Is there a character in the long cast list ofThe Simpsonsmore unremarkable yet totally endearing than Lenny Leonard?The Simpsonsis jam-packed with supporting characters, and each couldhost their ownThe Simpsonsspinoff show. Everyone has their favorite character. When I first began getting interested inThe Simpsons, I asked for a new DVD box set almost every Christmas and birthday for years, winding up with about eight seasons of the classic show. I studied these background characters, grew to love them, and probably unknowingly, ranked them constantly against each other.
Like a lot of people, one of my first loves inThe Simpsonswas Mr. Burns. How could you hate a man with a Richard Simmons guard robot? Over the years, your tastes morph and change. You start to enjoy different things for different reasons. Natural Light used to be the pinnacle of beer for me. I don’t think I’d touch a can if it were offered to me now. I’ve come to appreciate other characters onThe SimpsonsI previously overlooked.Lenny Leonard always deserved my love, and everyone else seems to agree.
Lenny Is The Perfect Everyman Character That Fans Can’t Help But Love
Lenny Is All Of Us At One Time Or Another
Lenny Leonard first appears in season 1, episode 9, “Life on the Fast Lane”, at the end of the episode, cheering Homer on as he carries Marge to his car à la Richard Gere and Debra Winger inAn Officer and a Gentleman. He’s one of Homer’s drinking buddies at Moe’s and, for the first few seasons, he doesn’t do much, but as the seasons went on,Lenny got funnier lines and his character became more developed. He’s a dope for sure, as is almost every character in Springfield, but he’s a dope in a relatable way.
The Simpsons: 10 Funniest Lenny & Carl Quotes
Lenny & Carl are two of the funniest characters in The Simpsons. This dynamic duo has some hilarious lines they bounce off each other.
In season 8, episode 8, “Hurricane Neddy”, the people of Springfield come together to rebuild Flanders' house and fail miserably. Ned goes off on everyone present and points to Lenny and says, “And as for you, I don’t know you, but I’m sure you’re a jerk!” The bewildered and hurt Lenny responds, “Hey I’ve only been here a few minutes, what’s going on?” Who hasn’t stumbled across an unwelcome situation only to be insulted just for their presence? It’s sort of pathetic, but it’s also completely relatable. Lenny’s just hanging out. What’s Ned’s problem?
Even Lenny’s more embarrassing moments make him endearing. In season 9, episode 9, “Reality Bites”, Marge becomes a real estate agent, showing off several dilapidated houses to interested buyers. She brings the Flanders to one that seems fine enough until the entire front wall and facade fall like inthe famous Buster Keaton stunt. There’s Lenny inside, wearing boxers and a cut-off t-shirt, eating from a can in the abandoned house, “Please don’t tell anyone how I live”. I would say the same if someone stumbled on me eating a Digiorno pizza over the sink on a Thursday night.
Lenny gets plenty of moments that make it clear he isn’t just the Schlimazel in every situation.
Lenny gets plenty of moments that make it clear he isn’t just the Schlimazel in every situation. In season 10, episode 13, “Homer to the Max”, Lenny leads the rest of the power plant to stare at Homer like a wild animal. “Get ready, everybody. He’s about to do something stupid,” he whispers. See,Lenny is pretty perceptive when it comes to the personalities of those around him. By the way, for those who have only seen the meme of that scene, the whole thing is worth watching. Homer is actively making fondue over his control panel.
Every Abuse Towards Lenny Leonard Just Makes Him More Loveable
Lenny Keeps Moving Forward No Matter What Life And Homer Throw At Him
Lenny also gets his fair share of abuse, not least of which is things constantly getting in his eye. For whatever reason, Lenny can’t get anything in his eye. I would have guessed that piece of medical advice extended to everyone but, for whatever reason, it’s particularly dire for Lenny. In season 12, episode 5, “Homer vs. Dignity”, Mr. Burns pays Homer to throw pudding at Lenny. Homer almost says no, on account of Lenny being a war hero (a fact which was never mentioned before or since), but acquiesces when Mr. Burns offers him four dollars.
Everyone occasionally feels like they got punched in the back of the head for no reason, or the one thing that wasn’t supposed to happen to you happens, like pudding in the eye.
In season 4, episode 17, “Last Exit to Springfield”, Homer decides he’s going to punch Lenny in the back of the head. Cut to Lenny having his morning coffee smacked out of his mouth for no discernible reason as far as he’s concerned. Sometimes the universe seems to punish Lenny, buthe doesn’t deserve it, and it’s hard not to root for him when it does. Everyone occasionally feels like they got punched in the back of the head for no reason, or the one thing that wasn’t supposed to happen to you happens, like pudding in the eye.
Perhaps the most relatable aspect of his loveable sad-sack mentality comes in season 10, episode 22, “They Saved Lisa’s Brain”. While driving through green light after green light, Lenny says to himself, “Man, I’m making record time! If only I had someplace to be.” Don’t worry Lenny, it doesn’t matter where you’re going, we’re all just happy you’re appreciating the ride. It’s a good mentality for anyone to have.
There Might Be Something More Going On Between Lenny Leonard And Carl Carlson
Even The Writers Of The Simpsons Hint Lenny And Carl Are In A Relationship
Of course, you can’t talk about Lenny Leonard without talking about his friend/possible lover, Carl Carlson.Carl and Lenny have always been close, and fans have even begun to wonder if there’s something more going on between the pair.The Simpsonswriters have been happy to exploit this fan theory, often teasing that the two are engaged in a romantic relationship. From lines like, “Remember when we used to kiss like that, Carl? With our respective girlfriends?” to Carl telling Lenny, “See, statements like that are why people think we’re gay,” the writers have a lot of fun teasing their closeness.
In season 18, episode 12, “Little Big Girl”, it’s humorously suggested that Carl and Lenny share a mother.
Lenny once saw a vision of heaven which is just 100 Carls, telling him he’s late for work at the plant. Another time, Lenny carves a mountain into the shape of Carl’s face, though Carl refuses to acknowledge it. Another time, Lenny creates his own newspaper. The front page story? “The Truth About Carl: He’s Great!“The Simpsonsis probably never going to answer this question definitively, but it’s still a very amusing joke whenever referenced. As long as it keeps Lenny Leonard on screen, I’m game. As Marge once says, “There’s a lot of buzz around Lenny.”
The Simpsons
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The Simpsons is an animated series set in the fictional town of Springfield, following the daily lives of the Simpson family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie. Premiering in 1989, the show is renowned for its satirical commentary on politics, media, and American culture, featuring numerous celebrity guest appearances.
