# death on the simpsons **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [January 16, 2000, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826 "2000-01-16T19:53:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![gary\_horaczek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b2d939/32.png) [@gary\_horaczek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gary_horaczek)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2000, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/1 "2000-01-16T19:53:00Z")
within the next few weeks a major character on The Simpsons will be killed off. My choices: Mr. Burns (how many blood transfusions can he get?); Apu (every 5 or so episodes he gets a bullet); Principal Skinner (the question is who will do it? Willie most likely); Krusty ( remember the classic Mary Tyler Moore Show episode when Chuckles the clown died? ). Who do you think will be killed off and why? ---
**Author:** ![Sweet\_Basil](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/4bbf92/32.png) [@Sweet\_Basil](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sweet_Basil)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2000, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/2 "2000-01-16T19:58:00Z")
So, how do you know that someone will be killed off?? Assuming that is true in the first place, I don’t think they’d kill off a character for whom so many great parts/lines can be written. I imagine if someone dies off it’ll be a more periphary character like Disco Stu, or the Capital City Goofball, or Lurleen Lumpkins, etc. To my knowledge the only ones “killed off” permanently so far have been Bleeding Gums Murphy and Dr. Marvin Monroe; hardly central characters. Sweet Basil ---
**Author:** ![Torgo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@Torgo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Torgo)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2000, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/3 "2000-01-16T20:00:00Z")
Huh? Who? What? Killed off? Where’d ya hear this? Nothing on [fox.com](http://fox.com) about it. * * * “My hovercraft is full of eels.” ---
**Author:** ![Max\_Torque](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Max\_Torque](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Max_Torque)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2000, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/4 "2000-01-16T20:05:00Z")
If they do kill someone off, it’ll probably be Troy McClure or Lionel Hutz. No loss, since their voice actor has passed on and can’t play the character anymore. ---
**Author:** ![Juniorbunk777](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/a87d85/32.png) [@Juniorbunk777](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Juniorbunk777)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2000, 8:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/5 "2000-01-16T20:41:00Z")
Um…I know who it is who dies. SPOILER ALERT It’s going to be Maude Flanders. I’m not entirely sure how this is going to result in comedy, but, well…we’ll see… ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2000, 8:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/6 "2000-01-16T20:50:00Z")
I believe this to be a UL. If you go to [www.snpp.com,](http://www.snpp.com,) a site dedicated to the Simpsons and check out the Newsbites archives, you’ll find the following story: “Aug 19 1999 · Supporting voice actor Maggie Roswell has left the Simpsons cast after failed salary negotiations with 20th Century Fox Television. Roswell, who joined the cast during the series’ first season, gave life to characters including Maude Flanders, Luann Van Houten, Helen Lovejoy, Princess Kashmir, and Ms. Hoover. According to Amy Spalding of Journey On, Marcia Mitzman Gaven is set to assume the roll of Ned Flanders’ better half — as well as three as-yet-named characters — next season.” Ths Simpsons are well-known for bizarre story lines about death (see the site for references about it), but they probably wouldn’t kill off a semi-major character like Maude Flanders (that’s the rumor flying around). If anything, they would make Ned divorce Maude and perhaps make Ned’s character more well-rounded. ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d26b3c/32.png) [@Mr.Blue\_Sky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Blue_Sky)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2000, 8:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/7 "2000-01-16T20:59:00Z")
I didn’t mean to include a link, just the site address. This message board automatically created the link, but that is the correct address, though. ---
**Author:** ![gary\_horaczek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b2d939/32.png) [@gary\_horaczek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gary_horaczek)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2000, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/8 "2000-01-16T21:23:00Z")
there was a major press conference for the 10 th anniversary of The Simpsons and it was mentioned. Febuurary is sweeps month so it would most likely be then. i can’t find it right at this moment but it was in the Toronto Sun Jan. 14 2000 edition. ---
**Author:** ![drollman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f04885/32.png) [@drollman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drollman)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 4:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/9 "2000-01-17T04:46:00Z")
The Toronto Sun also gave odds on which character would kick it. After considerable thought and several beers, I’ll be impressed if The Maude Rumour is right. However, getting rid of either Selma or Patty could make for some interesting story lines. Carl and Lenny are pretty interchangable too. * * * With God as my witness, I thought turkey’s could fly. ---
**Author:** ![Kilgore\_Trout\_1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/6de8d8/32.png) [@Kilgore\_Trout\_1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilgore_Trout_1)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 6:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/10 "2000-01-17T06:09:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Carl and Lenny are pretty interchangable too i wonder how someone who seems to know something about the simpsons could say such a thing. although they don’t make frequent appearances, it would be quite the loss to go without these characters. before you disagree, think. * * * _what is essential is invisible to the eye -the fox_ ---
**Author:** ![NicePete](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/ee7513/32.png) [@NicePete](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NicePete)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/11 "2000-01-17T06:32:00Z")
MY GOD NOOOOOOO!!! **Not DISCO STU!!!** _Oh, the Humanity…_ * * * Plunging like stones from a slingshot on Mars. ---
