After 25 years, Sideshow Bob is finally getting his revenge against Bart Simpson in the next season of The Simpsons. During a panel at this past weekend’s ATX Festival in Austin, TX, The Simpsons producers revealed that Sideshow Bob will achieve his goal of killing Bart during this year’s annual Treehouse of Horror episode. Of course, as is the nature of the Treehouse of Horror episodes, the death won’t be permanent.
The Simpsons executive producer Al Jean explains why the team finally relented to Sideshow Bob’s wishes by using classic Looney Tunes characters Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner as an analogy by stating, “I hated frustration comedy so we’ll scratch that itch.” It appears that the true “horror” for the vignette will not stem from Bart’s death, but from Bob’s realization that he has nothing to live for following the accomplishment of his life’s goal.
The producers were coy on the ongoing Harry Shearer situation, providing no update on whether Shearer would be replaced or brought back on board. For a show that’s been running somewhat stagnant for several seasons now, an announcement such as Bart’s death was meant to draw headlines, even if the move is only temporary. Still, what will it take to help elevate The Simpsons back to the top of primetime animated comedies? Only time can tell.
[via Entertainment Weekly]