This character’s death in The Simpsons transformed Lisa’s character forever

The character whose death significantly transformed Lisa Simpson’s character in The Simpsons was Bleeding Gums Murphy. A jazz musician and mentor to Lisa died in the episode titled Round Springfield in Season 6, Episode 22. His death deepens Lisa's love for jazz and further shapes her introspective, sensitive nature. This loss teaches her the importance of people whom you love and the very impermanency of life itself.

Till the point of Murphy's death, The Simpsons had never killed a significant character. Read on to know more about the character's death and how it transformed Lisa's life in The Simpsons.

Disclaimer: Sections of this article contain the author's opinions. Reader discretion is advised.

Here is how Murphy's death changes Lisa's character in The Simpsons

While the side characters come and go in the show, it has never gone so emotionally radical by killing someone close to the Simpson family. Bleeding Gums Murphy had been introduced in season 1's "Moaning Lisa," where he connected with Lisa through their shared love of jazz and feelings of isolation. This changes Lisa's life forever as she, for the first time, feels loss and grief. She comes to realize that only by maintaining Murohy's legacy can she keep him alive, and this leads to her taking Jazz even more seriously.

Lisa's jazz playing became a hallmark of her character, and her connection to the memory of Murphy helped define her as the most emotionally complex of the Simpsons kids. It seemed like the writers needed someone whose loss would hit hard but still be narratively acceptable. Bleeding Gums was the perfect candidate: emotionally connected to Lisa, beloved by fans, but not central to the weekly plot. And it worked as a great turning point for Lisa's character.

The Simpsons treated the loss tenderly and not with a punch for the first time

Trending

The audience was deeply affected by Murphy's death, who succumbed to drug addiction. Murphy was Lisa's mentor and is also loved by the viewers. For the first time, the show that is known for being satirical and its punchlines, treated death with complete emotional gravity. Her grief and the way she honoured Bleeding Gums showed that some events in Springfield could have permanent emotional consequences, adding depth and continuity to the storytelling.

Another important layer was added to the plot when Bart helped Lisa when it truly mattered. After Comic Book Guy exploits Lisa’s grief by overcharging her for Bleeding Gums Murphy’s album Sax on the Beach, Bart gives up his $500 secretively to buy the record. This suggests an enhanced bond between Lisa and Bart. This incident makes Lisa what she becomes in the final episodes —emotionally sensitive, deeply understanding, and artistically nuanced, which makes her always stand out.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback