The Simpsons
Summary
In its 35 years on the atmosphere , The Simpsonshas introduced three mutually exclusive edition of the Devil into the show ’s fictional universe . The Simpsonsisn’t precisely fastidious when it comes to the show ’s canon . After over 750 episodes , any series would inevitably run into some plot fix , butThe Simpsonsgoes out of its way of life to discount continuity in favor of wit . detail like a character ’s backstory , birthdate , or even whether they are live or dead can change from episode to instalment without warn in the chaotic animated sitcom . However , even within this context , the show ’s account with the Satan is bizarre .
WhileThe Simpsonsseason 36might alter this , the serial has had three distinct , contradictory versions of the devil co - existing in its canyon for over two decades now . Early seasons ofThe Simpsonsfeatured a few appearance from a black version of the monster who was genuinely creepy , as befits the show ’s darker , more misanthropical timber in this era . This take on Lucifer was put back by the seemingly pious Ned Flanders as the show enrol its faster - pace , more anarchic , and goofier Golden Age . Finally , the end of theGolden Age ofThe Simpsonsbrought with it a unexampled , more traditional visual sense of the Prince of Darkness that has hold on since .
3The First Devil In The Simpsons Is A Herman Lookalike
The Simpsons featured a relatively consistent, canon-confirmed devil early on
The Simpsonshas never been clear on what the devil looks like in the series , but the first few seasons did stick with one design . The Simpsonsintroduced Bart to the devil in time of year 2 , installment 10 , “ Bart Gets Hit By a Car”via a near - death experience . Bart was need in a elevator car accident and traveled to Hell , briefly converse with the Prince of Darkness . This bug - eyed version of the villain looks like Springfield ’s resident gaffer principal / blue jean smuggler Herman and he appears again in episode 13 , “ Homer vs. Lisa and the eighth Commandment . ”
This take on the devil has n’t been see in the series for a while , but he still adorn the promotional art of season 34 . Not only that , but the Herman lookalike is also the only reading of the devil boast in two episodes that are n’t Treehouse of Horror specials , whereas the other versions of the Satan mainly appear in non - canon Halloween outings . However , eventhis devil only appear in delusion , fantasy segues , and dreams , so there is no way of saying whether he is the “ Real ” dickens ofThe Simpsons . Considering how type likeHomer have changed a lotover the years , there is no ground to think the Prince of Darkness has n’t .
2Treehouse of Horror VI’s Devil Is Ned Flanders
Homer’s neighbor turned out to be Satan in one Halloween special
The devil got an even more substantive character in season 5 , episode 5 , " Treehouse of Horror IV , ” when he was revealed to Ned Flanders . In an ironic kink , Homer ’s holy - than - thou neighbor had literally been the daimon in camouflage all along , andDevil Flanders invite Homer into sell his psyche for a doughnut . Although Ned trifle the devil well in this Treehouse of Horror segment , he ended up lose a fight for Homer ’s endless fate to Marge when she successfully try that she owned her husband ’s soul thanks to their marriage vows . Since then , Devil Flanders has n’t appeared in the series , although this segment remains a fan favorite .
1Treehouse of Horror XI’s Satan Is A More Traditional Devil
Later Treehouse of Horror episodes made the Devil a more muscular monster
This take of the quality seem again in time of year 23 , sequence 3 , “ Treehouse of Horror XXII , ” and this is the version of the the Tempter that is typically utilized when the show render prop , inflatables , or costumes of Satan . However , later on episodes like time of year 28 , episode 2 , “ Friends and Family , ” still featured the Herman lookalike as their fiend , while in season 5 , episode 21 , “ Lady Bouvier ’s Lover , ” a character that looks vaguely like the muscular version of the devil is seen shaking hands with Mr. Burns in a pic . Thanks to this perplexing timeline , it ’s hard to watch which of the three devils see inThe Simpsonsis the substantial deal .
Cast
