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The Simpsons has never been afraid to generate fan rumors, but the Season 36 finale episode went to giddy heights. Throughout the past weeks and months leading up to the episode, mysterious hints and heartstrings-pulling references were getting people to wonder if one of the show's most beloved characters, Marge Simpson, was heading to her demise—and more to the point, if that would mean a departure for longtime voice lady Julie Kavner.
With the finale now here, it's obvious: yes, Marge does pass away—but in a manner that won't slay the viewers of the show. Titled Estranger Things, the season finale of Season 36 is a flash-forward 35 years into the future. In the above-dreamt-about future, Marge has passed away, and Bart and Lisa, as grown-ups, are shown struggling with her demise. A funeral scene and a heartfelt, emotional video Marge left for her children seal the emotional knockout of the episode.
But notice here that this is a future-episode plot—Marge is alive as a clam in the current-day timeline of the show, and to my knowledge, there's no intention to have Julie Kavner leave.
Marge's death in The Simpsons is established in the future, not the current timeline
Emotionally and dramatically, the scenes in the episode are placed in a fictional future chronology. Funeral sequence for Marge, too, and the emotional will that she left for her children, are designed to show the passage of time and loss experienced by the family.
In The Simpsons' present trajectory, Marge is still alive and exists as part of the series' contemporary-day continuity. The Simpsons has toyed with time for decades, frequently resorting to flash-forwards, parallel universes, and "what if" specials. As was the case with the earlier examinations of the future of the Simpson family, Estranger Things is metaphorical and thematic, not literal.
Julie Kavner is not leaving The Simpsons
Despite all the speculations around and within the episode, there hasn't been any credible report or news so far that Julie Kavner is leaving The Simpsons. In fact, she is guest-starring for Season 37 and providing her voice to not only Marge but also to Patty, Selma, and other series regular characters.
The confusion was all the result of teaser ads and products hinting at an abrupt change of emotion, causing fans to consider a character death and voice actor departure from the show. Following the finale episode, such concerns are currently alleviated. Kavner's character is still intact, and Marge will continue to be included in future episodes.
How fan speculation got out of hand—and why it's now resolved
The fuss over Kavner's alleged exit wasn't entirely unfounded. The hyping of the Season 36 finale—via cryptic clues and vague language—left itself open to speculation. There were some members within the fandom who were nervous about a sudden alteration, assuming the emotional tone as a precursor. But with the finale episode released, it is clear that Marge's death is seen in flash-forward sequence and not an element of the show's reality in current timeline.
It is not the first time ambiguity has been employed as a suspense generation tool by The Simpsons. The show tends to establish colossal breakthroughs that are either temporary or symbolic, using alternate timelines and fictional projections in a an effort to explore deeper meanings without risking overall continuity.
A history of fake-outs and experimental storytelling
Throughout the years, The Simpsons has employed narrative cleverness to great success—be it in the guise of dream shows, Halloween specials, or futures. Episodes such as Lisa's Wedding and Bart to the Future have revealed to us the possible future of the characters twenty years later, and "Estranger Things" does it once more.
Though the flash-forward format may be frustrating to some viewers, it is not a permanent plot or cast switch. Here, Marge's death is merely an artistic decision, not a dramatic canon.
Julie Kavner's quiet consistency
Julie Kavner has also been well known to live a low-profile life for years. She only does interviews very rarely and, as documented in articles, signed a contract that exempted her from publicity and promotional appearance.
But Kavner's dedication to the show is impressive. She has been a series regular on the show for over three decades, bringing emotional resonance and warm recognition to Marge, Patty, and Selma. Her resumption of roles in future episodes in the years to come means she won't be leaving anytime soon.
With Season 36 now concluded, it's clear that while yes, The Simpsons did present the death of Marge Simpson, they did so through a future timeline. Julie Kavner is still a part of the cast and will be making a return for Season 37 and beyond.
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Finally, the anticipation for the episode was rewarded considering the show's hype and the direction of the story. The payoff was a story about family, memory, and time passing on, and not a goodbye in real time. Marge is still very much alive, and Julie Kavner is not leaving the show anytime soon.
Also read: Where can I watch The Simpsons?
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