They say the more things change, the more they stay the same. For Season 27 of The Simpsons, though, the same old animated universe we know is being changed in several different ways. (Albeit mostly in a temporary fashion.) Beyond Homer and Marge’s legal separation and Bart’s death, the show will finally tackle something head-on that has been a go-to in-joke for the show’s entire run: Waylon Smithers’ sexuality.
Showrunner Al Jean has been pretty free with letting people know what to expect in Season 27, and when it comes to Smithers possibly coming out to his longtime boss, he makes it clear that something is going to happen. Here’s how he put it to TVLine.
In Springfield now, most people know he’s gay, but obviously Burns doesn’t. We deal with that in two episodes. We actually do a lot with Smithers this year; he gets fed up with Burns not appreciating him and considers his options.
If The Simpsons took place in the real world, Mr. Burns would by now have definitely grasped the fact that Smithers is gay, and probably would have known minutes after meeting him. (Of course, if this show was set in reality, Mr. Burns would be dead a million times over.) It’s interesting to consider just what would have to happen in order for Smithers to drive the point home to Burns, considering seemingly billions of hints have been dropped over the years, including at least one big lip-smacking smooch. I kind of hope it’s just a simple utterance of, “I’m gay, sir,” rather than anything too far over the top.
Maybe Smithers coming out plays into Burns not appreciating him anymore, since Burns doesn’t appear to be the type of guy who accepts all lifestyle choices, or any beyond his own. There aren’t any other multi-billionaires for Smithers to service, so I can’t imagine he’d stay away for long even if he left. There also aren’t many people who would put up with Burns’ heinous ways. Still, though, Smithers could certainly find some more attractive fish in the sea. I can’t imagine how this could be anyone’s fantasy.
We’re not sure exactly when Smithers will find his day in the son, er, sun, but we can expect to find the cast of Girls appearing in Season 27’s first episode, which premieres on Fox on Sunday, September 27.
