Fans of The Simpsons found themselves in a whirlwind of confusion after the recent airing of what seemed to be the show’s series finale.
The Season 36 episode, aptly titled Bart’s Birthday, was presented as a special event, complete with former writer Conan O’Brien hosting a glitzy Oscars-style gala for the occasion.
Conan’s Emotional Announcement
In a surprising twist, animated Conan O’Brien opened the episode by addressing the viewers, saying, “It’s such an honor to be with you all for the series finale of The Simpsons.”
He went on to share that Fox had decided to end the iconic show, expressing how much it meant to him as part of his early career.
Following his heartfelt introduction, O’Brien played clips from what he called unaired attempts at a series finale, leaving fans baffled and flooding social media with their reactions.
Fans React with Shock and Confusion
Responses poured in on X (formerly Twitter), as fans voiced their disbelief.
One user exclaimed, “Wait, wait, The Simpsons SERIES finale WTFFFFF!”
Another chimed in, “I haven’t watched a new Simpsons episode in about 24 years, but it’s surreal seeing the series finale right now.”
Comments ranged from expressions of sadness to sheer shock, with some users lamenting, “Simpsons series finale… They really about to be done.”
A Twist on Aging and the Finale
Interestingly, the episode seemed poised to break new ground by allowing Bart to age on his birthday.
However, when Bart realizes he’s turning 11, he refuses to accept it. This denial leads to a humorous scene where Homer strangles him, causing a glitch that resets the entire “series finale.”
According to showrunner Matt Selman, this episode was more of a playful parody, poking fun at what a perfect finale might look like if it were crafted by AI.
Selman explained that AI tends to replicate cliché finale moments, such as Principal Skinner resigning or Mr. Burns meeting his end, showcasing the limitations of artificial creativity.
The Complexity of Ending a Timeless Show
Selman also reflected on the challenges of wrapping up a show designed for infinite continuation.
“It can go on forever because it doesn’t have a hard canon or dense continuity,” he noted, emphasizing the unique position The Simpsons holds in television history.
A Hidden Movie within the Show
Adding to the fans’ surprise, many had just discovered that there’s a secret movie woven throughout the episodes of The Simpsons.
In the earlier seasons, viewers frequently saw the family watching a fictional action flick called McBain, with segments interrupting the main storyline.
Recently, a social media user pointed out that if you compile all the clips of McBain shown throughout the series, it forms a surprisingly coherent short film.
The user, known as Criminal Simpsons, compiled every McBain clip, which quickly went viral, leaving many fans astonished at how they hadn’t noticed the full storyline before.
The Story of McBain
McBain, voiced by Harry Shearer, is a rogue police officer on a mission to take down a corrupt senator involved in drug trafficking.
The character bears a striking resemblance to Arnold Schwarzenegger and debuted in Season 2.
One memorable clip shows McBain confronting his boss after discovering the senator’s shady dealings, leading to some dramatic moments, including McBain throwing his boss out of a window!
In subsequent episodes, McBain’s adventures escalate, including dramatic confrontations at dinner parties and explosive action sequences.
Eventually, in Season 4, viewers see McBain confronting the senator one last time, resulting in a thrilling showdown that culminates in McBain’s iconic line, “Meeting adjourned.”
Fans Reflect on McBain’s Legacy
In response to the viral McBain clips, fans took to social media to express their surprise and admiration.
One user remarked, “I’m honestly surprised this was never made into a spin-off show.”
Others chimed in, calling it a “freaking masterpiece” and acknowledging how they never realized the full story behind the snippets they had seen over the years.
As viewers continue to unpack the layers of The Simpsons, they can’t help but wonder what surprises lie ahead for this beloved show.
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