Why Simpsons fans think 1998 episode predicted Stranger Things’ Vecna

Danny Jones

Doesn’t matter how many times it happens, we’re always still taken aback by how bang on this show is.

Stranger Things 4 might be all said and done but fandom never takes a break and it would seem that some section of the audiences have spotted a connection between the hit sci-fi show and The Simpsons of all things.

Thats right, amid the unending raft of supposed Simpsons predictions, some people on social media are now convinced that the iconic and often oracle-like cartoon even managed to predict the hit Netflix show’s overarching villain, Vecna.

In case you didn’t know, Vecna – a.k.a. Henry Creel or ‘Number One’ – has a very distinct and graphic way of claiming his victims, which involves making them levitate and snapping their limbs. As it turns out, Matt Groening‘s family-friendly seemed to use very similar imagery all the way back in 1998.

@jccampie How will this play into season 5? #strangerthings #fyp #dufferbrothers #simpsons #katebush ♬ Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) – Kate Bush

It is uncanny, to be fair.

As you can see in the clip taken from season nine episode twelve entitled, “Bart Carny”, the character of Spud’s arms and legs begin contorting in a very familiar and uncomfortable fashion.

In the episode, Spud and his father Cooder are living in the Simpson’s family home after Homer and Bart accidentally put them out of work at the local carnival and, in this scene in particular, Spud shows Lisa how he can “unhinge all [his] joints at once”. You can see the full scene here:

So although there is no signs of worldly possession or levitation in this particular instance, you have to admit the manner in which his body moves is very much like we’ve seen is ST season four.

For reference, here is a compilation of those rather unpleasant scenes from Stranger Things (we’d advise not watching if you’ve just eaten or are naturally queasy when it comes to body horror).

Also, feels a bit late now but spoiler alert*

In the comments below the TikTok video, you can see plenty of people remarking, “Is there anything The Simpsons hasn’t predicted?” and “I swear the Simpsons creators are time travellers or something like whatever they predict it comes true”.

While many were quickly to point out that as known TV aficionados and cinephiles, the Duffer Brothers likely just took inspiration at most from scenes like this as they have since the show started.

We’re gonna go ahead and file this one under inspiration/homage or just a cool coincidence, but we always appreciate a good Simpsons prediction or Stranger Things theory.

PS – Eddie’s ‘real’ identity is our favourite.