(Spoiler alert: Do not read on if you have not yet watched the Season 26 premiere of “The Simpsons” entitled “Clown in the Dumps.”)
After months of hype, dating back to last season, the major death on Fox animated series “The Simpsons” finally came to pass with the Season 26 premiere episode on Sunday. The episode’s title, “Clown in the Dumps,” certainly gave a pretty big clue, but it wasn’t Krusty the Clown or either of his sidekicks, Sideshows Bob or Mel.
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Instead, it was Krusty’s father, Rabbi Hyman Krustofski. The show didn’t shy away from showing him die either, as he passed away while in the middle of talking to his son.
Krusty was asking what Hyman really thought of him as a comedian and a performer, and Hyman said, “Eh…”
If he had more to say, he didn’t get to it, as he died in his office chair after uttering that one sound. But that syllable was enough to haunt Krusty, who was already vulnerable after comedians Jeff Ross and Sarah Silverman hurt his feelings during a celebrity roast.
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As promised, the character was voiced by an actor who won an Emmy for the role; Jackie Mason won for Outstanding Voice-Over Performance back in 1992 for the third season episode “Like Father, Like Clown.” It was in this episode that Hyman and his son first reconciled after 25 years of estrangement.
While Krusty was certain his father never fully embraced his comedic career, Bart proved otherwise in this season premiere. He brought Krusty to see that his father’s replacement, who was someone Krusty knew Hyman admired, was using a lot of Krusty’s jokes in his service.
“Dad loved my jokes,” Krusty said with tears in his eyes.
“The Simpsons” airs Sundays at 8 p.m. ET on Fox.