Season Analysis

The Simpsons

Season 36 Analysis

Season Woke Score

out of 10

Season Overview

No specific overview for this season.

Season Review

Season 36 of "The Simpsons" maintains the show's modern trajectory of strong social commentary and thematic experimentation. Episodes like "The Past and the Furious" establish a tone of profound pessimism regarding Western civilization, framing the current age as environmentally degraded and politically corrupt, with attempts to change the past only hardening capitalist evil. The narrative frequently elevates female characters in empowered roles, dedicating a full anthology episode, "Women in Shorts," to showcasing the competence and adventures of Springfield’s women. While the series continues its policy of diversity-based voice recasting, explicit intersectional lecturing is largely backgrounded in favor of cultural critique. A notable exception to the general cultural self-hatred is the Christmas special, "O C'mon All Ye Faithful," which surprisingly focuses on the positive meaning of faith.

Categorical Breakdown

Identity Politics6/10

The show continues its established post-2020 practice of recasting non-white characters with non-white actors, prioritizing identity over original cast merit. The inclusion of an episode dealing with "giant political rage monsters" highlights an increased focus on the narrative mirroring contemporary political polarization.

Oikophobia8/10

The plot of "The Past and the Furious" depicts modern Springfield as environmentally degraded and morally hopeless. Lisa's attempt to fix the past fails, resulting in the creation of the current 'money-hungry tycoon' Mr. Burns, framing the origins of modern capitalism as inherently corrupt. The critique of society is heavy with civizational pessimism.

Feminism7/10

The season contains a dedicated 'Women in Shorts' anthology episode that focuses entirely on the competence and humor of female characters. Female leads like Lisa are consistently portrayed as the intellectual and moral center of major plots, often contrasting with the male characters, who are routinely portrayed as bumbling or irresponsible.

LGBTQ+5/10

The inclusion of established openly gay characters like Smithers in a prominent co-protagonist role (Marge's 'Robin Hood' partner) continues the show's normalization efforts. The narrative does not appear to center on didactic gender ideology or deconstruction of the nuclear family.

Anti-Theism3/10

A major episode, the Christmas special, is explicitly praised for offering a "wonderful explanation of the meaning of faith." Homer's actions under hypnosis are shown to spread a positive, 'cheery chain-reaction' through town, using faith and holiday spirit as a source of community strength rather than the root of evil.