Who Was Larry the Barfly?

Larry the Barfly, voiced by Harry Shearer, was a perpetually drunk patron always seated at the end of the bar in Moe’s Tavern. Though largely silent, his visual gags and background antics delighted fans for decades. His full name was revealed to be Lawrence “Larry” Dalrymple in the recent episode “Cremains of the Day”.

While a minor character, Larry’s constant but understated presence made him a unique and beloved part of the fabric of The Simpsons. For many, The Simpsons without Larry just wouldn’t feel quite right.

Social Media Mourns Larry

As soon as the episode aired, fans immediately took to social media to express their grief over Larry’s loss. Hashtags like #RIPLarryTheBarfly and #GoodbyeLarry.

Many fans were previously unaware that this iconic background figure even had a name. But that didn’t stop them from mourning the loss of this subtle comedic force that faithfully delivered visual punchlines from his favorite bar stool for decades.

Losing Touch With Fans?

With ratings in steady decline in recent years, this latest twist has some viewers questioning whether the powers behind The Simpsons have lost their connection with fans.

Of course, iconic shows rarely regain their so-called “Glory Era” status. And the nature of long-running franchises is that core characters will occasionally get killed off. But given Larry’s legacy as an original background figure, combined with other recent missteps, this tragedy may prove one twist too far for some loyalists.

What Other Recent Events Have Upset Fans?

The Larry fiasco isn’t the first time the show has upset fans in recent years. Other controversies and criticized decisions include:

– Recasting fan-favorite characters like Carl and Dr. Hibbert with new actors
– Jokes and storylines that some viewers considered insensitive
– Increased reliance on celebrity guest appearances versus original writing
– Stunt casting like the upcoming “Simpsons Kids” spinoff show
– Retconning previous popular storylines from the “Golden Era” seasons

While outrage and debate have always surrounded The Simpsons, the volume seems louder lately. Between declining viewership, accusations of becoming out of touch, and this latest Larry drama – has The Simpsons crossed a line it can’t come back from?

Why Simpsons Can’t Fans Accept Losing Larry?

As with any show entering its fourth decade, The Simpsons of today scarcely resembles its original early incarnation. So why has killing off Larry the Barfly caused such a strong response compared to other recent issues?

As one of the few remaining visible connections to the first episode, Larry embodied the nostalgic campiness that defined the show’s prime. His loss represents another severing of the current incarnation from that beloved early era that made it an icon in the first place.

For many devotees, the show IS Larry sipping his Duff Beer, along with other familiar background touches. Remove too many of those subtle, comforting constants – and The Simpsons becomes almost unrecognizable.

Is This Finally the End?

Rumors of The Simpson’s imminent cancellation have swirled for over a decade. But its merchandising empire and streaming/syndication popularity have kept it profitable. However, declining viewership and these accumulating controversies have intensified predictions that the end may finally be near.

The Simpsons without Larry just feels off for fans. Combine that with other factors, and this could be the final straw that sees the show lose its critical mass of loyal viewers.

Network executives may be forced to make the tough call to end things if ratings decline further. There would likely be some outrage, but the overall consensus seems to be a preference for going out while still somewhat on top.

The Bottom Line

Killing off Larry the Barfly after over 30 years feels to many devotees like an attack on the show’s roots. This latest controversy piles onto other criticisms of the current incarnation being out of touch.

While The Simpsons will likely chug along profitably for a while thanks to its diversified media empire – this unfortunate event may accelerate discussions to finally pull the plug. Because for many loyal fans, The Simpsons minus beloved background figures like Larry just isn’t The Simpsons anymore. I sincerely hope you find this “What The Simpsons Did That Fans Simply Can’t Accept, End of an Era?” article helpful.

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