The decision was revealed in the third episode of the long-running show\u2019s 35th season, in which Homer indicates he is a changed man after more than 750 instalments about life in fictional Springfield.<\/p>\n
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The Simpsons family are changing with the times. <\/span>Credit: <\/span>AP Photo\/Fox<\/cite><\/p>\n Titled \u201cMcMansion & Wife\u201d, the episode sees Homer and his wife Marge decide to drop in on their new neighbour, Thayer.<\/p>\n Homer, who works as a safety inspector at the Springfield nuclear power plant, reaches out to shake his hand, and Thayer remarks what a strong grip he has.<\/p>\n \u201cSee, Marge, strangling the boy paid off,\u201d says Homer. \u201cJust kidding, I don\u2019t do that any more. Times have changed.\u201d<\/p>\n Homer strangling Bart had been a regular feature of the animated comedy sitcom since it first aired in 1989.<\/p>\n His son had angered him. \u201cWhy you little\u2026\u201d a hapless Homer would often yell if his son had angered him, while squeezing his neck until Bart\u2019s eyes could be seen bulging out.<\/p>\n Homer\u2019s behaviour was addressed during an episode in season 22, when a therapist attempted to get him to see the error of his ways. The joke reappeared in later instalments before seemingly being phased out.<\/p>\n Some fans of the show welcomed news of the scene seemingly being finally retired, saying the joke had worn thin.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew my man Homer was gonna learn. He\u2019s a smart fella,\u201d one social media user said. \u201cHomer finally learnt.\u201d<\/p>\n Another added that it \u201ctook him \u2026 years but he [Homer] finally learnt\u201d.<\/p>\n The award-winning show, created by Matt Groening, has largely stuck to its ways for much of its long and successful history. Indeed, it was only earlier this year the show removed a cigarette machine from the rear of Moe\u2019s Tavern, where it had stood for 30 seasons.<\/p>\n