Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 36, episode 12, “The Flandshees of Innersimpson.”
With the renewal of The Simpsons for season 37 on the horizon, it’s remarkable to see how the series continues its focus on Ned Flanders, most recently showcased in episode 12 of season 36. As the longest-running scripted primetime television series in American history, spanning more than ten presidential terms, The Simpsons has amazed fans for over three decades, consistently delivering fresh narratives and character development.
While season 36 has seen a shift away from Bart Simpson’s antics, this has allowed other key characters to emerge. The sixth episode, “Women in Shorts,”offered a refreshing glimpse into the lives of Springfield’s female characters, showcasing the ensemble of talented voice actors. Milhouse, a supporting figure within the show, has continued to garner laughs, even after Pamela Hayden stepped back from her role.
Focusing on Ned Flanders: A Positive Turn in Season 36, Episode 12
Ned Flanders: A Central Figure in Recent Seasons
Among the characters enjoying revitalized narratives, Ned Flanders stands out. The episode “The Flandshees of Innersimpson”illustrates his rare, yet poignant feud with Homer Simpson, which marks a shift toward exploring Ned’s character depth. Previously, he was the central figure in last season’s Christmas special, reflecting on profound themes of faith and loss. Moreover, episodes like “The Man Who Flew Too Much”further examined the tumultuous relationship between Homer and Ned.
This focus on Ned is part of a broader trend that began in earlier seasons. In both season 34’s “The Many Saints of Springfield”and the two-part “A Serious Flanders”from season 33, Ned was portrayed as a hero. This shift is particularly significant as it provides a much-deserved spotlight on a character who has historically been marginalized, emphasizing that there’s more depth to him than just his cheerful persona.
The Crucial Need for More Ned Flanders in Future Episodes
The Necessity of Giving Ned Flanders More Narrative Space
Initially, Ned was characterized as the perfect neighbor to Homer, embodying relentless positivity that rendered him almost unbearable to audiences. However, as the series delved more into his religious fervor, it became his sole defining trait, overshadowing other facets of his personality. This one-dimensionality has at times undermined the richness of his character, especially in critical story arcs.
“The Flandshees of Innersimpson”notably improves upon this, allowing Ned’s character to experience genuine emotions and conflicts. This episode’s parody of “The Banshees of Inisherin”showcases Ned in a new light, engaged in a relatable struggle against Homer, offering viewers a refreshing portrayal.
The heartbreaking death of Maude Flanders represented a significant missed opportunity for deeper character exploration, leaving Ned’s development stunted in many respects. Nonetheless, recent episodes are beginning to rectify this by allowing Ned to take a more prominent narrative role, ensuring he receives the character development he has long been denied.
Ned’s Role Expansion and Its Impact on The Simpsons’ Legacy
Leveraging Longevity to Enrich Supporting Characters
In coming to terms with his relationship with Homer, Ned recognizes that they share a lot in common in “The Flandshees of Innersimpson.”Both characters grapple with envy and flaws that bring out the best and worst in each other. This storytelling approach adds layers to their interactions, highlighting the show’s ability to evolve character dynamics without sacrificing their core traits.
Ultimately, as the episode concluded, neither Ned nor Homer pledged to change drastically. Instead, they embraced their existing relationship, affirming that the status quo works for them. The psychedelic therapy session illustrated how the show enhances its supporting characters while retaining their essence. With decades of rich storytelling, The Simpsons is poised to make these characters resonate on a much deeper level than ever before.
Source: TVTropes
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