“Foolish, Earthlings!” The line most commonly uttered by two drooling aliens who have become a staple of “The Simpsons”‘ famed Treehouse of Horror episodes – Kang and Kodos. No, literally, they’re in every single one, which is an impressive feat, 34 and counting. From major plotlines to brief cameos, they are the unofficial “Where’s Waldo?“ of Matt Groening’s world and beloved (albeit feared) figureheads of the spooky specials.
On a much deeper level, Kang and Kodos are Springfield’s answer to the spinning top of “Inception”, the calling card that helps you realise, ‘phew, I’m watching a Halloween special of “The Simpsons” and this isn’t, actually, real life at all.’ But seeing Kang and Kodos is also just a bit of fun, if you don’t want to get that deep.
Growing up with Treehouse of Horror, from fresh episodes to spending my pocket money on the comic books, I’ve developed a complicated relationship with the aliens that I love, but also think are kind of gross. And, as we reach over 30 years of Treehouse of Horror (the original episode aired on October 25, 1990), it feels important to take a look back on what Kang and Kodos have actually taught us about space, how they fit into sci-fi history, and what we’ve learnt about extraterrestrial life.
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