Writer reveals character from The Simpsons was nearly ‘sacrificed’ in Mr Burns shooting mystery

Well this could have changed everything.

We all know the iconic two-parter episode of The Simpsons in which nuclear power plant owner Mr Burns is shot.

Who Shot Mr Burns? is perhaps one of the most popular episodes of animated series, airing back in 1995.

The first part hit US television screens in May, with the cliff hanger dangling all summer until September.

And after being aired countless times in Australia during the golden age of the 6pm Simpsons, we all know who was the culprit.

It was Maggie.

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But a tweet from script writer Josh Weinstein reveals that it could have gone in a completely different direction:

[Image via Twitter/@Joshstrangehill]

Yup.

It could have been Barney.

Barney, as you may remember, was distraught that Mr Burns’ controversial scheme would close down Moe’s bar.

It would have been interesting seeing Barney as a jail bird, but we don’t like the idea of the iconic bar being without everyone’s favourite belching drunkard.

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Another idea was that it could be Marge’s sister Patty.

Or Patty’s twin Selma.

Aaaaand that would have involved a love triangle that we’re not sure we could stomach.

So we’re glad it was Maggie in the end.

Also, in a bonus titbit about The Simpsons, former director and animator David Silverman revealed that Lisa was originally going to be into ballet:

[image via Twitter/@tubatron]

Interestingly, the actual ballet prodigy in the Simpson family turned out to be Bart.