**Author:** ![ChuckSki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@ChuckSki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChuckSki)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 2:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/12 "2000-01-17T14:27:00Z")
Seems to me that Barney’s rolls have been getting smaller and less frequent. I’d miss him, but the possible story lines and implications of his death are nearly limitless. The OP DID say major character. I am not supporting the claim, just making an observation based on it. What list would you make of MAJOR characters? Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, Maggie, Abe, Apu, Moe, Barney, and Mr. Burns would probably appear on most lists. Bart and Lisa’s school mates, Homer’s work associates, and the neighborhood folks (such as the Van Houtens) would most likely not appear. Nor would Abe’s old-folks associates. Then there are the ??? How about Smithers? Ned Flanders? (His family, NOT) Most of the town folks (not)? What say ye? Chuck L. * * * “The intellectuals’ chief cause of anguish are one another’s works.” Jacques Barzun Cheers! CAL ---
**Author:** ![ChuckSki](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/51bf81/32.png) [@ChuckSki](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ChuckSki)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 2:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/13 "2000-01-17T14:29:00Z")
P.S. Krusty, yes? Sideshows (not)? TV folks (not)? Doctor, lawyers, and indian chiefs (not)? Chuck L. * * * “The intellectuals’ chief cause of anguish are one another’s works.” Jacques Barzun Cheers! CAL ---
**Author:** ![Rodd\_Hill](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/3ab097/32.png) [@Rodd\_Hill](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rodd_Hill)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/14 "2000-01-17T17:11:00Z")
Kill Maude Flanders? They can’t do it! They can’t doggone-dun-diddly-arino do it! * * * **Launcher may train without warning.** ---
**Author:** ![Minxsmom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d07c76/32.png) [@Minxsmom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Minxsmom)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 5:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/15 "2000-01-17T17:15:00Z")
What about Abe? He’s sort of a major charater. His death would impact the whole family. ---
**Author:** ![ZenBeam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/3ab097/32.png) [@ZenBeam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZenBeam)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 5:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/16 "2000-01-17T17:51:00Z")
> [@](#): > > Carl and Lenny are pretty interchangable too. ## Yeah, but you kind of need both of them at times. _It is too clear, and so it is hard to see._ ---
**Author:** ![Alphagene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Alphagene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alphagene)\ **Post date:** [January 18, 2000, 6:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/17 "2000-01-18T06:32:00Z")
OK, I didn’t believe any of this but[here](http://www.canoe.ca/TelevisionShowsS/simpsons.html#1142000b) is the link mentioning the death in February. Word comes from co-executive producer Mike Scully: > [@](#): > > On the show, Scully says, one of the regular characters will die during February sweeps. I don’t know… my money is on the sailor guy, since we found out yesterday that he suffers from “crippling depression”. Arrr. * * * We gladly devour those who would subdue us. ---
**Author:** ![Gr8Kat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gr8kat/32/18668_2.png) [@Gr8Kat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gr8Kat)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 9:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/18 "2000-01-17T21:23:00Z")
I admit, after last night’s episode, my husband and I were concerned about Milhouse’s health, but it’s not February yet… * * * “I hope life isn’t a big joke, because I don’t get it,” Jack Handy [The Kat House](http://members.aol.com/gr8kat1/KatGen/home.htm) [Join the FSH Webring](http://members.aol.com/gr8kat1/KatGen/fshwebring.htm) ---
**Author:** ![Alphagene](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Alphagene](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alphagene)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/19 "2000-01-17T23:08:00Z")
A friend of mine is also quite conifdent that it is Maude. Although Gr8K brought up some excellent could-be foreshadowing from last night’s ep that I forgot about. > [@](#): > > it’ll probably be Troy McClure According to the alt.tv.simpsons FAQ, > [@](#): > > With the passing of Phil Hartman, will Troy McClure and Lionel Hutz have new voices? > > All sources indicate that Matt Groening has retired the characters out of respect for Phil, and another voice actor will not be supplying their voices in place of Mr. Hartman. [http://www.snpp.com/guides/lisa-2.html#Q24](http://www.snpp.com/guides/lisa-2.html#Q24) * * * We gladly devour those who would subdue us. ---
**Author:** ![Kent\_Clark](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kent_clark/32/105_2.png) [@Kent\_Clark](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kent_Clark)\ **Post date:** [January 17, 2000, 11:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826/20 "2000-01-17T23:35:00Z")
As long as we’re engaging in idle rumor and uninformed speculation, can i throw in my two cents? The logical candidate is (gasp) Mrs. Krabapple. She is a major but not central character. Marcia Wallace,who does her voice, only voices that one character. And finally, the passing of Bart’s teacher would result in “a very special” episode. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/death-on-the-simpsons/13826.md?page=2)