The Simpsons season 36 gives Lisa a surprising new future (& it’s a welcome change)

In "Estranger Things", a season 36 episode of the Simpsons that aired recently and for the first time, Lisa Simpson’s future is shown not revolving around love or romance, soaring toward independence snd professional achievement without boundaries.

In other episodes, we’ve had the chance to see how Lisa was shackled to childhood crushes. There was also considerable romance infused into her story. In the episode titled “Holidays of Future Passed,” Lisa is romantically engaged to Milhouse, who is the father to their daughter. In “When Nelson Met Lisa,” Nelson runs away with Lisa as they both embrace life ahead of them. These episodes of the Simpsons, despite all semantics, were deeply rooted in love and romance.

"Estranger Things" actually accommodates life and purpose without a partner. Lisa has redefined herself as a commissioner of a women’s professional basketball league, so as to be located far away both in mind and body from Springfield.

Although this may come off as a harsh break from custom, it remains one of the most true and honoring adaptations of Lisa’s character development yet. She is not resentful nor fragile; she is flourishing. It is gratifying to witness her narrative actually center on her journey instead of speculating who she would potentially end up with.

Why Lisa doesn’t need Milhouse or Nelson (and never did)

Ever since the early futures of the show, Milhouse and Nelson have played key parts in shaping Lisa’s love life in The Simpsons. It is clear that Milhouse has always been depicted as someone struggling to win her love, with his infatuated loyalty portraying him as her devoted but distant admirer.

Rough and appealing at the same time, Nelson hinted at some more... noble qualities. But even while neither has ever matched Lisa's intellect, drive, or aspirations, they have steadily outdone each other throughout the show’s course.

"Estranger Things" finally changed the narrative to give a fair chance to Lisa's intellect and aspirations, showing that she can thrive in this world without a partner. This episode doesn't only eliminate Lisa's romantic ties — it implies that they weren't really the most important thing anyway.

Milhouse is shown to be helping Bart with dubious plans while Nelson is found sleeping on a bench in a park, having lost faith and aim. Both characters are stuck there, unable to make a move forward without having Lisa in their lives. This is probably the episode's most indirect message.

On the other hand, Lisa's side of the story is a picture of liberty. She has not only removed herself from the role of helping others grow, but also has built a life that is a reflection of her own potential and not anyone else's.

A Simpsons future that feels earned — and long overdue

Lisa has always been the character who set the trends in The Simpsons both in actions and thoughts. She is the one who has dreamed of running for political office and has been an activist for social causes, as well as, breaking away from the town of Springfield's stagnation.

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Though her role in the "Estranger Things" episode as a league commissioner certainly doesn't make a splash, it serves as a great model of success and means that she still has integrity, is committed, and has put in the work without forgetting who she is.

Finally, the fact that she does not have a partner anymore makes her story less likely to be influenced by others. If we take into account that Lisa has always been changing for the better, this storyline is the most natural and expected outcome for her future.

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