The Simpsons: Senescence Season

The Simpsons

The thirty-fifth and final season of The Simpsons depicting the Simpson family and Springfield community experiencing significant life changes related to aging and legacy.

Series

The Simpsons

Season Number

35

Air Dates

September 2033 to May 2034

Networks

Global Television Network and Fox

Premise

aging and life changes of characters

Format

serialized

Setting

Springfield, Capitol City, New York City

Event Catalyst

death of Mr. Burns

The Simpsons: Senescence Season, often shortened to Senescence Season, is the thirty-fifth and final season of the animated television series The Simpsons, which originally aired on the Global Television Network and Fox Broadcasting Company from September 2033 to May 2034. Conceived as a definitive conclusion to the long-running cultural institution, the season chronicles the significant life changes and maturational shifts experienced by the Simpson family and the wider Springfield community. Marked by a poignant yet humorous exploration of aging, legacy, and the enduring bonds of family, Senescence Season begins with the seismic event of Mr. Burns' passing and traces the subsequent decades as the characters navigate new professional paths, evolving familial roles, and the subtle yet profound alterations to their beloved hometown.

Premise

Senescence Season departs from the episodic, largely static narrative structure that characterized previous seasons of The Simpsons, embracing instead a serialized format that follows the Simpson family and the residents of Springfield through a period of significant transformation. The season's overarching narrative is set into motion by the death of Charles Montgomery Burns, an event that, while anticipated, sends ripples throughout Springfield's economic and social fabric. His demise, though initially greeted with a mixture of relief and uncertainty, serves as a catalyst for broader change, prompting reflections on mortality, purpose, and the passage of time among the town's inhabitants.

The season explores themes of aging, legacy, and change as the characters grapple with mortality and adapt to evolving roles and relationships.

The season distinguishes itself by aging up the core cast. While The Simpsons has always operated on a floating timeline, Senescence Season firmly anchors the characters in a progressing future. Lisa Simpson, now in her early forties, grapples with the challenges and triumphs of a burgeoning political career, her youthful idealism tempered by the realities of governance. Bart Simpson, also in his early forties, confronts the responsibilities of fatherhood and professional stability, his once-rebellious spirit finding new outlets in unexpected ways. Maggie Simpson, entering adulthood, embarks on a journey of self-discovery through music, her saxophone now a tool for creative expression and personal independence. Homer and Marge Simpson, approaching their twilight years, contemplate retirement and the next chapter of their lives, their enduring marriage tested and strengthened by the shifting dynamics of their family and their own evolving desires.

Beyond the immediate Simpson family, Senescence Season examines how Springfield itself adapts to the passage of time. The town, while retaining its quirky charm and familiar landmarks, undergoes subtle but noticeable changes. New businesses emerge, old institutions adapt, and the younger generation begins to shape Springfield's future. The season explores themes of community resilience, intergenerational relationships, and the bittersweet nature of progress, all while retaining the series' signature satirical wit and heartwarming family dynamics. The narrative deliberately moves beyond the confines of Springfield at times, depicting Lisa’s senatorial work in Capitol City and Maggie’s musical pursuits in other urban centers, broadening the scope of the series while always returning to the core relationships and locations that define The Simpsons.

Cast and Characters

Senescence Season features the return of the main voice cast, each reprising their roles and adapting their performances to reflect the characters' aging and evolution. Many recurring characters also appear, their storylines interwoven with the Simpson family's journey.

Charles Montgomery Burns' death acts as a catalyst for change in Springfield, prompting reflections on mortality and purpose among the town's inhabitants.

Main Cast

• Dan Castellaneta as Homer Simpson, Abraham "Grampa" Simpson, Krusty the Clown, Barney Gumble, and various other characters. Homer, now contemplating retirement from the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant, grapples with feelings of obsolescence and seeks new meaning in his life beyond his long-held, often exasperating, career. His relationship with Marge enters a new phase of intimacy and understanding, marked by shared memories and the anticipation of a quieter future. Grampa Simpson, now in his centennial year, remains a fixture of the family, his rambling stories and eccentricities providing both comic relief and poignant reminders of the family's history.

