This article contains spoilers for The Simpsons Season 36, Episode 13, titled “The Last Man Expanding,”currently available on Hulu.
The Simpsons Season 36: A Critical Look at the Pharmaceutical Industry
The long-running animated series, The Simpsons, continues its tradition of incisive social commentary in Season 36. In the latest episode, “The Last Man Expanding,”the show takes aim at the pharmaceutical industry, a frequent target of its satire. One of the show’s outstanding qualities is its remarkable versatility, allowing it to explore themes ranging from eerie Halloween tales to poignant holiday messages, while also embracing pure silliness. Notably, the series often excels in episodes that critique societal norms.
As it delves into the world of pharmaceuticals, this season embraces a more overt political leaning, exemplified by the new weight-loss drug storyline that captivates the residents of Springfield. Drawing attention to the urgent issues within the American healthcare system, the episode resonates with long-standing critiques that underscore the complexities of striving for reform.
Othinquic: A Case Study in Drug Marketing and Use
In “The Last Man Expanding,”the episode centers around Othinquic, a fictional medication designed to regulate glucose while also inducing dramatic weight loss. The narrative highlights the internal conflict between characters Homer and Marge as they ponder the merits of this drug. However, a deeper critique emerges, targeting both Othinquic and its real-life counterpart, Ozempic, as symbols of the compounding problems in pharmaceutical practices.
Marge’s ongoing conversations with an imagined Othinquic mascot reveal the absurdity of selling a medication that promises health yet fosters addiction. By trivializing the potential health dangers and portraying the abuse of the drug as a lifestyle choice, the episode ultimately culminates in a revealing twist: the primary goal of Othinquic is profit over public well-being. The absence of repercussions for the fictional company serves as a stark social critique, highlighting a grim reality of the industry.
Longstanding Themes: The Medical Industry’s Portrayal in The Simpsons
Historical Satire of Healthcare
This isn’t The Simpsons’ first foray into critiquing the pharmaceutical sector. While “The Last Man Expanding”may concentrate on the farcical aspects of Othinquic, it fits into a long history of the show addressing medical malpractices. The embodiment of deceptive advertising through Othinquic’s character demonstrates how marketing can mask ulterior motives, exploiting patient vulnerabilities.
Throughout its history, various episodes have tackled the intricacies of healthcare, often reflecting the medical landscape of their respective eras. Here are a few notable episodes themed around the medical industry:
| Episode Title | Season |
| “Brother’s Little Helper” | 11 |
| “Midnight RX” | 16 |
| “The Good, The Sad, And The Drugly” | 20 |
| “The Scorpion’s Tale” | 22 |
| “The Last Man Expanding” | 36 |
Characters like Dr. Nick and Dr. Hibbert frequently illustrate the pitfalls of overprescribing, as exemplified in episodes such as “Midnight RX.”Episodes such as “Brother’s Little Helper”and “The Good, the Sad, and the Drugly”spotlight how unnecessary medications can often complicate rather than resolve mental health issues. The series also uses pieces like “The Scorpion’s Tale”to delve into chaos resulting from pharmaceutical companies mismanaging ethical practices.
Othinquic and Ozempic: Parallels in Satirical Commentary
Reflection of the Current Healthcare Crisis
The clear reference to Ozempic in “The Last Man Expanding”serves as a critical lens through which the show examines contemporary health issues. This drug has been scrutinized for its controversial impacts on users, paralleling critiques voiced in other cultural forums such as South Park. The Simpsons focuses its satirical lens on the desperate lengths to which Springfield residents will go, with Marge lamenting the ethical compromises made in pursuit of thinness.
Amidst an ongoing healthcare crisis, where insurance companies flourish while citizens suffer from inadequate access to care, the story of Othinquic unfolds as a poignant critique of America’s approach to health—creating a cycle of dependency on superficial solutions rather than fostering genuine wellness.
For nearly 40 years, The Simpsons has remained a cultural barometer, adeptly marking and dissecting the evolution of societal issues. With each new season, the show has grown increasingly fearless in tackling politically charged themes, as illustrated by the Othinquic storyline that expertly presents various dimensions of chronic societal dilemmas.