The End Of "D'oh!": 7 Shocking Facts About Homer Choking Bart Simpson And Why It Finally Stopped

For over three decades, the sight of Homer J. Simpson strangling his ten-year-old son, Bart, was one of the most recognizable and controversial running gags in television history. This iconic, yet deeply unsettling, moment—usually accompanied by Homer's enraged cry of "Why you little!"—defined a significant part of their volatile father-son relationship. However, in a move that signals a major shift for the long-running series, *The Simpsons* has officially retired the gag, confirming the end of this era in a recent episode that aired in October 2023.

The decision to end the strangulation scenes is a direct acknowledgment that "times have changed," as stated by Homer himself. This update has sparked a massive conversation among fans and critics, forcing a re-evaluation of the classic animated show's approach to humor, violence, and evolving family dynamics in the modern television landscape. Here is an in-depth look at the history, controversy, and definitive end of the most infamous joke in Springfield.

The Controversial History of a 30-Year Running Gag

The dynamic of Homer choking Bart is not just a random joke; it is a foundational element of their chaotic relationship, which has been a central theme since the show's debut. The gag typically followed a predictable formula: Bart would commit a prank or deliver an insult that would push Homer past his limit, leading to an immediate, violent outburst where Homer would grab Bart by the neck and shake him.

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The Origins and Evolution of Homer's Violence

The first instance of Homer strangling Bart dates back to the early days of *The Simpsons*, establishing a dark, slapstick humor that was a hallmark of the show's groundbreaking style. Over the years, the frequency and severity of the strangulation varied, sometimes becoming a quick, throwaway joke, and other times serving as the climax of an escalating conflict.

• Early Controversy: From the beginning, the joke was controversial, as showing a parent physically assaulting a child, even in a cartoon, was unprecedented for a primetime show.
• The Context of Satire: Defenders of the gag often argued that it was meant as dark satire, highlighting the dysfunctional nature of the American family and Homer's inherent impulsiveness and poor parenting skills.
• The Formula: The classic setup usually involved the phrase "Why you little!" followed by the strangulation, then Bart's signature gasping noise.
• Season 31 Hiatus: Interestingly, the physical act of strangling Bart had largely disappeared from the show's animation long before the official on-screen acknowledgment. Homer's last actual strangulation of Bart occurred sometime around Season 31.

The gag’s longevity turned it into a cultural entity, generating countless memes, parodies, and endless debate about its appropriateness. The joke’s persistence, even as society’s views on corporal punishment evolved, made it a lightning rod for criticism against the show’s reliance on outdated humor.

The Definitive End: "Times Have Changed"

The long-running joke was finally laid to rest in the third episode of Season 35, titled "McMansion & Wife," which aired on October 22, 2023. The scene that marked the end was subtle, yet definitive, and occurred during a moment of friendly interaction.

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What Happened in "McMansion & Wife"?

In the episode, Homer and Marge meet their new neighbors, Thayer and his wife, Carina. As Homer shakes Thayer's hand, the neighbor comments on Homer's surprisingly gentle grip, noting that he wasn't expecting it.

Homer responds with a line that instantly became a major piece of *Simpsons* canon: "See, Marge? Shaking hands with that guy paid off. Because I don't choke Bart anymore. Times have changed.".

This single line of dialogue served as the show's official, canonical statement on the matter. By having Homer—the perpetrator of the violence—acknowledge the change and attribute it to the passage of time, the show signaled a conscious decision to move past the controversial material. This move aligns with a broader trend in long-running animated shows to update their humor and remove elements considered inappropriate by modern standards.

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The Producer's Contradiction and Fan Reaction

While the on-screen dialogue appeared to be a final nail in the coffin for the running gag, the situation was complicated by a statement from co-creator James L. Brooks, who, when asked about the gag's future, reportedly said, "Don't think for a second we're changing anything," suggesting Homer would continue to strangle Bart.

This contradictory information created a brief moment of confusion among fans. However, the prevailing interpretation is that the on-screen dialogue from the Season 35 episode is the definitive canonical update. Brooks' statement may have been a general reassurance to fans that the show's core anarchic spirit would remain, or an attempt to downplay the significance of the change. Regardless, the scene in "McMansion & Wife" is the most recent and direct confirmation of the gag's retirement.

The Impact on Homer and Bart's Relationship

The removal of the strangulation gag is more than just a matter of political correctness; it signifies a potential shift in the deeply layered relationship between Homer and Bart. The core dynamic of their relationship has always been a complex mix of love, frustration, and mutual mischief.

A New Era of Fatherhood

Without the physical violence, the show is forced to explore Homer's anger and frustration through different, possibly more nuanced, comedic avenues. This change could lead to:

• Emotional Depth: The relationship could gain more emotional complexity, focusing on Homer's attempts at being a better father, a theme that has been explored in various episodes over the decades.
• Verbal Comedy: The humor will have to rely more heavily on Homer's signature verbal outbursts, such as "D'oh!" or "Why you little!", without the physical follow-through.
• Topical Authority: The show continues to demonstrate its ability to evolve, addressing its own history and controversial elements, reinforcing its relevance in a constantly changing media environment.
• The "Strangling" Legacy: The previous stranglings will now be seen as part of the show's historical, albeit problematic, past, much like other outdated jokes or characterizations.

The end of the strangulation running gag is a monumental moment for *The Simpsons*. It acknowledges the show's age and the need to adapt to modern sensibilities, while still preserving the core, dysfunctional, and ultimately loving dynamic of the Simpson family. While the iconic image of Homer's hands around Bart's neck will forever be etched in pop culture history, the show is now moving forward, proving that even a 35-season-old cartoon can change with the times.