Why The Simpsons Fandom Is Obsessed With Lenny Leonard (And Why I’m Here For It)

There is a character on the long list of the cast of The Simpsonsand more normal but totally endearing than Lenny Leonard? The Simpsons is packed with supporting characters, and each can host their own The Simpsons spin-off show. Everyone has their favorite character. When I started to be interested in The SimpsonsI ordered a new DVD box set almost every Christmas and birthday for years, ending up with about eight seasons of the classic show. I studied these characters in depth, grew to love them, and, probably without knowing it, constantly ranked them against each other.

Like many people, one of my first loves in The Simpsons it was Mr. How can you hate a man with a robot guard Richard Simmons? As the years go by, your tastes transform and change. You start to like different things for different reasons. Natural Light used to be the pinnacle of beer for me. I don’t think I would touch a can if it were offered to me now. I came to appreciate other characters in The Simpsons I previously forgot. Lenny Leonard always deserved my loveand everyone else seems to agree.

Lenny is the perfect everyman character that fans can’t help but love

Lenny is all of us at one time or another

Lenny Leonard first appears in Season 1, Episode 9, “Life on the Fast Lane”, at the end of the episode, cheering on Homer as he carries Marge to his car a la Richard Gere and Debra Winger in An officer and a gentleman. He is one of Homer’s drinking buddies at Moe’s and in the first few seasons he doesn’t do much, but as the seasons go on, Lenny got funnier lines and his character became more developed. He’s a jerk for sure, as are almost every character in Springfield, but he’s a jerk in an understandable way.

In Season 8, Episode 8, “Hurricane Neddy”, the people of Springfield come together to rebuild the House of Flanders and fail miserably. Ned attacks everyone present, points at Lenny and says: “And as for you, I don’t know you, but I’m sure you’re an idiot!” The perplexed and hurt Lenny responds: “Hey, I’ve only been here for a few minutes, what’s going on?“Who hasn’t found themselves in an undesirable situation only to be insulted just by their presence? It’s kind of pathetic, but it’s also completely relatable. Lenny’s just hanging out. What’s Ned’s problem?”

Even Lenny’s most embarrassing moments make him endearing. In Season 9, Episode 9, “Reality Bites”, Marge becomes a real estate agent, showing various dilapidated homes to interested buyers. She brings Flanders to one that looks good enough until the entire front wall and facade collapses like Buster Keaton’s famous stunt. There’s Lenny inside, wearing boxers and a cut-off t-shirt, eating out of a can in the abandoned house.”Please don’t tell anyone how I live“. I would say the same if someone found me eating a Digiorno pizza in the sink on a Thursday night.

Lenny has many moments that make it clear that he is not just Schlimazel in every situation. In Season 10, Episode 13, “Homer to the Max”, Lenny leads the rest of the plant to face Homer like a wild animal. “Get ready, guys. He’s about to do something stupid“, he whispers. See, Lenny is quite perceptive when it comes to the personalities of those around him.. In fact, for those who only saw the meme of that scene, it’s worth watching the whole thing. Homer is actively making fondue on his control panel.

Every abuse towards Lenny Leonard only makes him more lovable

Lenny keeps moving forward no matter what life and Homer throw at him

Lenny also receives his fair share of abuse, among which things constantly get in his eyes. For some reason, Lenny can’t get anything in his eyes. I would have imagined this medical advice extended to everyone, but for some reason it’s particularly terrible for Lenny. In Season 12, Episode 5, “Homer vs. Dignity”, Mr. Burns pays Homer to throw pudding at Lenny. Homer almost says no, due to Lenny being a war hero (a fact that has never been mentioned before or since), but agrees when Mr. Burns offers him four dollars.

In Season 4, Episode 17, “Last Exit to Springfield”, Homer decides he is going to punch Lenny in the back of the head. Cut to Lenny having his breakfast ripped out of his mouth for no apparent reason as far as he’s concerned. Sometimes the universe seems to punish Lenny, but He doesn’t deserve this, and it’s hard not to root for him when it happens. Everyone occasionally feels like they’ve been punched in the back of the head for no reason, or the one thing that shouldn’t happen to you happens, like pudding in the eye.

Perhaps the most relatable aspect of her adorable sad mentality comes in Season 10 Episode 22, “They Saved Lisa’s Brain.” As he drives through green light after green light, Lenny says to himself, “Man, I’m doing record time! If only I had a place to be.” Don’t worry Lenny, no matter where you’re going, we’re all glad you’re enjoying the ride. It’s a good mindset for anyone to have.

There may be something more going on between Lenny Leonard and Carl Carlson

Even The Simpsons Writers Suggest Lenny and Carl Are in a Relationship

Of course, you can’t talk about Lenny Leonard without talking about his friend/possible lover, Carl Carlson. Carl and Lenny have always been close, and fans have even started to wonder if there is something more going on between the two. The Simpsons the writers were happy to explore this fan theory, often teasing that the two are involved in a romantic relationship. Of lines like “Remember when we kissed like that, Carl? With our respective girlfriends?” to Carl telling Lenny, “See, statements like this are why people think we’re gay”, the writers have a lot of fun teasing their closeness.

Lenny once had a vision of the sky that only costs 100 Carls, saying he was late for work at the factory. Another time, Lenny carves a mountain in the shape of Carl’s face, although Carl refuses to acknowledge it. Once again, Lenny creates his own newspaper. The story on the front page? “The truth about Carl: he’s great!” The Simpsons will probably never answer that question definitively, but it’s still a really fun joke whenever it’s referenced. As long as you keep Lenny Leonard on the screen, I’m game. As Marge once said, “There’s a lot of buzz around Lenny.”