• Julie Kavner as Marge Simpson, Patty Bouvier, Selma Bouvier, and various other characters. Marge, having long been the emotional anchor of the family, continues in this role, albeit with a newfound sense of self-awareness and personal ambition. With the children grown and Homer nearing retirement, Marge considers pursuing her own long-deferred artistic aspirations and explores avenues for community engagement beyond her domestic sphere. Patty and Selma, while still ever-present in Marge's life, begin to exhibit their own subtle signs of aging, their dynamic with Marge shifting as they too contemplate their legacies.

• Nancy Cartwright as Bart Simpson, Nelson Muntz, Ralph Wiggum, and various other children. Bart, now a father himself, works as a safety inspector for the Springfield Monorail, a career that unexpectedly blends his youthful penchant for mischief with a newfound sense of responsibility. He and his wife, Jenda Simpson (voiced by Brie Larson), navigate the challenges of parenthood while Bart also seeks to reconcile with his past and forge a more mature relationship with his own father. Nelson, surprisingly, becomes a successful entrepreneur in Springfield's burgeoning tech sector, while Ralph Wiggum, still endearingly eccentric, finds purpose as a volunteer at the Springfield Botanical Gardens.

• Yeardley Smith as Lisa Simpson. Lisa's lifelong dedication to social justice and intellectual pursuits culminates in her election to the United States Senate representing the state of Evergreen). Senescence Season depicts Lisa navigating the complexities of Washington D.C. politics, facing ethical dilemmas, and striving to effect meaningful change while balancing her public life with her personal relationships in Springfield. Her marriage to Milhouse Van Houten (voiced by Pamela Adlon), now a professor of applied mathematics at Springfield A&M University, remains a source of support and intellectual companionship, though their differing career paths create new challenges.

• Maggie Roswell as Helen Lovejoy, Maude Flanders, and various other characters. Helen Lovejoy, ever the moralistic town gossip, finds herself increasingly out of step with Springfield's evolving social norms, providing comedic commentary on generational shifts. Maude Flanders, despite her passing in earlier seasons, appears in flashback sequences and dream sequences, offering glimpses into Ned Flanders' enduring memories and the spiritual legacy she left behind.

• Pamela Hayden as Milhouse Van Houten, Jimbo Jones, and various other characters. Milhouse, as mentioned, supports Lisa in her political endeavors while pursuing his academic career. Jimbo Jones, surprisingly, becomes a park ranger at Springfield National Forest, channeling his rebellious energy into environmental conservation.

• Tress MacNeille as Agnes Skinner, Dolph Starbeam, Brandine Spuckler, and various other characters. Agnes Skinner, ever-dependent on her son, Seymour, remains a source of comedic tension in his life, her presence a constant reminder of his enduring adolescence in some respects. Dolph Starbeam, having mellowed with age, becomes a successful tattoo artist in Springfield, his past delinquent persona now ironically contributing to his artistic appeal. Brandine Spuckler, still managing her sprawling family, finds unexpected entrepreneurial success in the burgeoning Springfield farmers market scene.

• Marcia Wallace as Edna Krabappel (archival recordings). Despite Marcia Wallace's passing, archival recordings of Edna Krabappel are used sparingly throughout the season, primarily in flashback sequences depicting Bart's childhood or in moments where Bart reflects on her formative influence on his life. These brief inclusions serve as poignant reminders of the show's history and the characters' past.

• Harry Shearer as Ned Flanders, Montgomery Burns, Waylon Smithers, Principal Skinner, Otto Mann, Reverend Lovejoy, Dr. Hibbert, and various other characters. Ned Flanders, now a widower for many years, continues to be a steadfastly kind and devout presence in Springfield, his faith and optimism tested but ultimately unwavering. His interactions with Homer retain their comedic contrast, but with a deeper layer of mutual respect and understanding. Montgomery Burns' passing, though a pivotal event, does not remove Shearer from the cast; he voices flashback sequences featuring Mr. Burns as well as continuing to voice Waylon Smithers, who navigates a changed professional landscape after Burns' death, Principal Skinner, still at the helm of Springfield Elementary, Otto Mann, now a surprisingly responsible school bus driver, Reverend Lovejoy, grappling with declining church attendance in a secularizing Springfield, and Dr. Hibbert, now Springfield's senior physician, offering sage medical advice and wry observations.

