The following contains spoilers for The Simpsons season 36 episode 13, “The Last Man Expanding,”now streaming on Hulu.
In its latest commentary on the pharmaceutical sector, The Simpsons makes a striking departure from its usual themes, presenting unsettling transformations in the body shapes of its supporting characters. The episode introduces a new weight loss medication that has a profound impact on much of Springfield’s heavy-set population, turning them into leaner, yet more malevolent, personas. In a twist, Homer Simpson stands apart from this trend, embracing his body as it is.
Character Transformations in “The Last Man Expanding”
Springfield’s Disturbing Transformation
The narrative centers around a fictitious drug named Othinquic, a thinly veiled nod to Ozempic, designed to curb appetites and foster weight loss. Many beloved characters, including Barney Gumble, Chief Wiggum, Patty, Selma, and Fat Tony, eagerly partake in using this drug, resulting in their drastic weight loss. As the storyline unfolds, Homer is alarmingly the last remaining overweight individual in Springfield. However, this episode delves deeper, showing the characters becoming dangerously dependent on the drug.
As the transformation progresses, characters exhibit sagging skin signs and reveal a troubling willingness to exploit Homer as a source of fat, highlighting a grim aspect of their new reality. This unexpected turn paints a darker shade over the Springfield universe, with even law enforcement resorting to coercion to reclaim Homer’s unwanted weight. Ultimately, Homer and Marge intervene, persuading the town to abandon the drug and restore normalcy. Yet, the haunting portrayal of a skinny Springfield lingers compellingly throughout the episode.
The Somber Reality of Skinny Springfield
A Dismal Depiction of Springfield
The visual portrayal of a skinny Springfield evokes an unexpectedly somber mood, with many beloved characters appearing drastically altered. Although characters like Wiggum, Comic Book Guy, and Barney initially seem pleased with their new appearances, their obsessive quest to stay slim drives them to increasingly drastic measures. An impactful montage illustrates the town’s desperation, as residents are left scavenging for remnants of the drug.
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Even the iconic Jebidiah Springfield statue has been updated to reflect this trend, mirroring the overall aesthetic shift within the community. The stark contrast in character preferences, especially for those like Wiggum and Barney, who often embody cheerfulness, makes their plight all the more chilling. This situation is particularly poignant for Homer, as he recognizes friends among those attempting to exploit him. This underscores the perilous implications of medications like Othinquic, which the episode directly likens to Ozempic.
Leveraging Familiarity for Impact
The Power of Status Quo in Storytelling
The Simpsons has amassed a loyal fan base, in part due to the predictability of its character designs and story arcs. This consistent framework allows for effective subversion when sudden changes occur. Early in the season, episodes like “Bart’s Birthday”resolved complex plots pleasantly. Similarly, “The Last Man Expanding”presents Springfield’s transformation, displaying characters willing to forfeit their essence for the sake of fleeting vanity. Their gaunt forms starkly contrast their familiar physiques, amplifying the dangers of Othinquic.
The episode’s occurrence within established continuity accentuates the significance of these changes, illustrating how a single drug can morph beloved characters into aggressive, distorted versions of themselves. The immense shift in demeanor emphasizes the show’s exploration of addiction and the dark side of cosmetic enhancement, making the episode’s themes compelling and relevant.
Shifting away from traditional narratives, as seen in “The Last Man Expanding,”surprises viewers accustomed to stable character portrayals. Yet, this episode reminds audiences that in a world driven by trends and fads, the consequences can drastically alter not just appearances, but personalities as well. The Simpsons successfully conveys this message, anchoring the episode’s narrative in the stark realities of drug dependency and its societal implications.