A Main Simpsons Character Just Missed Their First Episode Ever

Roughly halfway through its 34th season, "The Simpsons" is setting a new small screen record with every single episode that makes it to air. Given the way it keeps chugging along in the primetime landscape, the landmark animated series is not likely to give up its title as the longest-running scripted series in television history anytime soon. At this point in time, it likely never will. But with more than 750 episodes already in the books, the series is arguably starting to feel long in the proverbial tooth. That fact is more than understandable given the series' astonishing longevity, though "The Simpsons" creative team continues to deliver delightfully kooky tales of dysfunctional family bliss one week after the other.

It obviously helps that, animated or not, they're writing for one of the most-loved families in the history of the small screen. To date, Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa, and Maggie Simpson have, understandably, played some part in pretty much every hilarious and heartfelt adventure "The Simpsons" has conjured up. However, the list of Simpsons boasting legit appearances in every episode of the show just a bit got shorter. And yes, that's because one main member of the family unexpectedly sat the most recent episode of "The Simpsons" out. 

Titled "Carl Carlson Rides Again," the episode was centered largely around the titular character (these days voiced by Alex Désert), who's historically been relegated to supporting player status on "The Simpsons." Fronting Carl, of course, makes the episode noteworthy in and of itself. But as Twitter user ChelseatheCartoonGal notes, the episode is all the more noteworthy due to the complete absence of Yeardley Smith's Lisa Simpson. 

Given the episode's focus, it's easy to understand why the jazz-loving know-it-all didn't play a major role in the action, though it's still a bit of a shock when any of the main family doesn't turn up for even a brief spot in an episode. Nonetheless, this isn't the first time one was largely absent from the proceedings. Per its IMDb credits, Bart Simpson did not turn up in the season 20 episode, "Four Great Women and a Manicure." Likewise, Marge Simpson appeared — but did not have a speaking role — in the season 4 episode "Krusty Gets Cancelled," and baby Maggie Simpson has endured a handful of absences herself.  

Still, Bart did ham it up in the opening credits couch gag for that season 20 episode, and Maggie is a couch gag regular when she's not around too. Unfortunately, "Carl Carlson Rides Again" skipped said gag altogether, meaning Lisa wasn't even granted that minor cameo. In her absence, Homer is officially the only Simpson to both appear, and speak in every episode of "The Simpsons."