‘The Simpsons’ producer Al Jean revealed that Homer and Marge will legally separate in the premier episode of the upcoming 27th season. In an interview with Variety earlier this week, Jean explained:
In the premiere, it’s discovered after all the years Homer has narcolepsy and it’s an incredible strain on the marriage. Homer and Marge legally separate, and Homer falls in love with his pharmacist, who’s voiced by Lena Dunham. We’ll have cameos from the other women from “Girls.”
Personally, I always thought Marge could do better than Homer. She took her responsibilities as a mother and a wife pretty seriously, making jello treats, while holding her family together. She also had a badass streak, like that time when housework became too dull, and she joined the police force. Marge is sexy, and is able to keep her beauty routine within whatever budget their financial situation dictated. Like that time when the Simpson family hit a financial rough patch and Marge used crayons for lipstick and soot for eyeliner. To which Homer responded something along the lines of: “That’s MY soot, those are MY crayons.”
Homer is usually oblivious to her efforts, and rarely acknowledges them. Sometimes he will crush her enthusiasm and resourcefulness, like in the interaction mentioned just above this paragraph. I often wondered why Marge stayed with him, despite all of his shortcomings and lazy tendencies.
Their marriage has had its ups and downs throughout the 26 seasons it’s been on the air, but their commitment to one another seems to increase after each hurdle they face together. Like that time when Homer is able to see what his and Marge’s lives would be like had they married old beaus instead of one another, in which they are both seemingly better off. Or that other time when Homer secretly filed for divorce because he thought Marge could do better.
But after both of these instances, the two are reconciled, as their love has something more to it. Their marriage is more valuable than “better” circumstances or partners. Homer and Marge’s marriage showcases what a lifetime love is. Sure it’s never been perfect, but they wouldn’t have it any other way. Going into the 27th season, I’m rooting that the two reconcile and a renew their commitment to one another, after their (hopefully temporary) separation.
