The Simpsons have finally addressed a major mystery about Homer that has puzzled fans since the show’s first episode 35 years ago.
For years, fans of The Simpsons have questioned why the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant never fires Homer Simpson from his job.
After 35 years and over 772 episodes, the show has finally answered this long-standing question.
Mystery surrounding Homer has been puzzling viewers since first episode 35 years ago
The revelation comes from a recent episode of the show, titled “Shoddy Heat,” aired on October 27, 2024.
Many viewers always found it strange that Homer, often portrayed as a terrible employee, managed to keep his job.
The show’s creator, Al Jean, hinted on Twitter before the episode aired that viewers would finally learn the truth behind this mystery.
He mentioned that the answer relates back to Homer’s father, Abe Simpson, also known as Grandpa.
The Simpsons finally solve Homer mystery that’s been confusing audiences for 35 years
The backstory reveals that many years ago, Grandpa worked as a private detective.
During one of his investigations, he was asked by Agnes Skinner, the mother of Principal Skinner, to look into her boyfriend, Mr. Burns.
Agnes suspected Mr. Burns of cheating, and during the investigation, Grandpa’s partner went missing.
When Grandpa confronted Mr. Burns about his partner’s disappearance, Mr. Burns made a deal with him.
To keep Grandpa quiet about what he found, Mr. Burns agreed to hire Homer at the power plant.
He promised that Homer would not be fired, no matter how poorly he performed.
In fact, Mr. Burns specified that Homer could mess up 742 times and still keep his job.
This deal explains why Homer has remained employed despite his many blunders.
In the episode, Homer reflects on all the moments he should have been fired.
This realization shows the connection between his father’s past and his own current situation.
While this new information is exciting, it is important to note that Homer has been fired in a few episodes before.
For instance, in “Homer’s Odyssey,” “Burns Verkaufen der Kraftwerk,” and “Diatribe of a Mad Housewife,” he has lost his job or quit for different reasons.
However, he always finds a way to return to work at the power plant.
The reveal has sparked mixed reactions among fans.
Some viewers were pleased to finally have an answer to a question they have pondered for years.
They appreciated the creative way the show tied Homer’s job security to Grandpa’s past.
On the other hand, not everyone was thrilled with the episode.
Some fans felt that the storyline about Grandpa having a more interesting past was becoming repetitive.
They believed the show has used this plot device several times in recent years, and it wasn’t as engaging this time around.
Is it because it’s a cartoon and logic doesn’t have to apply? One user said.
No it doesn’t. Burns didn’t know who Homer was when he went to the plant when it opened and got hired, the second user commented.
It’s a shame how awful the new simpsons are, the third user said.
Is it how dem 2 hairs are connected on his head, another joked.