As a huge Simpsons fan, I still think about “Cape Feare” – the episode that aired 32 years ago today! It’s seriously one of the greatest episodes ever, and the Sideshow Bob parody is just chef’s kiss. Over 37 seasons, The Simpsons has given us so many amazing moments, but a lot of my favorites always seem to revolve around Mr. Burns. There’s just something about that character! He’s endlessly entertaining, and even after all these years, the writers still find brilliant new ways to use him. He can be dropped into any scenario and it just works.
As a lifelong Simpsons fan, I always thought they nailed Mr. Burns’ character so well, and they figured out the secret to his sadness really early on! It’s wild to think that 32 years ago today, on October 21st, 1993, the episode “Rosebud” first aired. That’s when we met Bobo, his lost childhood bear! It was so touching to see this thing he’d longed for throughout his pretty depressing life. And the way they did it – with Mr. Burns calling out for Bobo in the dark – was a brilliant parody of Citizen Kane, directly mirroring that famous scene of the lonely old man remembering his youth. It was such a clever touch!
The Simpsons Released a 10/10 Episode Today
Many fans consider Season 5 of The Simpsons to be part of the show’s best era. The season begins with the episode “Rosebud,” where Mr. Burns has a dream about his childhood. He remembers being adopted and choosing to abandon his original family, accidentally leaving behind his beloved teddy bear, Bobo. After being lost and frozen for decades – even witnessing key historical events – Bobo eventually finds its way to the Simpsons.
When it’s discovered that Maggie’s beloved bear is the one Mr. Burns has been searching for, the family first considers selling it to him for a lot of money. However, Maggie is heartbroken at the thought of giving it up, and Homer changes his mind. Ultimately, Maggie does give Burns the bear, bringing the story to a close. It’s not a particularly joyful or sad ending – Burns simply gets what he wants. As Marge points out, it’s just an ending, and that’s why the episode has stayed with viewers for so long.
Why This Episode Is Such a Great Parody
The most successful parodies in The Simpsons‘ history work even if you’re unfamiliar with what’s being spoofed. For many viewers, the show may have been their first introduction to films like Citizen Kane, and seeing references in The Simpsons likely made those allusions more recognizable. While The Simpsons has referenced the classic movie multiple times (such as the running gag about “the cane from Citizen Kane”), this particular episode shares the most similar themes with the original film’s central narrative.
Charles Foster Kane, much like Mr. Burns, is searching for the lost joy of his youth as he nears death. His final word, “Rosebud,” is eventually revealed to be the name of his beloved childhood sled. The sled, along with much of his fortune, is ultimately discarded, mirroring the emptiness of his life. While The Simpsons didn’t fully replicate this poignant ending, the lack of a neat resolution in their version serves as a perfect tribute to the original Citizen Kane.
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2025-10-21 20:13