The Simpsons Teased Herb’s Return—Here’s Why Fans Are Upset It Didn’t Happen

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Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Simpsons season 36, episode 16, “Stew Lies.”

It appears that episode 16 of season 36 of “The Simpsons” seemed to hint at a return for a significant recurring character, but unfortunately, viewers were left disappointed as the character did not make an appearance. As we eagerly await the start of season 37, it’s understandable that the show might struggle to reintroduce some beloved characters from earlier seasons. Given that “The Simpsons” now holds the title of longest-running scripted primetime American TV show, with over 780 episodes, it boasts an extensive cast numbering in the thousands.

In other words, The Simpsons often produces episodes focused on minor characters or introduces new ones rather than using established main characters. This show values novelty over consistency, as demonstrated by executive producer Matt Selman referring to the series’ continuity as “elastic.” Consequently, it wasn’t surprising when Season 36, Episode 16, titled “Stew Lies,” hinted at a significant return of a character but ultimately failed to deliver.

The Simpsons Season 36 Episode 16 Heavily Implied Homer’s Brother Herb Would Return

Bart and Lisa’s Reconciliation Caused Marge to Contact Her Sisters

In the opening of “Stew Lies,” the narrative primarily revolved around a prolonged dispute between Bart and Lisa. At first, Bart mimicked everything Lisa said and did for a span of six months due to a fleeting misunderstanding. This repetitive behavior initially irritated Lisa, then left her feeling hopeless, but eventually led to understanding. As time passed, Lisa began collaborating with Bart’s antics, using his imitation skills to boost her activism efforts, teaching him Mandarin Chinese and the saxophone, and even acknowledging that this extended joke was one of the most supportive actions he had ever taken towards her.

Marge got emotional and chose to contact her sisters Patti and Selma right away to express her love for them. However, since an episode from “The Simpsons” Season 36 featuring Marge had already aired previously, the focus of the “Stew Lies” episode was on Homer instead. So, when he expressed his desire to connect with someone significant before it was too late, it made sense that he’d reach out to his long-lost brother. However, it turned out that the food TV host was the one he contacted instead.

Homer felt inspired to connect with John DiMaggio, the host of Dude Vs Food (which is a parody of both Guy Fieri and Adam Richman). It’s understandable that longtime viewers might have anticipated that Homer would reach out to his half-brother Herb Powell, who he barely knows. Unfortunately, their meeting didn’t happen, and the rest of the episode centered around a lengthy plot about Fat Tony’s past in the Prussian mob.

Homer’s Relationship With His Brother Herb Explained

The Simpsons Introduced Danny DeVito’s Character In Season 2

In simpler terms, the bond between Homer and his half-brother, Herb, was complex because they weren’t aware of each other until adulthood. It wasn’t until their father, Grampa Simpson, thought he was near death in season 2, episode 15 titled “Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?”, that Homer discovered the existence of Herb. Their mother worked at a carnival, and Herb grew into a successful automobile manufacturer, but he ended up losing his entire fortune after investing heavily in one of Homer’s reckless and unsuccessful car designs.

Similar to how Marge’s peculiar storyline from Season 36 of The Simpsons unfolded, this plot also took a surprisingly positive turn in Season 3, Episode 24 titled “Brother, Can You Spare Two Dimes?” During this episode, Herb invented a device that enabled babies to communicate with their parents, thanks to a loan from Homer. This invention helped him regain his financial stability. Despite parting ways after the optimistic ending of this episode, Herb is referenced again in at least one later episode. In Season 24, Episode 11, “The Changing of the Guardian,” a voicemail simply states, “I’m broke again.

The Simpsons Season 36 Already Brought Back Herb Powell (Sort Of)

Herb Appeared In The Simpsons Season 36 Episode 1

In a previous episode of “The Simpsons” season 36, titled “Bart’s Birthday,” there was an almost certain return of Herb, portrayed by Danny DeVito. Interestingly, this episode is not considered part of the show’s official storyline as it serves as a humorous spoof of typical series finale plot devices. Despite having numerous stories left to tell, “The Simpsons” has never been consistent in maintaining its canonical continuity.

At Bart’s birthday party, characters such as Hank Scorpio and others make appearances. This occurs after Lisa finds out she’s leaving for a performing arts scholarship, Milhouse reveals his family’s move to Atlanta, and Homer and Marge resolve their marital issues. The episode “Bart’s Birthday” satirizes the emotional, sometimes implausibly timed resolutions common in series finales. Consequently, Herb’s appearance should be seen as an extension of this joke rather than a genuine return to the show.

How The Simpsons Season 37 Could Bring Back Herb

Season 36’s References Set The Stage For A Comeback

It’s possible that Season 37 of The Simpsons may bring a return for the character Herb, given the increased mentions in recent episodes and the show’s tendency to playfully revisit its own canon during Season 36. For instance, episodes like “The Flandshees of Innersimpson” (episode 12) and “The Man Who Flew Too Much” (episode 10) in Season 36 have shown a knack for revitalizing stale character dynamics and outdated storylines with a fresh perspective.

By revealing that Ned and Homer secretly craved their ongoing feud as neighbors, the show The Simpsons was able to satirize their worn-out dynamic while simultaneously breathing new life into it. Likewise, Herb’s return could demonstrate that The Simpsons has more than just Disney parodies up its sleeve for modern audiences. The show can reintroduce old stories that haven’t been touched in years and make them feel fresh, a fitting tribute to DeVito’s character.

In the episode “Bart’s Birthday,” Herb makes his reappearance because he is a significant character whose return would generate a lot of interest for the show’s continuity. However, given that season 36 has shown a tendency to treat its lore casually, this could be the perfect moment for such an essential figure to resurface and receive a fresh storyline that clarifies his enigmatic nature. This development would undoubtedly be more engaging than yet another new character, making the underwhelming return of a character in The Simpsons season 36 episode 16 a disappointment.

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2025-05-06 00:49