In a surprising twist, the latest episode of The Simpsons introduces a new member to the iconic family: Beatrice Bouvier, Marge’s long-lost aunt. This revelation comes in the seventh episode of the 37th season, titled “Sashes to Sashes,” where viewers learn about a childhood conflict that led to Beatrice’s estrangement from the family.
A Family Rift Revealed
The episode uncovers how a young Marge distanced herself from Aunt Beatrice following a disagreement over fairy tales and love. This long-held silence is broken when an unexpected revelation comes to light, prompting a rediscovery of family ties. As the plot unravels, it becomes clear that Beatrice’s hardened demeanor stemmed from a romantic heartbreak with Springfield’s mayor, Joe Quimby, whom she was briefly married to.
Love and Loss in Springfield
Flashbacks reveal the romance between Beatrice and Joe, highlighting the pressures Joe faced from his father to uphold a public persona, which ultimately ended their marriage. The episode concludes with Marge and Beatrice mending their relationship, though it remains uncertain if Beatrice will have a recurring role in future episodes. The Simpsons’ creators have mentioned that the show doesn’t adhere to a strict canon, allowing them flexibility in character development and storyline progression.
Springfield’s Ever-Changing Reality
The notion of a floating timeline is further highlighted by comments from executive producer Matt Selman, who assured fans that Marge’s previously depicted death was not permanent. This fluid storytelling is echoed in other developments, such as the ongoing collaboration between The Simpsons and Fortnite. Springfield’s digital counterpart will soon experience another shift as Homer unleashes chaos, this time with donut storms and zombie-like crowds. Fans can catch a glimpse of this collaboration in the animated trailer above.