‘The Simpsons’ Writer Calls Memes Of ”Osaka Flu” Episode Amid Coronavirus Outbreak “Gross”

written by @Choose_Wisely2

The Simpsons often gets a lot of credit for predicting the future with some of their classic episodes. But the recent perversion of one episode by Internet trolls is both “terrible” and “gross,” according to episode writer Bill Oakley.

The episode, titled, “Marge in Chains,” aired May 1993. The episode focused on a tired Marge Simpson getting arrested for accidentally shoplifting while she is picking up items for her sick family, who are all suffering from the “Osaka Flu.”

The episode begins in Japan, where a sick factory worker coughs into boxes that will be used to ship a popular juicer that everyone in Springfield orders. Six to eight weeks later, everyone in Springfield becomes ill.

Bill Oakley told The Hollywood Reporter, “I don’t like it being used for nefarious purposes. 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.”

 The Simpsons has received much credit for predicting future events like the Ebola virus in season 9.⠀⠀⠀

“There are very few cases where The Simpsons predicted something,” Oakley said. “It’s mainly just coincidence because the episodes are so old that history repeats itself. Most of these episodes are based on things that happened in the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s that we knew about.”