Op-Ed: How The Simpsons should REALLY move on post Harry Shearer

harry shearer voices

Al Jean has noted that the process they are taking in moving on without Harry Shearer on The Simpsons, is simply to recast all of the voices that Harry has done most importantly Ned, Skinner, Burns, Smithers, Kent Brockman, LoveJoy, etc and has already dropped very reputable names like Tom Kenny, Billy West, and others. My take? Don’t bother recasting The Simpsons, instead, let’s retire every one of the characters that Harry did and start over.

Yep…you heard me. For years fans have been complaining about The Simpsons rehashing old story lines and not being as funny as it used to, and I think an influx of new characters could be the perfect way to keep this series going for a number of years. Doing so could bring a litany of possibilities when it comes to story lines.

Maybe Homer gets a new job or a new boss? Not a character to help promote a guest star, but maybe one to help usher in a new career or working relationship with our leading man. How about a new neighbor? For years Ned has been the butt of jokes for Homer, how about we move someone in that doesn’t take shit from The Simpsons? Principal Skinner? How about we get rid of him and get someone looking to make improvements to Springfield Elementary and make the building more contemporary? Replace chalkboard gags with marker boards. Replace notebooks and text books with Chromebooks. Replace the gross lunches that you really don’t see anymore in today’s schools with the more popular health options thereby attracting a more health conscious and modern audience. Tired of Rainier Wolfcastle? Good! Action stars don’t look like him anymore anyway in movies. Hell, I just saw Ex Machina and the most action packed character was a hot cyborg!

I am in the camp of, maybe Harry Shearer comes back to The Simpsons, and if so…disregard my recommendations. But, I think if Harry leaving is permanent, we retire all of his characters and replace them with new ones that would bring in fresh story lines, fresh voices (let’s start with Billy West, Tom Kenny, etc), and a more modern approach to The Simpsons that would insure new episodes that will take us for another 26 seasons.

The Simpsons are all-new Sunday Night on FOX @ 8 pm ET/PT, check your local listings.  Do you like my ideas? Do you hate them? Comment below and let your voice be heard!