Ay, caramba! Homer Simpson stops throttling Bart
The bumbling patriarch on America’s long-running animated sitcom says he’ll quit strangling the boy, a nod to how changed times view one of the show’s most loved gags.
It is a familiar sight even to casual viewers of The Simpsons: Homer, exasperated by Bart’s latest exploits, lets out a cry of “Why, you little!” and lunges for his son’s neck. However, one of the show’s longest-running jokes is apparently no more, after Homer conceded that times have changed and said he would no longer throttle Bart.
In the third episode of show’s 35th series Homer, the bumbling patriarch, shakes hands with a neighbour who compliments his grip. “See, Marge? Strangling the boy has paid off,” Homer says to his long-suffering wife, adding: “Just kidding. I don’t do that any more. Times have changed.”
Homer, who is voiced by Dan Castellaneta, has been throttling Bart, 10, for laughs since The Simpsons debuted in 1989. In the series 11 finale, Behind the Laughter, an episode that took the form of a mockumentary, Homer said: “That horrible act of child abuse became one of our beloved running gags!”
The show has explored the problematic side of the joke, however. In series 22 Homer had therapy to address his violent impulses, and found he could no longer lay hands on his son. This had the unintended consequence of making Bart’s behaviour even worse.
Although Homer has only just said that he will no longer throttle Bart, it appears that the producers of The Simpsons have been gradually phasing out the joke.
According to entertainment website IGN, Homer last choked Bart on screen in series 31, which was broadcast from 2019 to 2020.
The show is no stranger to controversy. For years one of its most popular characters was the Indian shopkeeper Apu Nahasapeemapetilon. Apu was voiced by Hank Azaria, a white actor.
After a backlash, Azaria said he would no longer voice the character. Apu has not appeared in a speaking role since the start of series 29.
The Times
More Coverage
Elon Musk takes his 4-year-old son to work. Why?
The billionaire has described ‘Lil X’ as his ‘cuteness prop’ – but his mother seems less delighted.
Food to eat for better sleep — and what’s keeping you awake
Studies suggest cottage cheese and kiwi fruit can improve your slumber but you might want to swap camomile tea for a camomile bath.