Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 36’s Disney+ special, “Yellow Planet.”
The Unique Approach of The Simpsons Season 36 Disney+ Special “Yellow Planet”
In an intriguing twist, the Disney+ special “Yellow Planet,”part of The Simpsons season 36, does not feature any of the show’s iconic main characters. This unconventional approach actually resonates with audiences. As fans anticipate the upcoming season 37, set to arrive in 2025, it’s important to note that not all episodes will air on FOX. Four episodes from season 36 will be Disney+ exclusives, bypassing traditional television release. One standout is the Christmas special “Oh C’mon All Ye Faithful,” featuring British mentalist Derren Brown in a festive two-parter.
Reimagining Characters: The Simpsons Go Animal
Given Derren Brown’s UK roots, it’s fitting that Declan Desmond, a recurring character voiced by Eric Idle, serves as the narrator for this special. Following a poignant story focused on Marge in episode 14, “Yellow Planet” continues to push boundaries by offering another unique take featuring Idle’s character. Notably, Declan narrates the special without an on-screen presence, making it one of the rare instances in The Simpsons where human characters are nearly absent.
The “Oceanland” Trainer: A Human Character in an Animal World
“Yellow Planet” is a clever parody of the acclaimed British nature documentary series Blue Planet, narrated by the legendary David Attenborough and produced by both the BBC and National Geographic. Released in 2001, Blue Planet paved the way for numerous sequels, including Blue Planet II and Planet Earth. Rather than the familiar human characters, this special presents a delightful twist where Lisa, Bart, and even Krusty are reinvented as various animals: Lisa as a bird, Bart as a lizard, Krusty as a crab, and Homer and Marge as a beluga whale and narwhal, respectively. This unexpected transformation showcases the show’s creativity.
Innovative Storytelling: Animal Transformations and Format Flexibility
The Simpsons has a long history of creative experimentation, and season 36 exemplifies this tradition. For instance, episode 3, “Desperately Seeking Lisa,” featured limited participation from the Simpson family, while “Women in Shorts” was a series of interconnected vignettes. “Yellow Planet” stands as a testament to the show’s ability to evolve its storytelling.
Marge and Homer’s Quirky Transformation
The only significant human character featured in “Yellow Planet” is a trainer from Oceanland, who meets a rather grim fate by the episode’s end at the hands of Homer’s beluga-whale alter ego. While The Simpsons season 36 draws inspiration from shows like South Park for certain topical elements, “Yellow Planet” clearly demonstrates the series’ knack for generating original ideas. This bold approach to storytelling allows for moments where the familiar human cast can take a back seat, reaffirming The Simpsons’ commitment to reshaping its narrative structure and surprising viewers with its creativity.
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