Warning: Spoilers ahead for The Simpsons Season 36, Episode 12, titled “The Flandshees of Innersimpson,”now streaming on Hulu.
The Simpsons Season 36 revitalizes the longstanding rivalry between Homer Simpson and his neighbor Ned Flanders, while also illuminating the unintended yet delightful developments that arise from their featured story arcs. From the series’ inception, the devoted Flanders family has epitomized a stark contrast to the disorderly ways of the Simpsons, facilitating a dynamic love/hate relationship that has evolved into one of the show’s hallmark character interactions, rich with both drama and storytelling opportunities.
This season continues that trend with several episodes centered around Ned, showcasing his character’s enduring appeal. However, it’s noteworthy that Ned’s family, particularly his children, have not been afforded the same level of narrative depth. In “The Flandshees of Innersimpson,”while Flanders has a minor role, the interactions between Lisa Simpson and Todd Flanders reveal a surprisingly effective partnership.
Fostering an Unexpected Friendship: Lisa and Todd Flanders
A Unique Dynamic Between Lisa and Todd
In “The Flandershees of Innersimpson,” subtle yet significant moments emerge between Lisa and Todd, hinting at a budding friendship. The core of the episode revolves around Flanders’ declaration to cease communication with Homer, while Lisa and Todd engage in conversations that emphasize the implications of this feud on their families. Both children show concern and compassion, encouraging their fathers to reconcile their differences.
Notably, Todd, often portrayed as a shy and reserved character, exhibits a newfound depth as he interacts with Lisa. Alongside their playful exchanges, they conclude their adventures by joyfully decorating the sidewalk with chalk, marking a warm moment for Todd, who seldom receives spotlight in the series. This episode showcases his emerging role within the broader narrative, enhancing the show’s central dynamics through their friendship.
Todd: A Character Evolution Over Decades
A Unique Character Emerges After Three Decades
Throughout much of The Simpsons, Todd and his brother Rod have been relegated to the background, seldom contributing to storylines in a meaningful way. Early appearances, such as in Season 2’s “Dead Putting Society,”often utilized him merely as a catalyst to showcase Ned’s character. Predominantly characterized by his sheltered upbringing, Todd has typically existed within the confines of his father’s storyline. However, recent seasons have offered him a more significant role, culminating in a dedicated episode that highlighted his complexities after three decades on air.
This newly established friendship with Lisa in “The Flandshees of Innersimpson”is a refreshing approach, providing a fun narrative avenue that stands to benefit both characters significantly as they continue to grow.
Season 31’s “Todd, Todd, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?”depicted Todd grappling with the loss of his mother, prompting an exploration of his faith and personal identity, which led to tension with Ned. This incident underscored Todd’s compatibility with the more vibrant and chaotic Simpson family—particularly Lisa. The current season returns to this thread by allowing them to form a connection, emphasizing their compatibility as friends and potential allies.
The Unique Bond of Lisa and Todd
A Wish for More: An Episode Focused on Their Friendship
One of the rewarding aspects of nurturing a friendship between Lisa and Todd is the introduction of a more thoughtful and empathetic dynamic in both characters. Their discussions surrounding faith elicit a thoughtful perspective from Todd that has been rarely explored throughout the series. Simultaneously, it is refreshing to see Lisa interact with a peer who is not motivated by romantic interests or her intellectual prowess. It’s a welcome change to witness Lisa form a genuine childhood friendship.
In “The Flandshees of Innersimpson,”Lisa and Todd exhibit a sense of authenticity in their friendship, breaking away from the adult-like portrayals often attributed to Lisa. Their contrasting backgrounds and beliefs create a natural tension, enriched by the fact that they bond despite the ongoing feud between their fathers. Moving forward, it would be thrilling for future seasons of The Simpsons to delve deeper into this connection, potentially dedicating an entire episode to their adventures as friends, allowing their relationship to shine in a well-deserved spotlight.