Why 'The Simpsons' Takes a Witty Jab at 'Venom' That Outshines the Movies!

Ah, the season of ghouls, goblins, and—let’s not beat around the bush—The Simpsons' beloved “Treehouse of Horror.” It’s the sacred rite of Halloween that feels as inevitable as candy corn at a fall festival. You know it’s that time of year when you can't escape the spine-tingling anticipation of Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie diving into their annual dose of frightfully fun antics. This year, the 35th installment did not disappoint, pandering to our pop culture cravings with sly references that could only come from the genius minds of Matt Groening and co.

This time around, the escapade included a tribute to our favorite parasitic anti-hero Venom, who recently graced the silver screen one last time in “Venom: The Last Dance.” The final segment, charmingly titled “Denim,” cleverly straddles the line between absurdity and hilarity. Let’s be real—Venom may be a fearsome figure, but toss him into the Springfield blender, and he transforms into something much funnier than anything seen in those earnest Tom Hardy flicks. As we’ve learned from years of laughter and irony, the shows’ poignant—if not perfectly timed—mockery of classics like *The Twilight Zone* is something we’ve grown to relish, long since its inception in Season 2.

In its yearly tradition, "Treehouse of Horror" hands us three delightful morsels wrapped in tongue-in-cheek humor. This year’s festivities, airing on November 3, feature a trio of stories that cover everything from the chaos of modern politics to otherworldly hauntings. My personal favorite? “Denim,” of course! Where else could you watch Homer (voiced as ever by the incomparable Dan Castellaneta) tango with denim jeans driven by mythical forces? As Homer scours the aisles of his local department store, one can’t help but feel a twinge of sympathy for the man who is, let’s face it, merely searching for the perfect pair of pants—as relatable a struggle as any.

In a move that could only be conceived in the wild minds of The Simpsons writers, a warp hole conveniently spits out a pair of stop-motion jeans. Really, who needs magic when there’s a cosmic portal ready to unravel right before a man’s eyes? Once adorned, these mythical pants turn Homer into a sassy, self-assured version of himself—and don't we all need that fiery boost of confidence sometimes? Taking cues from Venom’s snarky persona, Homer receives cheeky advice from the now sentient denim, declaring its identity with grandiosity: “I am DENIM.” A phrase that will hardly end up on a motivational poster, but I digress.

As the antics unfold, we see Homer (still bearing the essence of the downtrodden Eddie Brock) ultimately becoming a winning dance partner for Marge (the ever-wonderful Julie Kavner). Because what better way to win over your significant other than through gracefully flailing around like a majestic walrus trying to impress its mate? The current iteration of The Simpsons often inspires mixed reactions, but the "Denim" segment was a delightful reminder of the show's timeless comedic fabric, even as fashion trends roll in and out like tides.

Interestingly enough, while Venom’s CGI-soaked spectacle could leave you numb from its over-the-top absurdity, this episode grazes the edges of genius with its uncanny ability to present a farcical take on a franchise that doesn’t quite know if it wants to be serious or ludicrous. Each scene that captures Homer confiding in his denim “buddy” breaks down any pretense of normalcy—almost asking us to laugh alongside him as he navigates life’s curveballs.

In the world of The Simpsons, where the mundane mixes freely with the mystical, one has to marvel at how they've captured the spirit of Venom while retaining their wry sarcasm. It’s a craft to elevate silliness into something profound, something that reflects back on our own marvelous absurdities. While we await Season 36, currently available to stream on Hulu, we can only hope that this mischievous family in their quirky little Springfield continues to surprise us with their blend of heart and hilarity. In the meantime, keep that candy bowl filled, the costumes ready, and prepare for whatever delightful chaos may come next!