Recurring Characters

• Lenny Leonard and Carl Carlson (voiced by Hank Azaria and Harry Shearer) remain Homer's close friends and colleagues, though their roles at the nuclear power plant shift in the wake of Mr. Burns' death and subsequent restructuring. Lenny embraces a newfound passion for amateur astronomy, while Carl explores his artistic side through pottery.

• Chief Wiggum (voiced by Hank Azaria) continues to lead the Springfield Police Department, albeit with increasing reliance on modern technology and the assistance of a younger, more tech-savvy generation of officers. His bumbling nature remains, but with a touch of self-aware humor.

• Moe Szyslak (voiced by Hank Azaria) continues to operate Moe's Tavern, now facing competition from trendy gastropubs and craft breweries in a changing Springfield. Moe contemplates modernizing his establishment while grappling with his own sentimental attachment to its dive bar roots.

• Professor Frink (voiced by Hank Azaria) continues his eccentric scientific pursuits, now focusing on sustainable energy solutions and environmental technologies, reflecting Springfield's growing awareness of ecological issues.

• Kent Brockman (voiced by Harry Shearer) remains Springfield's lead news anchor, adapting to the evolving media landscape of online news and social media while retaining his characteristic gravitas and occasional cynicism.

• Sideshow Bob (voiced by Kelsey Grammer) appears in a single episode, having seemingly reformed and become a respected horticulturalist. However, his old nemesis, Bart, remains suspicious of his seemingly genuine rehabilitation.

• Kang and Kodos (voiced by Harry Shearer and Dan Castellaneta) make their customary appearance in the annual "Treehouse of Horror" episode, their alien perspective offering satirical commentary on the season's events.

Episodes

Senescence Season comprises fifteen episodes, each contributing to the season's overarching narrative while also exploring individual character arcs and thematic elements. Episode titles are designed to reflect the season's themes of aging, change, and legacy, while retaining the series' characteristic wit.

Lisa Simpson in her forties as a senator, Bart Simpson as a father and monorail safety inspector, Maggie Simpson pursuing music, and Homer and Marge contemplating retirement.

1. "Requiem for a Plutocrat": The season premiere opens with the passing of Charles Montgomery Burns. Springfield reacts to the news with a mixture of emotions. Waylon Smithers inherits Burns' estate and the nuclear power plant, struggling to fill his former boss's shoes while grappling with his own grief and the ethical implications of his newfound power. Homer, initially relieved by Burns' death, finds himself questioning his own career and mortality.

2. "Lisa Goes to Capitol City": Lisa begins her term as a United States Senator. She faces immediate challenges navigating the complex political landscape of Washington D.C., encountering bureaucratic inertia and partisan gridlock. Her idealism is tested as she attempts to pass her first piece of legislation, the "Evergreen Education Equity Act," aimed at improving public school funding nationwide. Milhouse struggles to adjust to life in Washington and misses Springfield.

3. "Bart's Second Chance": Bart, facing a mid-career crisis at the monorail, is offered a promotion to management. He grapples with the decision, unsure if he is suited for a leadership role. Flashbacks depict Bart's childhood pranks and rebellious behavior, contrasted with his current responsibilities as a father. He seeks guidance from former teachers and even Principal Skinner, reflecting on the unexpected turns his life has taken.

4. "Maggie's Crescendo": Maggie graduates from Springfield High School. She receives a scholarship to the prestigious Julliard School of Music in New York City, pursuing her dream of becoming a professional saxophonist. The episode follows Maggie's initial experiences in New York, her struggles to adapt to city life, and her early successes and setbacks in the competitive world of music.

