Fans of The Simpsons have been left heartbroken after the shocking death of a key family member in the season 36 finale.
Warning: Spoiler Alert!
In the episode titled Estranger Things, viewers were left devastated to discover that Marge, Homer's beloved wife and a central character since the show’s debut in 1989, had died.
However, the jaw-dropping moment comes with a twist as it takes place during a flash-forward scene set 35 years in the future, when Marge's children, Bart, Lisa, and baby Maggie, are all grown up.
Marge's worst fear comes true when her older two grow apart from one another after growing out of their favorite kids' show, The Itchy & Scratchy Show, which they had bonded over.
Although the episode doesn't explain how or why she died, it includes a brief funeral scene at her tombstone. At one point, Lisa refers to her as her "late mother," and later reads a letter Marge had written to be opened after her death, in which a youthful-looking Marge remarks that it's "very unlikely" she would die before her husband.
After some back and forth about Homer's living situation, Bart and Lisa reunite to bring him home, where they watch their beloved cartoon show together once more. Meanwhile, their mother watches from the clouds above.
"I'm so happy my kids are close again," Marge says, just before Ringo Starr appears beside her and adds, "Love, we’ll be late for the Heaven buffet. There’s a shrimp tower."
"Okay Ringo," she replies. "I'm just so glad that we’re allowed to marry different people in Heaven."
In a lighthearted moment, Marge then kisses the Beatles star.
Many fans are puzzled - is Marge Simpson really dead? With the show already renewed through its 40th season, set to air in 2028–2029, viewers will have to stay tuned to find out.
