In the season 35 finale of The Simpsons, the show makes an unexpected emotional nod to The Fast & The Furious franchise. Bart Simpson’s farewell to a brain in a jar mirrors the iconic ending of Furious 7, featuring Paul Walker’s character’s departure.
While this reference adds a poignant touch to the episode, it ultimately undermines the complexity and depth of Bart’s character, reducing a longstanding subplot to a mere pop culture homage.
Bart’s Journey in “Bart’s Brain”
Bart’s journey in “Bart’s Brain” centres around his attachment to a brain he initially buys for pranks but later forms a bond with, unsettling the townspeople.
The episode concludes with Bart releasing the brain, paralleling the emotional goodbye between Brian O’Conner and Dom Toretto in Furious 7. As Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again” plays, Bart skates alongside the jarred brain, a scene framed to evoke the tearful farewell of the Fast & Furious characters.
Oversimplifying Bart’s Arc
While this sequence is undeniably touching, it oversimplifies Bart’s character arc. The Simpsons has a rich history of exploring Bart’s emotional connections, particularly with animals and unlikely friends. Episodes like “Bart Gets an Elephant” and “Bart the Mother” have previously highlighted Bart’s sensitivity and inherent goodness.
These stories allow viewers to see Bart as more than just a troublemaker, revealing his compassionate side and providing depth to his character.
Borrowing Emotional Weight
However, by borrowing the emotional weight of a beloved film franchise, “Bart’s Brain” detracts from Bart’s unique narrative. The Fast & Furious reference, while executed with sincerity, feels like a shortcut to evoke sentimentality rather than an organic development within the show’s context.
Bart’s emotional growth and the show’s subtle commentary on his mental state are overshadowed by the homage, making it seem like The Simpsons is leaning on external cultural touchstones rather than its own rich history.
Alienating Viewers
Moreover, the use of a highly specific and recent pop culture reference risks alienating viewers who may not be familiar with the Fast & Furious films. The strength of The Simpsons has always been its ability to create universally relatable and timeless moments.
By tying Bart’s emotional arc to a contemporary film franchise, the show limits the accessibility and timelessness of its narrative, potentially losing the enduring appeal that has characterized The Simpsons for decades.
Bart’s Character
Bart’s character has been defined by his layers and the interplay between his mischievous exterior and his hidden sensitivity. Episodes that delve into his relationships with family, friends, and animals have provided a balanced view of his persona.
The decision to equate Bart’s farewell to a brain in a jar with a tribute to Paul Walker, while well-intentioned, simplifies these layers. It turns a moment that should have been uniquely Bart’s into a generic emotional beat that could belong to any character in any show.
Perceived Emotional Manipulation
Furthermore, the framing of Bart’s emotional state as comparable to the heartfelt goodbye in Furious 7 might seem disingenuous to long-time fans who have witnessed Bart’s emotional depth in more nuanced contexts. The episode risks being perceived as emotionally manipulative, leveraging the established sentimentality of another franchise rather than building its own.
In a Nutshell
While The Simpsons season 35 finale’s Fast & Furious tribute is an interesting and heartfelt nod, it ultimately undermines the unique complexity of Bart Simpson’s character. The show should focus on developing its rich, character-driven narratives rather than relying on external pop culture references to evoke emotion.
Bart’s depth and the show’s nuanced storytelling deserve to shine on their own, without the crutch of external emotional weight. To preserve its timeless appeal, The Simpsons must continue to build on its characters’ unique journeys, creating moments that are both universally relatable and intrinsically tied to its own world.
