Nothing lasts forever. In time, the continents will crash into each other once more, the sun will swallow the planet and, at some point long after that, The Simpsons will end. But that isn’t to say that it’s incapable of moving with the times before then. Because, in yet another nod to shifting tastes, Homer Simpson has revealed that he will no longer attempt to strangle his son to death.
In the third episode of the current 35th season, Homer greets his new neighbour by shaking his hand. When the neighbour comments that he wasn’t expecting such a firm grip, Homer replies: “See Marge, strangling the boy paid off,” before acknowledging that he doesn’t actually do that any more. “Times have changed,” he adds.
That’s honestly fair. Times do, indeed, change.
Older episodes can easily be written off as the violent-humor cartoons of the day were known for. Newer episodes don’t have an excuse to making fun of child abuse.
That said, I do wonder if the satirical nature of the Simpsons was supposed to be evident in Homer strangling Bart. It always struck me as something he just ‘did.’ Not really funny or unfunny, just a facet of the show. It’s possible the writers were originally trying to highlight how a dad like Homer might physically discipline his children out of rage while Marge just lets it happen.
Remember, the Simpsons are supposed to be satire.
I think satire is possibly too much for the average viewers, especially from the viewpoint of the channel execs.