The Simpsons season 36 highlights a massive Sideshow Bob plot hole and character problem

The following contains spoilers for The Simpsons Season 36 Episode 2, “The Yellow Lotus,” now streaming on Hulu

The Simpsons Sideshow Bob brought back for season 36, which highlights a long-standing hole in the character’s supporting cast. Introduced in season 1 as Krusty’s sidekick, Sideshow Bob first stepped into the spotlight in the season’s “Krusty Gets Busted.” Since then, Bob has returned several times to The Simpsons and Springfield as a whole. During this time, Bob has also developed a minor supporting cast of his own, which includes members of his family who share his homicidal tendencies. However, these characters eventually faded into the background alongside countless other guest stars and minor players The Simpsons‘World.

Season 36 “The Yellow Lotus” highlights this problem with the way it brings back Bob. Still played by regular Kelsey Grammer, Bob has a minor but important role in the episode. The episode also introduces a new supporting character into his life in the form of the character’s latest love interest, who comes at the cost of Bob’s previous romantic relationships. One of the previous relationships still stands as one of the most underutilized supporting characters in The Simpsons story, whose potential was never fully reached – and whose return to the show could revitalize Bob in future stories.

The Simpsons gives Sideshow Bob his third wife

The Simpsons Introduces Bob’s new wife, Tasha

The Simpsons Season 36 gives Sideshow Bob a third wifeNot fully allowing himself what happened with his second Francesco. Season 36 “The Yellow Lotus” brings back Bob and reveals that he has gained a surprising new wife in the form of the wealthy Tasha. Tasha and Bob are engaged to be married, leaving the titular family suspicious of Bob’s intentions. This makes perfect sense, as the plot of season 3’s “Black Widow” saw Bob marry Selma in a bid to steal her money. Even Bob acknowledges the fact when he accepts their suspicions, bargaining with the Simpsons to keep quiet.

Despite these fears, “The Yellow Lotus” reveals that Bob appears to be genuinely innocent, seemingly bolstered by the fortune he made with his collapsible rake. Instead, the relationship is thrown off when the unexpectedly unstable and unpredictable Tasha suddenly pushes Bob off the side of a cliff. This could potentially leave Bob open to other romantic options in future episodes, such as a return of his love interest Cassandra from season 31’s “Bobby, It’s Cold Outside.” however, It also opens the door for the return of FrancescaBob’s second wife and a seemingly forgotten member of The Simpsons‘Massive supporting cast.

Sideshow Bob’s second wife was a great Simpsons minor character

What happened to Francesca?

Francesca was introduced in season 17’s “The Italian Bob.” Played by Maria Grazia Cucinotta, Francesca lived in the small Tuscan village of Salsiccia. When Bob relocates to Italy in a bid to escape his feud with the Simpsons, he becomes mayor and falls in love with Francesca. When the Simpson family encountered Bob again in Italy itself, Bob and Francesca were married and even had a son, Gino. Initially kept in the dark about Bob’s criminal past, Francesca and Gino proved incredibly happy with Bob’s homicidal rageEven working with him to try and kill the Simpsons.

Francesca brings out a new side of Bob, showing an authentic element of a character that is often seen mid-performance or in the midst of a manic turn. Bob and Francesca seem to really love each other, making their matching homicidal rages surprisingly positive. Gino shared their bloodthirsty nature, but was also seen playfully dancing along with Maggie at one point. Both characters brought something different out of BobAnd fit easily into his orbit. Their episode even ended with a vow of a “family style” vendetta that never really followed through, which is a shame given Francesca’s potential.

The Simpsons wasted Sideshow Bob’s supporting characters

Sideshow Bob’s family has fallen by the wayside

The Simpsons Has a very deep bank of supporting characters, thanks to the long-running nature of the show. Many times, the characters played by guest stars appear only a few times, justifying why they fade into the background. Sideshow Bob is the exception to the rule, with Kelsey Grammer reprising the role over a dozen times at the time of writing. however, The Simpsons Has never used Bob’s own supporting cast to their full potential. Along with Francesca and Gino, Bob’s return in season 19’s “Funeral For a Fiend” featured the return of his previously introduced brother Cecil, as well as their parents.

However, none of them have formally returned since, outside of clever cameos in episodes like season 36’s “Bart’s Birthday.” Bob’s loved ones being pitted against The Simpsons was a fun concept that deserved further exploration, especially with Francesca. Francesca may have been a direct foil to Marge or developed a specific hatred for Lisa for accidentally setting off Bob’s exile from Salsiccia, reflecting Bob’s obsession with Bart. Even just forcing Bob to be a family man and potentially empathize more with the Simpsons could have been compelling. instead, Bob’s subsequent appearances are focused on him alone, with mixed results.

The Simpsons could have run out of sideshow Bob Stories

Sideshow Bob’s future episodes need resurgence

Sideshow Bob is a favorite fixture of The SimpsonsIts various episodes are often hailed as highlights of their respective seasons. However, they have also become increasingly less exciting. Season 25 “The Man Who Grew Too Much” wasted an interesting idea connecting Bob and Lisa on a weird sci-fi turn. Season 29’s “Gone Boy” was a tough episode, but one that gave Bart and Bob closure and seemed to put an end to their longstanding feud. As a result, “Bobby, It’s Cold Outside” and “The Yellow Lotus” felt much less compelling, with Bob is ultimately more forgettable as a supporting character rather than an outright antagonist.

It’s a shame, because returning Bob to his more murderous ways would subvert the genuinely sweet and affecting elements of “Gone Boy.” However, a return for Francesca could be the key. It could explain what happened to her and why the show has never mentioned her since season 19, as well as what happened to their son. Bringing Francesca back and allowing her to carry out their vendetta could put her in direct conflict with a more peaceful Bob. ShIdeshow Bob may have lost his appeal in The Simpsons Unless they find new ways to expand him, and Francesca could be the key.