cartoons and begins to use them as indicators of Carolyn and her strength of Itchy & Scratchy sibling bonds. It’s evident her reasons have changed, but her intention to keep the connection alive between her children remains ostensibly intact.

This required character choice, while subtle, adds so much depth to the character’s journey and rekindles an old relationship. This moment is surely one of the most poignant from recent The Simpsons history.

Marge 2.0 of The Simpsons: From moral crusader to nostalgic peacemaker

In Season 2’s now-classic episode “Itchy & Scratchy & Marge,” Marge was compelled to partake in the full anti-violence movement after witnessing Maggie bludgeon Homer’s head with a mallet ‘a la cartoon’ Homer’s slapstick mallet bash instincts.

Along with her group S.N.U.H. (Springfieldians for Nonviolence, Understanding, and Helping), she fought to tone down the violence on the show. Only to end up with unwatchable episodes, which sent Springfield’s children running out for fresh air.

Now we’re in 36, and Marge—she is not a shell of herself—and it’s certainly not due to amnesia. It’s because Itchy & Scratchy is no longer a menace in her eyes; rather, it’s a rite of passage for loved ones.

With Bart and Lisa tacitly drifting apart, she is deeply devastated. To help with this, in true cartoon-loving mom style, she bombards Maggie with kiddie merch alongside gently nudging the kids to unite over their beloved animated carnage.

That’s quite a switch, but the tender kind. Because what did we truly expect, besides SOPA? Isn’t it rather a constant tango of values that serves the icy connections?

A story that connects generations of The Simpsons fans

For longtime viewers, this is more than a clever reference; it shows where the show is at now. This is a twist that took The Simpsons several seasons to parody, something that has become a memo of repetition throughout the series. This episode showcases how looking back doesn’t have to be performed in a ‘copy-paste’ manner but rather in a way that indicates emotional development and change in perception.

Even with the time jump and some futuristic flash-forwards, the episode remains entrenched in family relatability. The fact that a cartoon can unite or divide is quite powerful in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape. Ironically enough, The Simpsons chose to focus on Marge, who has always been perceived as the ‘window of virtue,’ which adds a pinch of unexpected tenderness to her character and does not buff the irony.

What this could mean for Season 37 (and beyond)

From the way The Simpsons' 36th season finale aired, we could tell the show is shifting towards a new phase, likely one where legacy episodes are re-examined with modern sensibilities and emotional undertones. Marge’s dissonant thoughts on Itchy & Scratchy are not inconsistencies; they are an expression of a parent’s evolving priorities. And if this works for Marge, it’s safe to say it works for other characters as well.

Now imagine.

Homer reflecting on his dreams with newfound modesty, or past academic rivals becoming emotionally charged for Lisa. While the satire lies within growing character arcs, we could be looking at The Simpsons finding a way to still preserve its legacy and the humor it was founded on.

And for a series that has been on air since 1989, that is quite the accomplishment.