The Simpsons Producer Apologizes To Fans For Killing Off 35-Year-Old Character

Summary The Simpsons took viewers by surprise by killing off silent barfly Larry in a recent episode.

Producer Tim Long apologizes for the death, but does admit that he's relieved to see so many people affected by it.

Larry's death in season 35 marks a significant moment in the show's history and could impact future episodes if his absence is felt.

The Simpsons executive producer Tim Long addresses the surprisingly emotional departure of a longtime Springfield resident in season 35's "Cremains of the Day." In the fifteenth episode of the currently airing season, the shock death of Moe's Tavern regular Larry Dalrymple leads Homer (Dan Castellaneta) and his friends to set out on a journey to fulfill their acquaintance's last wish. Despite being brought together by the tragedy, some shocking truths about their late friend lead to the group falling out as sinister third parties come across their well-intentioned trip.

The Simpsons season 35 producer Long opened up to TMZ about the surprising reaction to Larry's death. Long explained that, despite Larry's minor role since his debut in season 1, he and the crew behind the episode did their best to ensure that the character's passing struck a note with viewers due to the rarity of the series killing off anybody. Long also apologized to fans for Larry's death, but was relieved to see that audiences were affected by the moment.

How Larry's Death Was Handled With A Surprising Amount Of Care

Larry Was A Silent Presence, But His Sendoff Had Heart

While there are no shortage of unexpected ends for The Simpsons' cast thanks to bizarre standalone tales and the many Treehouse of Horror episodes, there are few characters who have been permanently killed off. Maude Flanders was killed off due to Maggie Roswell's salary dispute with the studio, while Edna Krabappel retired and passed away off-screen following the death of Marcia Wallace. No matter what the circumstances were, each exit was handled appropriately within the narrative.

1:52 Related The Simpsons Season 35's Character Death Continues A Homer Problem I've Disliked For 35 Years The Simpsons season 35 tried to center an episode on Homer's gang of friends from Moe's but, in the process, the show highlighted his ugliest flaw.

Despite having little characterization for over thirty years, however, Larry's death was treated appropriately and used as a core element of his final episode, as opposed to how Homer's Vegas wife Amber's death was handled in The Simpsons season 18. Following Larry's death, audiences are given a touching glimpse at his often lonely life, but also the aspirations he had to be part of the group. Even when Larry's gem-smuggling days are brought to light and Moe is tempted, the group ultimately do their best to give the reclusive barfly a proper farewell and final rest.

As stated by Long, it is rare for The Simpsons to permanently say farewell to a character, making even the smallest departure feel like a major moment in the show's history. Despite this, Larry had been as much as a regular part of Moe's since the show's first season, lurking in the background in many episodes as a silent acquaintance of Homer and his drinking buddies. With Larry laid to rest, his absence may be felt in future seasons, as Long's comment seemingly ensures this is a fixed point that won't be altered.

The Simpsons season 35 is currently airing on FOX each Sunday.

Source: TMZ