5. "Homer's Midlife Upgrade": Homer, facing mandatory retirement from Sector 7G at the nuclear power plant, struggles to find purpose in his newfound free time. He attempts various hobbies, including golf, painting, and home improvement, with predictably disastrous results. Marge encourages him to pursue his long-dormant passion for bowling, leading Homer to rediscover his love for the sport and even consider a professional bowling career.

6. "Marge's Masterpiece": Marge, inspired by Maggie's pursuit of her artistic dreams, decides to revisit her own artistic ambitions. She enrolls in a pottery class at the Springfield Community Center and discovers a natural talent for ceramic sculpture. The episode explores Marge's creative process, her struggles with self-doubt, and her eventual triumph in exhibiting her work at a local art fair.

7. "Grampa's Centennial": Abraham Simpson celebrates his 100th birthday. The episode is structured as a series of vignettes, each depicting a different era of Grampa's life as recounted through his increasingly unreliable and often contradictory memories. The family attempts to piece together the true story of Grampa's life, uncovering surprising and humorous details about his past, including his supposed involvement in historical events such as the Great Molasses Flood.

8. "Flanders' Faith in Flux": Ned Flanders' unwavering faith is tested when a series of minor misfortunes befall him. He begins to question his lifelong adherence to strict religious doctrine, seeking guidance from Reverend Lovejoy and Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky. The episode explores themes of doubt, spiritual resilience, and the evolving role of religion in modern society, ultimately affirming Flanders' enduring goodness while acknowledging the complexities of faith.

9. "Treehouse of Horror XXXIV": The annual Halloween special features three segments:

   • "The Last Prank": Bart, now a father, recounts a final, elaborate prank he pulled as a child, the consequences of which unexpectedly reverberate into his adult life.
   • "Reign of the Machines": Springfield is overrun by sentient household appliances, led by a malevolent smart refrigerator voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch. The Simpsons must team up with Professor Frink to combat the technological uprising.
   • "Kang & Kodos' Retirement Plan": Kang and Kodos, facing mandatory retirement from their planet's invasion force, decide to settle in Springfield, attempting to assimilate into human society with predictably disastrous and humorous results.

10. "Smithers' Legacy": Waylon Smithers struggles to manage the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant in the wake of Mr. Burns' death. He discovers a hidden vault containing Burns' secret journals, revealing a more complex and surprisingly sentimental side to his former boss. Smithers grapples with the ethical dilemmas of Burns' legacy and makes decisions that reshape the future of the power plant and Springfield's energy sector, shifting towards geothermal energy and sustainable practices.

11. "Lisa's Dissenting Vote": Lisa faces a crucial vote on a controversial Senate bill, the "National Digital Surveillance Act," which she believes infringes on civil liberties. Despite pressure from her party and the potential political repercussions, Lisa decides to vote against the bill, taking a principled stand that puts her career at risk. The episode explores themes of political integrity, the balance between security and freedom, and the challenges of maintaining one's ideals in the face of political expediency.

12. "Bart the Mentor": Bart volunteers as a mentor at Springfield Elementary School, assigned to guide a new generation of mischievous students. He unexpectedly finds himself connecting with a troubled young boy named Martin Milhouse (voiced by Nancy Cartwright), who reminds Bart of his younger self. Bart attempts to steer Martin away from the self-destructive path he once followed, drawing on his own experiences and offering surprisingly insightful guidance.

13. "Maggie's Anthem": Maggie struggles with writer's block as she attempts to compose an original symphony for her Julliard graduation recital. She returns to Springfield seeking inspiration, reconnecting with her family and rediscovering the sounds and rhythms of her hometown. The episode culminates in Maggie's triumphant performance of her symphony, "Springfield Rhapsody," a musical ode to her family and her roots, incorporating elements of jazz, classical music, and even the Springfield Monorail's distinctive sounds.

