As a gamer who’s been around the block more times than a well-worn dice, I can say with confidence that “Thanksgiving of Horror” is a hidden gem that deserves to be a staple for every Simpsons fan. Having grown up watching this iconic show, I can attest to its evolution over the years, and this special episode truly captures the spirit of modern Simpsons in a way that’s both refreshing and nostalgic.
Despite having run for 35 years, The Simpsons has surprisingly produced relatively few episodes centered around Thanksgiving. However, among these, there’s a standout episode from later seasons that could start a new tradition – “Thanksgiving of Horror,” first broadcast in Season 31 (2019). This experimental episode features three short horror stories themed around Thanksgiving, reminiscent of their annual Treehouse of Horror specials.
Apart from “Thanksgiving of Horror,” which aired as a unique special in Season 36, the animated series has not repeated this episode format. However, its chilling three-part horror segments make it an exceptional experiment that could potentially establish a new tradition for “The Simpsons.” Even if it doesn’t, fans who may have taken a break from the series in recent years should consider revisiting this holiday special during Thanksgiving to experience the joy they’ve been missing out on.
What Is Thanksgiving of Horror?
Similar to how the very first Treehouse of Terror special was aired in years past, The Simpsons’ Thanksgiving Special features three horror segments all centered around the Thanksgiving holiday. The initial one is a satire of the film Apocalypto, named “A-Gobble-Ypto”. This segment takes us back to the time of the pilgrims, where they’re portrayed as invading and slaughtering the turkeys’ home. In this version, the Simpsons and other Springfield residents are depicted as the turkeys being hunted down by Clancy Wiggum and a few Pilgrims for their Thanksgiving meal. From the turkeys’ perspective, it’s quite brutal and violent. This type of horror is familiar to fans of Treehouse of Terror, but with a unique autumnal twist.
In this part, titled “The Fourth Thursday After Tomorrow,” there’s a hint of humor that mimics the style of the “Black Mirror” episode, “White Christmas.” Here, Homer acquires a novel A.I. assistant that resembles a smaller version of Marge, who begins to think she is the genuine Marge. As the real Marge becomes envious and threatens to erase the A.I. after the holidays, A.I. Marge retaliates by preparing an exceptional Thanksgiving dinner. The real Marge claims credit for it, but A.I. Marge steps in and orchestrates her escape from the internet to expose the real Marge’s deceit – a breach of social etiquette. Although not as intense or horror-oriented as the initial and concluding segments, this is consistent with the pattern found in Treehouse of Horror episodes, where the opening and final segments are usually the most extreme.
In this instance, the climactic part, titled “The Last Thanksgiving,” packs quite a punch. This episode combines elements of both Alien and The Blob, as Bart and the other children are roused on a spaceship that escaped Earth following its destruction due to global warming. As Thanksgiving approaches, Bart yearns to mark the occasion with traditional food. His attempt to clone a can of cranberry sauce, however, results in the release of a cranberry sauce monster that devours the bones of each child it encounters. The scene is filled with vivid imagery as children perish one by one, leaving only their skin behind. Martin Prince’s death is particularly grisly to watch.
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Why Thanksgiving of Horror Is So Special
The Horror Thanksgiving special is an excellent representation of a modern-day episode of The Simpsons, as it not only humorously and creatively honors the holiday but also encapsulates the transformations the series has undergone in recent times. In recent years, The Simpsons has gained significant attention for its daring storylines that have managed to break into mainstream culture (such as the Season 36 premiere being billed as a “series finale”). These innovative ideas truly took hold from Season 30 onwards. With The Simpsons having been on air for so long, those working behind the scenes bring a multitude of perspectives when it comes to shaping its future.
The Halloween-esque tales during Thanksgiving offer an exciting alternative for horror-tinged stories beyond just October. These special episodes are often considered among the best in the history of The Simpsons, as they allow viewers to witness the imaginative heights that the series can reach when it explores its characters beyond their typical narrative boundaries. This approach has resulted in significant successes lately, and the Thanksgiving of Horror is a testament to this innovative mindset.
To sum up, the number of TV episodes centered around Thanksgiving is quite limited. In terms of adult animated sitcoms, Bob’s Burgers may be leading the pack regarding Thanksgiving episodes, but this year, The Simpsons deserves a place in your traditional Thanksgiving viewing. The Thanksgiving of Horror episode offers an entirely unique experience compared to other food holiday programming. Moreover, you’ll understand why it was so popular when it initially aired five years ago.
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2024-11-17 04:40