Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 36, episode 12, “The Flandshees of Innersimpson.”
AlthoughThe Simpsonsseason 36, episode 12 did finally explain Homer and Ned’s problem with each other, I was surprised to see the show did not change their dynamic after exploring its roots. AsThe Simpsonsseason 37’s renewalapproaches, it is only fair to acknowledge that some things never change in the world of the animated family sitcom. With over 780 episodes to its name,The Simpsonsis officially the longest-running scripted primetime American TV show in history, and a series can’t get that far without a reliable formula.
To be fair, the predictable elements ofThe Simpsonsoften work in the show’s favor.The Simpsonshas set up punchlinesyears in advance and pulled off other ambitious gags that a show with less well-established characters couldn’t even attempt. However, it can sometimes be tiring to see the same familiar character dynamics play out time and again. One ofmy favoriteThe Simpsonsjokescomes from a clip show, but even I can admit that the show can get repetitive after four decades.
“The Flandshees of Innersimpson” Explains Why Ned and Homer Can’t Get Along
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As such, I was excited to see season 36, episode 12, “The Flandshees of Innersimpson” delve deeper into the acrimonious relationship between Homer and Ned Flanders.The differences between Homer and Ned have been explored many times inThe Simpsons, so viewers could be forgiven for assuming that their dynamic only has so much potential. As early as season 5, episode 18, “Homer Loves Flanders,” the show explored what it would be like if Ned and Homer got along instead of harboring resentment toward each other.
“The Flandshees of Innersimpson” was one of the first outings to thoroughly explain why Ned and Homer have such a hard time getting along with each other.
Season 10, episode 10, “Viva Ned Flanders,” saw Ned finally cut loose, while one of thedarkest episodes ofThe Simpsonssaw Bart struggle with his faith while his zealous neighbor looked on. Even The Simpsons Moviecontrasted Ned’s caring parenting with Homer’s loud, aggressive, and uncouth attempts to bond with Bart. However, “The Flandshees of Innersimpson” was one of the first outings to thoroughly explain why Ned and Homer have such a hard time getting along with each other.
When the pair attend therapy together due to a dramatic feud between them, Homer admits that he hates Ned because Ned seems to have perfectly behaved children, an idyllic home, and a more peaceful, prosperous family life than Homer. However, Ned also has a revelation during this therapy session. He realizes he isn’t a doormat who let Homer treat him terribly, but rather that he secretly likes feeling superior to his neighbor and unwittingly facilitates Homer’s terrible behavior as a result.
The Simpsons Season 36 Episode 12 Ironically Failed To End This Feud
The Two Simpsons Characters Decided They Preferred Their Status Quo
The shared psychedelic therapy trip from “The Flandshees of Innersimpson” was promising as it offered a whole new perspective on the pair’s relationship with each other. Ned and Homer no longer seemed like inevitable, unavoidable enemies, but rather symbiotic pseudo-friends who found a weird but functioning dynamic that worked for them. However, even asThe Simpsonsseason 36 offered Ned more character growth, the show still refused to change this character dynamic in a meaningful way.
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In a fun nod to the show’s refusal to change its status quo,Homer and Ned explicitly agreed that maintaining the “Status quo” was better than actually changing or growingafter their therapy trip. This was simultaneously funny and frustrating, as their shared decision was a reminder of just how little changes in the world of Springfield, despite how dramatic and cartoonish every episode ofThe Simpsons is. No matter what wild events occur in the series, viewers can be certain that the show will revert to its status quo at the end of every episode.
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AlthoughBart’s role inThe Simpsonsseason 36has been atypically minor, his part in the season premiere reaffirmed this consistency. In season 36, episode 1, “Bart’s Birthday,” Bart fretted about the prospect of finally turning 11 since he felt like he had been 10 years old forever. This was a sly nod to the fact that the titular family’s ages haven’t changed in the decades thatThe Simpsonshas been on the air and, in an audaciously meta final twist, the episode ended with Bart turning 10 again.
Homer and Ned inevitably end up happy with their dynamic in “The Flandshees of Innersimpson," since their perpetual feud is part of the show’s DNA.
InThe Banshees of Inisherin, the two main characters do not remain civil in the end and, after both innocent people and animals have died for little reason, they part on terrible terms. In contrast, Homer and Ned inevitably end up happy with their dynamic in “The Flandshees of Innersimpson," since their perpetual feud is part of the show’s DNA. Ending it wouldn’t make sense, meaningThe Simpsonsseason 36, episode 12 instead highlights it, explains it, and then does nothing to change it.
