The Simpsons has resulted in plenty of fan theories over the years. They range from the fantastical (like the theory about why no one can find Springfield) to the surprisingly dour (Homer Simpson's injuries have caused brain damage) and they paint the characters in unique, unexpected lights. One new theory ties Homer's friend group to that of his son Bart in a decidedly depressing way.

The theory connects Homer's best friend Barney Gumble to one of Bart Simpson's classmates: Springfield Elementary's main bully Nelson Muntz. In the process, it makes Barney an even more tragic character than he already is -- and addresses a long-running dark joke about Nelson's family that's run throughout the series.

There's a long-running Nelson Muntz gag that revolves around his absent father. A character identified as Nelson's father appeared a handful of times in episodes like Season 4's "Brother from the Same Planet" and Season 9's "Bart Star." Eddie Muntz disappeared when Nelson's troubled home life was expanded in later seasons, established as having left his family off-screen either of his own volition (like in Season 28's "22 for 30") or unwillingly through the actions of others (as revealed in Season 16's "Sleeping with the Enemy"). Nelson's mother is often referenced as a serial dater in light of Nelson's father leaving town, and the absence has clearly had an impact on the young boy.

An idea fromThe Simpsons Theory suggests Nelson's dad might actually still be around -- and hanging at Moe's. The theory argues that Barney is Nelson's real father. Barney and Nelson share a number of physical similarities, including matching hair color, tooth gap, and a similar general build. Both have also created short films about their lives (Barney's stirring Pukahontas from Season 6's "A Star is Burns" and Nelson's self-documentary Life Blows Chunks from Season 19's "Any Given Sundance"), suggesting that they share a passion for and skill at filmmaking.

Both also sadly have been shown dealing with addictive tendencies, which can be passed down genetically. If Barney were Nelson's real father, then his battles with alcoholism (as highlighted by his attempt to go sober in the teen seasons of the show) could have trickled down to his son, adding additional layers to gags about Nelson's addiction to candy cigarettes and fast food in various episodes. The theory even argues that Barney's separation from his potential family could have spurred on his problematic drinking and increasing isolation from others. There's even a chance the pair are connected and don't know it; Barney was shown as a frequent visitor to the Springfield Sperm Bank in Season 4's "Selma's Choice," so he could have been a donor for Nelson's mother.

The biggest wrench in the theory is the existence of Eddie, who shares Nelson's surname and distinct nose. But the theory argues that Eddie could have been a stepfather to Nelson. It's also possible that Nelson's mother could have had an affair with Barney that resulted in a son. The theory is an especially interesting idea to consider in light of Nelson's eventual friendship with Bart and romantic interest in Lisa. It'd be surprisingly fitting if Homer and Barney's children unwittingly became close as well. But it would also mean Nelson's abandonment issues are even sadder, as his father is still in town during the whole series. While the show has changed characters drastically over the years and retconned its own backstory before, this is one Simpsons fan theory that's probably better off staying a theory.

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About The Author

Brandon Zachary (4982 Articles Published)

Brandon Zachary is an Associate Writer with Comic Book Resources and has written for CBR since 2018. He covers breakouts on comics, film, television, video games, and anime. He also conducts industry interviews, is a Rotten Tomatoes certified film critic, and knows SO MUCH about the X-Men. For requests, comments, or to hear his pitch for a third Avatar series that incorporates robots, you can contact him through bs.zachary@gmail.com.

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