Every year for their Halloween special, *The Simpsons* playfully reimagines popular culture, and three years ago they tackled the anime series *Death Note*. Many fans consider that episode a standout and well worth watching this Halloween. Since its second season, *The Simpsons’* Treehouse of Horror specials have been a yearly tradition, offering creative and unique takes on the show by parodying different styles and stories. Some of these specials have truly gone above and beyond in their creativity.
This year’s *Treehouse of Horror* – the thirty-third installment of *The Simpsons*’ Halloween specials – continues the tradition of clever parodies. Season 34’s episode playfully reimagined both *The Babadook* and elements of *The Simpsons* itself. However, the highlight was a full-length take on *Death Note*. This segment was particularly impressive, featuring animation styled after the original *Death Note* anime and even involving some of the same studio that worked on the beloved series years ago. It was a truly fantastic and creative piece.
The Simpsons Releases Full Take on Death Note
The Simpsons’ “Death Tome” is a humorous take on *Death Note*, reimagining Springfield as Japan and giving the characters an anime-style makeover. In this version, Lisa discovers the “Death Tome” instead of Light Yagami. After seeing a robbery on TV, she tests its power by eliminating the robber, Jailbird. This act connects her with Steve Johnson, the Shinigami associated with the tome (who is similar to Ryuk), and sets her on a path of further interventions.
While *Death Note* introduced the idea of varied killing methods, *The Simpsons* took it a step further by adding playful rules to the game. Unlike the original series where most deaths were heart attacks, *The Simpsons* character Lisa couldn’t use the same method twice. This forced her to be instantly inventive, resulting in wildly different and humorous deaths – like Mr. Burns falling onto a hot grill or someone being eaten by an alligator that suddenly appeared in a toilet.
The special quickly solves its central mystery – Bart discovers Lisa is responsible, learning the truth from her diary. However, it adds a surprising twist: Lisa herself becomes a Shinigami after causing Steve’s death. Visually, the special is a standout, thanks to DR MOVIE, the studio behind the original *Death Note* anime. It playfully builds on the original story while not shying away from showing many on-screen deaths, getting away with a surprising amount of brutality thanks to its anime style.
Why Treehouse of Horror XXXIII Is a Modern Classic
Even though “Death Tome” was a great segment, it wouldn’t be considered a standout Halloween episode for *The Simpsons* fans without the rest of Treehouse of Horror XXXIII being so strong. Interestingly, the second segment of these specials is often the weakest, but “Death Tome” managed to shine. It was positioned between two really good segments that could have easily overshadowed it, but its unique anime style helped it stand out and become truly memorable.
“The Pookadook” playfully references *The Babadook*, featuring Marge Simpson possessed and trying to harm her daughter Maggie – it gets surprisingly intense! The sketch works even if you haven’t seen the original *Babadook* film, and the same is true for “Death Tome.” Everything culminates in “Simpsonsworld,” a hilarious segment that spoofs both *Westworld* and *The Simpsons*’ history. This final part shows a robotic Simpson family battling their way through town and breaking free from their own show.
This episode is consistently entertaining and if you’re a fan of the classic ‘Treehouse of Horror’ specials, you really shouldn’t miss it. It’s a modern classic that deserves a spot in your annual Halloween viewing.
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2025-10-14 20:27