Overview
- The U.S. broadcast on January 4 featured an episode titled “EoD”/“Seperance” that parodies Severance and introduces the shift.
- The Duff Corporation is depicted as declaring the beer mascot permanently retired within the show’s universe.
- Duffman’s on-screen persona gives way to Barry Duffman appearing in civilian attire, signaling the end of the cape-and-jingle era.
- Coverage places the move alongside recent removals of long-running Springfield side characters such as Larry and Alice Glick.
- Reporters note The Simpsons’ loose continuity, with even a quippy non-comment from a series spokesperson leaving future returns theoretically possible.