The Simpsons Reveals The Unexpected Blessing From Homer & Ned’s 36-Year Feud
The following contains spoilers for The Simpsons season 36 episode 12, “The Flandshees of Innersimpson,” now streaming on HuluThe Simpsons season 36 revisits the feud between Homer and Ned Flanders, but also highlights one of the best unintended side effects of their recent spotlight episodes. Ever since the beginning of The Simpsons, Ned Flanders and his devout family have stood in stark contrast to the more chaotic Simpsons. The love/hate relationship that has developed between Homer and Flanders over the years has steadily become one of the show’s central character dynamics, generating plenty of drama and storytelling potential over the years.
Season 36 is no different, with multiple episodes focused on Ned that have highlighted why he’s one of the show’s most enduring characters. However, his family has never received that same level of depth and attention. Recent seasons have been at least rectifying this with one of his sons, Todd, who has gone through a crisis of faith while maintaining the sweet personality that his parents instilled in him. While he only plays a minor role in “The Flandshees of Innersimpson,” his scenes alongside Lisa highlight how well the characters actually work together.
The Simpsons Season 36 Quietly Makes Lisa And Todd Flanders Friends
Lisa And Todd Have A Surprisingly Fun Dynamic
The Simpsons has been quietly making Lisa Simpson and Todd Flanders friends, with their minor roles in “The Flandshees of Innersimpson” highlighting what makes them a surprisingly compelling pair. Much of “The Flandshees of Innersimpson” is focused on Flanders announcing that he will never speak with Homer again. Throughout the episode, Lisa and Todd are shown speaking with one another about the situation. Both of them are concerned about the impact of this feud on their families and encourage their fathers to try and work out their differences.
Even though he remains a meek child in most regards, Todd does showcase some of the character development that recent seasons have been increasingly giving him. Todd and Lisa are shown playing together and empathizing with one another, and eventually end the episode covering the sidewalk and street with chalk together. It’s a surprisingly sweet ending for Todd, who has rarely been given much character spotlight over the years. However, even a minor role in “The Flandshees of Innersimpson” highlights what he brings to the show’s central dynamics.
Todd Took Three Decades To Become An Interesting Character
Todd Has Only Really Stood Out As A Unique Character In Recent Seasons
For much of The Simpsons, Todd and his brother Rod have had very little actual role in the show. While some early episodes like season 2’s “Dead Putting Society” featured him prominently, it was mostly as a vehicle for his father’s role in the episode. For the most part, Todd has been defined as part of Ned Flanders’ orbit, who has been raised in a painfully sheltered upbringing. Recent seasons have given Todd more to do, though, with his most prominent ever episode focused on Todd only coming over three decades into the run of the show.
This seems to be the thread that “The Flandshees of Innersimpson” is revisiting with the two of them hanging out, and it’s a fun concept that should continue to benefit both characters.
Season 31’s “Todd, Todd, Why Hast Thou Forsaken Me?” focused on Todd dealing with his grief over the death of his mother. This prompts him to also question his faith, which drives a wedge between him and his father. That episode highlighted how the kind and soft-spoken Todd fits alongside the more bombastic Simpsons family, especially Lisa. This seems to be the thread that “The Flandshees of Innersimpson” is revisiting with the two of them hanging out, and it’s a fun concept that should continue to benefit both characters.
I Love What Lisa And Todd Bring Out Of One Another
I Want An Entire Episode Dedicated To Lisa And Todd’s Friendship
One of the things that’s nice about seeing Todd and Lisa as friends is how it brings out a more introspective and empathetic side in both of them. Lisa’s discussions with Todd about faith bring out a new side in the boy, revealing a thoughtful side of him that’s rarely been seen in the show. It’s also nice to see Lisa interact with another kid in a way that isn’t dependent on their romantic interest or need for her intelligence. It’s nice to just see Lisa and Todd actually have a nice friend for a change.
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Lisa and Todd come across as genuine friends, especially in “The Flandshees of Innersimpson.” Given how often the show treats Lisa like an adult, it’s nice to see her have a genuine childhood friendship. Their different upbringings and faiths make them natural contrasts. It also adds a sweet layer to the pair forming a bond despite the feud that exists between their fathers. I hope that future seasons of The Simpsons continue to showcase this connection between Lisa and Todd, potentially even giving the duo an entire episode where they can take center-stage together.
