If you’ve grown up with The Simpsons, you’re probably aware of Smithers’ incredibly ambiguous sexual orientation. But you also kinda know that he’s gay, along with the rest of Springfield, right? The show has never explicitly had him talk about his sexual identity, until now.

In an interview with TVLine, showrunner Al Jean has revealed that the 27th season will see Smithers finally come out to Mr. Burns. The reveal will happen over two episodes, which will be fascinating to see, because of all the people in Springfield, Mr. Burns is the character who does not have a clue that Smithers is gay.

Jean also hints that Smithers’ loyalty to Mr. Burns will waver for the first time. “He gets fed up with Burns not appreciating him and considers his options,” Jean told TVLine. Smithers’ loyalty and (unquestionable) lust for Mr. Burns are part of the intrigue of his character, so I hope he doesn’t venture too far from his nest.

Regardless of what happens, this suggests a lot of new character development for Smithers. Will he even be able to survive without his boss? And how will Burns take the news? Will it be… excccellent?

In another interview that Jean did with The Hollywood Reporter, he hinted that The Simpsons could sadly end after its 30th season, “I wouldn’t be stunned if we stopped at 28 but my bet is on at least 30.”

As I’m sure all fans will echo, I hope this isn’t true. The Simpsons is supposed to be that one show that just keeps going on forever and ever in our hearts and on our TV screens.

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HT: Vulture

IMAGE: Fox