Homer Simpson’s irresponsible behaviour in a contentious episode of The Simpsons enraged not only his patient wife Marge, but also TV executives in the United Kingdom.
Since its debut in December 1989, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and newborn Maggie have become iconic characters in innumerable episodes.
The group has anticipated significant events such as Donald Trump’s election, the Titanic catastrophe, World Cup outcomes, and Apple’s latest Vision Pro headset announcement.
However, the programme has not been without criticism, ranging from a ‘violent’ joke to accusations of promoting damaging racial stereotypes and, in the episode The Cartridge Family, reckless gun ownership.
In fact, Sky in the UK initially declined to play the 1997 episode, which was prepared for the popular show’s ninth season, owing to images of Homer’s brazen and persistent gun abuse.
However, it was later included in a 1999 UK VHS release titled The Simpsons: Too Hot for TV and aired on mainstream channels – albeit with the original ending axed, according to Off The Telly.
So, what occurred to make it so controversial?
In the episode, Homer chooses to acquire a pistol out of concern for his family’s safety when a football brawl breaks out in Springfield.
Marge is shocked by the purchase, but Homer persists and takes her to a National Rifle Association (NRA) meeting in an attempt to persuade her otherwise.
However, things become worse when Marge discovers son Bart and his buddy Millhouse playing with the pistol after discovering it in the fridge, where Homer had carelessly stored it.
Meanwhile, Homer, who also uses the rifle as a beer can opener and TV remote, is tossed out of the NRA after they see his dangerous behaviour with the weapon.
After realising how hazardous his gun use is, Homer approaches Marge and asks her to dispose of it for him since he doesn’t trust himself to do it.
https://videos.metro.co.uk/video/met/2023/12/26/5415033240067262547/480x270_MP4_5415033240067262547.mp4In the original conclusion, when Marge walks out to the dumpster, she sees herself in a mirror carrying the pistol and resolves to keep it hidden.
However, in the UK version of the show, this scene is totally removed and instead concludes with the gun being thrown away.
Fans of The Simpsons have speculated that the long-running programme may cease, although there is no evidence to support this.
Many people on Reddit were eager to submit their opinions, which ranged from Homer waking up and realising everything was a dream to the entire family being imprisoned for failing to assist a mugging victim.
However, one proposal in particular moved viewers, who labelled it the ‘ideal’ way for the programme to eventually finish.
A user known as Upstairs_Ad_5574 penned: ‘Have the entire episode be the intro. Homer is at work, with a radioactive rod that he ends up accidentally taking with him.
‘Marge takes Maggie out to the grocery store. Bart and Lisa’s school day ends with her rushing out of music class, as Bart leaves detention with “im never doing this again…” on the board.
‘At the end of the day, they all rush to the couch. Homer turns on the TV and it turns into end credits with a Thank You. Then we hear Homer.. “Awww we missed the whole thing!” [sic].’
The Simpsons is available to stream on Disney Plus.
Source My Celebrity Life.