Fans of cartoon comedy, The Simpsons have been left in shock following the death of a key family member in the finale of season 36.
In the episode, fans have been left heartbroken after beloved Simpsons character, Marge Simspon, wife of Homer Simpson since 1989, had died. This came following a twist as it took place during a flash forward scene which was set 35 years into the future.
In the episode, titled Estranger Things, Marge's children Bart, Lisa and baby Maggie are all grown up. Marge's worst fear appears to come true when Bart and Lisa grow apart from one another after growing out of their favourite kids' show, The Itchy and Scratchy Show, which they both loved.
While the episode does not explain Marge's death, it does show a brief funeral scene at her tombstone, which shows Lisa referring to her "late mother", reading a letter Marge had written to be opened after her death, showing a youthful looking Marge remarking that it is "very unlikely" that she would die before her husband.
Having gone back and forth about Homer's living situation, Bart and Lisa later reunite to bring him home as they watch Itchy and Scratchy once more, while their mother watches on from the sky above.
In the episode, Marge is spotted with Ringo Starr, where she says: "I'm so happy my kids are close again," adding: "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", before later going on to kiss Ringo in a heart-warming moment.
This has also left fans puzzled. Is Marge really dead? The show has been renewed for its 40th season, which is to air in 2028-2029. Watch this space.
Last November, Pamela Hayden, the voice actor behind popular Simpsons character Milhouse Van Houten, announced that she was stepping away from the show after 35 years. More on this here.
