The Simpsons has shocked fans by bidding farewell to a beloved character after an impressive 35 seasons. In a heart-wrenching twist, the show's 37th season finale saw the sudden passing of Alice Gluck, Springfield's beloved First Church organist. Her death served as a pivotal moment, prompting a series of events that unfolded in the episode 'Sashes to Sashes'. Alice's final wish was to leave her estate to Springfield Elementary, aiming to fund a new music program. However, this noble intention faced a hurdle when Mayor Quimby's son proposed using the funds for a three-day musical festival. The episode's climax saw Lisa Simpson, driven by determination, unearth long-buried secrets of the Quimby family, encouraging her brother Bart to challenge the younger Quimby for student council president. In the end, Alice's legacy was preserved, ensuring her vision for the music program came to fruition. This isn't Alice's first brush with death on the show; she was previously killed by a rogue robot seal in season 23, only to reappear as both alive and a ghost depending on the episode's narrative needs. Executive producer Tim Long confirmed Alice's permanent departure, stating, 'Alice the organist will live on through the beautiful music she made, but in a more profound sense, she's as dead as a doornail.' The character's journey began in season two's 'Three Men and a Comic Book,' with Cloris Leachman originally voicing her. Tress MacNeille later took on the role in subsequent appearances. The news of Alice's passing left fans grieving, with one user expressing their sorrow on X, 'Alice Glick died again in Season 37, Episode 7. Nooo.' Another user, referencing the recent death of Larry 'The Lush' Dalrymple in season 35, wrote, '1st Larry, now Alice Glick. The Simpsons are killing off everyone….' Despite the emotional farewell, the show's longevity demands fresh narratives, and The Simpsons continues to innovate, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter.