14. "Homer and Marge: Moving Day": Homer and Marge make the momentous decision to sell their beloved home at 742 Evergreen Terrace and move into a retirement community, "Serenity Pines," designed for active seniors. The episode is filled with nostalgic flashbacks to the family's life in the house, as they sort through decades of memories and prepare for their move. The episode explores themes of letting go, embracing new beginnings, and the enduring power of home as a symbol of family and shared history.

15. "Evergreen Echoes": The series finale. The Simpson family gathers at Serenity Pines for Thanksgiving. Lisa reflects on her political career and the impact she has made, however incremental. Bart celebrates his son, Homer Jr.’s (voiced by Nancy Cartwright) first steps. Maggie receives accolades for her burgeoning musical career. Homer and Marge embrace their retirement, finding contentment in their new surroundings and the enduring love of their family. The episode concludes with a montage of Springfield's residents moving forward into the future, showcasing the town's resilience and the enduring legacy of the Simpson family, ending on a poignant image of the empty 742 Evergreen Terrace, bathed in the golden light of a setting sun, symbolizing the end of an era but also the promise of new beginnings, fading to black as the familiar Simpsons theme song plays one last, melancholic rendition.

Themes

Senescence Season explores several interconnected themes that resonate throughout the episodes, reflecting the characters' aging and the changing world around them.

The Passage of Time and Aging

The most prominent theme is the inexorable passage of time and the realities of aging. The season directly confronts the concept of senescence, not merely as physical decline, but as a complex process of change, reflection, and adaptation. Characters grapple with mortality, reassess their life choices, and confront the limitations and opportunities that come with age. Homer's retirement, Marge's artistic awakening, Lisa's political maturity, Bart's paternal responsibilities, and Maggie's journey into adulthood all underscore the multifaceted nature of aging and the continuous evolution of identity. The season avoids portraying aging solely as a negative process, instead highlighting the potential for growth, wisdom, and new beginnings in later life.

Legacy and Enduring Impact

The theme of legacy is interwoven throughout the season, prompted by Mr. Burns' death and the subsequent reflections on his impact on Springfield. Each character, in their own way, considers the legacy they will leave behind. Lisa strives to create a lasting positive impact through her political career. Bart seeks to mentor a younger generation, hoping to guide them towards a better path than his own youthful indiscretions. Maggie aims to create a musical legacy through her compositions. Even Homer and Marge contemplate the legacy of their family and their home. The season suggests that legacy is not solely defined by grand achievements but also by the smaller, more personal impacts individuals have on their families, communities, and the world around them. The enduring presence of 742 Evergreen Terrace, even as the Simpsons move on, symbolizes the enduring legacy of home and family.

Change and Adaptation

Change is a constant force in Senescence Season. Springfield itself undergoes subtle but significant transformations, reflecting broader societal shifts and the passage of time. The characters must adapt to these changes, both internal and external. The death of Mr. Burns necessitates a restructuring of the power plant and Springfield's economic landscape. Lisa's move to Washington D.C. represents a significant geographical and professional change. Bart's career shift and fatherhood necessitate personal adaptation. Maggie's move to New York and pursuit of music represent a major life change. Homer and Marge's retirement and relocation to Serenity Pines symbolize a significant life transition. The season emphasizes the importance of resilience, flexibility, and the ability to embrace change as essential aspects of navigating life's inevitable transitions.

Family and Enduring Bonds

Despite the significant changes and individual journeys depicted in Senescence Season, the enduring bonds of family remain a central theme. The Simpson family, while evolving and facing new challenges, remains the emotional core of the series. Homer and Marge's marriage, tested by time and change, is ultimately strengthened by shared memories and mutual support. Lisa, Bart, and Maggie, though pursuing their individual paths, remain connected to their family and to each other. The season underscores the importance of familial love, support, and connection as anchors in a world of constant change. The final Thanksgiving gathering at Serenity Pines reinforces the enduring strength of the Simpson family unit, even as they enter a new chapter in their lives. The "Evergreen Echoes" of the title suggest that while life moves forward and things change, the fundamental echoes of family, home, and shared experience resonate through time.