Like real-life parents who are sometimes the last to know that their son is gay, Montgomery Burns of "The Simpsons" will find out in season 27 of the series that his personal assistant, Waylon Smithers Jr. is gay.
The nuclear power plant employee will come out this season, although "The Simpsons" Executive Producer Al Jean says that throughout the 26 seasons of the popular and award-winning series, most of Springfields residents knew of Smithers's sexual orientation. The show is devoting two episodes to his coming out that would air in March, reports CNN.
Over the past season, hints have been dropped over Smithers's gender preference. These includes hanging out in Springfield's gay part and spending his vacation in an only-men resort. He also had an implied romantic relationship with a male shop owner.
The PA is also in love with his difficult-to-love boss. His infatuation is depicted in fantasy sequences. In one episode, Smithers even gets to kiss Mr. Burns, although it was in the context of the world ending and the kiss was explained while the Earth was spinning.
"The Simpsons" writers describe his devotion to Mr. Burns as "Burns-sexual."
Coming out has its benefits for Smithers because he is given an opportunity to play a bigger role in the series topbilled by Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie Simpson. Jean hints, "He gets fed up with Burns not appreciating him and considers his options," quotes the New York Daily Post.
The show just had a double renewal for seasons 27 and 28, but Jean says there's a fairly good chance that the series would not go beyond season 30. The cast are signed on with options through season 30. Season 27 premiered on Fox on Sunday, Sept. 27, reports Splitsider.