The popular animated series The Simpsons is accused of having become ‘woke’ after the ‘running joke’ in which Homer strangles his son Bart was removed. The makers no longer thought it was appropriate in the changing times.
The series that premiered in 1989 has gathered a large fan base over the years. Many of those loyal viewers of the first hour reacted strongly after the makers of the show decided after more than 750 episodes to discontinue one of the longest-running jokes, in which Homer strangles his son.
During the day McMansion & Wife, the third episode of the 35th season that aired in the US on October 22, Homer offers an explanation for that change. In the episode, Marge and Homer visit their new neighbors. When his firm handshake earns Homer a compliment, he jokes to his wife, “See Marge, strangling our boy really paid off.” After which he quickly says: “Just kidding, I don’t do that anymore, times have changed,” referring to society’s changing attitude towards corporal punishment.
(Watch the fragment in question here)
A number of fans expressed their reservations on X, formerly Twitter. The debate is divided. On the one hand, there are a lot of fans who respond positively and think that it is high time that this old-fashioned way of raising children disappears from the series. Others are less enthusiastic about the intervention. They accuse the show of having become ‘woke’. According to them, it is just meant as a joke and they believe that the series has lost its sharp character. Homer was last depicted strangling in season 31, which aired from 2019 to 2020.
Tags: Homer Simpson announces longer strangle Bart prompting fans accuse series woke
