The Simpsons' Rake Gag is Over! Sideshow Bob's Iconic Running Joke Ends

Fans of The Simpsons know that this show loves to have running gags that keep fans entertained! One that fans will be excited about is finally coming to an end after a very long run!

Sideshow Bob's Rake Gag

For nearly four decades, The Simpsons has entertained audiences with its hilarious take on everyday life, giving fans lots of classic moments, one being Sideshow Bob’s iconic encounter with a rake! This iconic, well-loved scene comes in one of the most viewed Simpsons episodes, “Cape Feare,”, originally airing in season 5, episode 2. That iconic moment takes Sideshow Bob, and places him in a super embarrassing moment when he stumbles upon a rake and gets hit squarely in the face! For nearly 21 years this recurring comedic moment was included again and again in the episodes after. This running joke that spanned decades is finally, perhaps, done for. This was especially so after the release of “The Yellow Lotus,” in season 36, episode 2. Less than a week later another short called “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year”, also included this iconic moment and according to producer Al Jean this will probably be its last hurrah.

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Al Jean's Comments

The Simpsons Sideshow Bob getting hit in the groin by a rake in Season 36 Image

Al Jean, in a discussion with Inverse made it clear that he had some input with this last gag. However, Jean makes it apparent that David Silverman who directed "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" wanted it and this moment ended the show, but he was certainly ready for something different as it is not that enjoyable after a long period! What was so amusing was the Simpsons really created something meta using this final gag, suggesting to those watching it that even these writers thought it was “tired”! So maybe they’re also trying to use their powers to put the nail in the coffin for that particular iconic joke!

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Impact on The Simpsons

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Fans always get their heartbreaks whenever there are some endings and some series bring a sadness, as beloved things come to an end, but for a show with a huge fanbase such as The Simpsons, you might find this an exciting announcement!

It might appear the running gag really came from “Cape Feare,” back in 1994. The creator didn't create it out of some brilliant plan but really as a filler moment.

For viewers though it's hard to imagine Sideshow Bob without the rake gag! It became super endearing. There might be a hint of sadness about how this 20-plus years moment is gone! But it won't mean Sideshow Bob will be gone!

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The Simpsons Legacy

The Simpsons is the type of series that gives the gift that keeps giving!

With nearly 40 years of running gags it seems as if its fans are not quite done with these funny moments that may live on even after some have passed on! Even those who get introduced today to this crazy TV series. The jokes will continue, in a wide array of moments and perhaps, there will be the chance to use a whole new, similar moment that the creative team behind the show has up their sleeves! What stands out, the creators seem aware they've gotten their use from that running joke and might bring something even cooler.

Kelsey Grammer is an award-winning actor and he plays Sideshow Bob, this really highlights just how much a series, over decades can mean. So perhaps a moment, will just have some adjustments but some fans hope the series continues, bringing in new stories, jokes and even, running gags! The Simpsons seems to give an idea for why they might create new and amazing jokes over and over again, as their audience has come to expect and it will truly be memorable in its uniqueness!

The Simpsons' Rake Gag is Over! Sideshow Bob's Iconic Running Joke Ends

Sideshow Bob's Rake Gag

Al Jean's Comments

Impact on The Simpsons

The Simpsons Legacy

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