Conan O'Brien's Roast to 'The Simpsons'
During the episode, O'Brien humorously announced that Fox had opted to conclude the series, a statement he embellished with personal anecdotes from his early career contributions to the show. He joked, "Well, it’s true. Fox has decided to end The Simpsons. This show was such a special part of my early career, so being here means the world to me."
O'Brien’s involvement added a layer of authenticity to the finale facade, enhancing the initial shock among viewers. He quipped about retrieving a sweater he left in the writer’s room back in 1993, lightening the mood and hinting at the episode's satirical undertone.
Artificial Intelligence Twists Classic Finale Tropes
The episode cleverly incorporated unaired "series finale" scenes from classic episodes using AI technology. These scenes presented alternate endings for beloved characters, such as Mr. Burns’ death, the closure of Moe’s Tavern, and Principal Skinner's retirement, all designed to mimic the closure typically seen in final episodes.
Further engaging with the theme of finality, the show included parodies of closing scenes from famous TV series like "Game of Thrones" and "The Sopranos." This approach not only celebrated these iconic series but also played into the broader joke of the episode.
The Revelation of the AI Illusion
As the episode approached its conclusion, the narrative took a definitive turn. The storyline, supposedly depicting the series’ end through various dramatic scenarios, was revealed to be an elaborate deception crafted by artificial intelligence.
Bart Simpson, historically portrayed as a 10-year-old, snapped out of the AI illusion to reveal he was 11, underscoring the episode’s playful manipulation of time and reality typical of the show’s humor. This revelation sharply pivoted the episode back to its comedic roots, assuring viewers that their beloved show was not ending.
Fan Reactions Flood Social Media
Social media buzzed with reactions as fans expressed their initial confusion and eventual appreciation of the twist. One fan expressed on X (formerly Twitter), "I legit thought this was the series finale until I realized it was all a joke XD But still this was a great and funny season 36 premiere! Loved all the references!"
Another emphasized their surprise with, “I FELL FOR THAT ‘SERIES FINALE’ ON-SCREEN GRAPHIC!” Validation of the episode’s execution came through numerous praises, including a notable tweet that celebrated the premiere's brilliance and clever script by writer Jessica Conrad.
No End in Sight for 'The Simpsons'
Despite the playful pretense of a conclusion, "The Simpsons" continues to thrive. Originating on December 17, 1989, and created by Matt Groening, the series has become a staple of animated television, beloved for its satire and the unique charm of characters voiced by talents like Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, Yeardley Smith, and Hank Azaria.
Matt Groening remains optimistic about the series' longevity. In a 2021 interview, he stated, “My standard answer is there’s no end in sight because anytime I speculate on the show ending, the people who work on it and diehard fans get very upset. So, I always say there’s no end in sight,” affirming the show's continued relevance and enduring appeal.
Although the premiere of season 37 has not yet been officially announced, the inventive narrative and enduring popularity of "The Simpsons" suggest that the end is nowhere near.
