12 Times The Simpsons Went Dark

Currently the longest running animated show of all time, The Simpsons has become a staple in television history. They've managed to push the limits of how a simple cartoon can entertain a variety of individuals. Whether you're a child, a teenager, adult or senior, chances are you can find something of value in this show.

However, despite being a juggernaut in television hall of fame, a lot of viewers and even die-hard fans agree that the show has run its course. The writing isn't as strong or meaningful as it used to be and later seasons are constant reminders that the creators are running out of ideas for the Simpson family.

However, that doesn't mean that the show is completely out of gas. While they still manage a heartfelt or tear-jerking moment, they've also been dabbling in the more dark and grim side of their writing. Some of it has been a welcomed change of pace while others have been considered crossing the line. Why don't you be the judge?

Here are 12 moments where The Simpsons showrunners went dark.

It's a common running gag that Bart is not a very good student.

He's lazy, doesn't focus on the material and is a constant headache for his teacher, Mrs. Krabappel. However, in season two, his antics finally catch up to him. Both Bart and his parents are informed that, if he doesn't pass his next test, he will have to repeat the fourth grade. He desperately doesn't want that to happen, so he vows to pass the test.

So, he does an '80s style montage and aces the test, right? Not exactly. He finds that he has trouble focusing and tries everything from slapping himself silly to praying to a higher power for help. In the end though, it doesn't work and he ends up failing the test.

When Mrs. Krabappel informs him that they'll have another year together, he looks at his failure and begins crying uncontrollably. It's not goofy, funny or played off for laughs like the rest of show. In his tears, he claims that he really tried his hardest to pass, adding that it was the best he could do.

For such an upbeat and wise-cracking character, this was a sad and dark look at Bart coming to terms with his academic limits.