Over the course of 30 years, The Simpsons has seen a number of its jokes and plot lines come to life. From Donald Trump's presidency to the Disney/Fox merger, fans have long wondered if the writing staff possesses certain psychic powers or knowledge of the future.
One writer is willing to address this head-on. Bill Oakley, a longtime writer for the animated series, replied to a fan who posted a clip on Twitter and said: "S***, The Simpsons really did predict 2020." "OK fine, I guess we did," Oakley said in response.
The clip comes from Season 4, Episode 21, "Marge in Chains." During the beginning of the episode, a sick Japanese worker sneezes into a crate of juice that is being shipped to Springfield. Soon, the residents start suffering from the effects of what is dubbed "The Osaka Flu." An angry mob soon congregates outside Dr. Hibbert's medical clinic, demanding a cure. The mob eventually overturns the truck, unleashing a swarm of killer bees.
Oakley previously commented on the comparison of the Osaka Flu to the coronavirus and the racist jokes it has spawned. "I don't like it being used for nefarious purposes," he said "The idea that anyone misappropriates it to make coronavirus seem like an Asian plot is terrible. In terms of trying to place blame on Asia — I think that is gross."