Whilst other animated sitcoms can try and catch up, none can truly match the long-lasting family antics of The Simpsons, which continues to set records with its 34th season this fall. One of the things that have helped it stay one of America’s favorites all this time is its charming, memorable characters, like the family’s friendly neighbor, Ned Flanders.
With his quirky way of talking and hilariously straight-laced style, Flanders can make for some amazing memes, and internet users have been making the most of it over the years. These are some of their funniest efforts that encapsulate Homer’s mustachioed nemesis.
Ned Flanders’ Hilarious Way Of Talking
When it comes to Flanders, there’s one iconic feature of the character that stands out even more than his mustache and his round glasses and that’s the way he talks. No matter the seriousness of the situation, Flanders will find a way to get a “diddly” or “doodly” in there, and even a “ding-dong” if he gets riled up.
That’s why it’s hilarious to imagine Flanders thinking this way too, weighing up what spin on his classic phrase is warranted in each situation. Either way, his unique way of talking has helped him become one of the show’s most quotable characters.
Flanders & Ted Lasso Have A Lot In Common
Although fans are still waiting for season 3 of the sports-based comedy-drama from Apple+, Ted Lasso has still had a bumper year thanks to a whole host of nominations and awards at the 2022 Emmys. One of the biggest reasons for its success has been its likable central characters played by Jason Sudeikis.
With his naivety, his love of his family, and his own unique way of speaking, it’s easy to see why fans of Flanders saw parallels with the beloved Simpson‘s character too. Both have an infectious optimism that makes it easy to look past their eccentricities and want to be friends with them.
Homer Sometimes Takes Advantage Of Flanders
Homer is a larger-than-life character and it makes sense that he’d clash with the ultra-straightlaced Ned. Though that would be fine on its own, the sad part is that Ned’s ironclad principles mean he can only treat Homer with kindness and respect anyway, even when the head of the Simpsons family doesn’t deserve it.
Usually, borrowing things from one’s neighbors and keeping them for way too long would be dismissed as inconsiderate, but Homer definitely takes things a step further by “borrowing” his neighbor’s things with no intention of giving them back. Unfortunately, Ned’s not exactly the forceful type, meaning Homer largely gets away with it on the show.
The Highs & Lows Of Ned Flanders
Flanders may be best known as the mild-mannered Christian next door, but that hasn’t stopped him from having some stand-out moments, for better or for worse. In the season 8 episode “Hurricane Neddy,” he finally breaks and lets loose on the citizens of Springfield and their many flaws.
On the other hand, Flanders also became something of a sex symbol due to his famously tight-fitting skiing outfit to the point where “stupid sexy Flanders” became one of The Simpsons‘ most iconic memes on its own. Both demonstrate the different sides of Ned that are rarely seen and only make him a more beloved character.
Flanders’ Violent Side
Because Flanders is generally so cheerful and mild-mannered, it makes for a hilarious change when he is shown having an angry or violent moment. Whilst die-hard Simpsons fans may remember the moment when he goes on an anti-Homer rampage in the fifth season episode “Homer Loves Flanders,” albeit only in a dream, it’s an image that completely clashes with most people’s image of Ned.
This is what makes him the perfect subject for memes like this, where the words and the image of Ned Flanders with a gun make for a hilarious clash of worlds. It only serves to highlight how strong of an impression Ned gives of being kind and harmless.
Flanders’ Has A Disappointing Take On Nachos
It’s a sign of a strong character when even something small like their taste in food can tell the viewer all they need to know about them. That’s the case with Ned Flanders though, as he revealed a special treat in The Simpsons‘ seventh season that’s stuck with a lot of viewers ever since – his famous “Nachos, Flanders-style.”
Despite the appetizing name, they’re actually nothing more than cucumber with cottage cheese on top. Mild, inoffensive, and unnecessarily wholesome, his version of the snack is a perfect reflection of the character himself, though it’s likely not everyone would be able to appreciate his take on the junk food.
Flanders Is The Reliable Friend No One Asked For
Homer and Flanders’ love/hate relationship is one of the things that makes The Simpsons an iconic show, but it definitely leans more towards hate on Homer’s side. Despite this, and with the exception of a few notable breakdowns, Ned Flanders is persistently the one trying to make friends with Homer and maintain the pair’s connection.
Whilst Homer does everything he can to discourage this, even making “Shut up, Flanders!” one of his catchphrases, Ned continues to be the ever-friendly and inviting neighbor. For some on the more introverted side, Homer is definitely the more relatable one at times as he seeks to avoid his neighbor whenever possible.
Ned Flanders Can Be Relatable
This meme makes use of a rarely-seen part of Ned’s character for some darkly relatable humor. Although Flanders often seems to have his life together, it’s revealed in the episode “Viva Ned Flanders” that he does have some regrets about his life of good behavior and virtue.
Whilst not everyone can relate to his exact situation, most would agree that humanizing moments like these are a big part of why Flanders is so well-liked. On top of that, adding the word “diddly” to any existential crisis automatically makes it more funny than scary.
Flanders’ Accidental Arch-Nemesis
One of the hilarious things about Flanders’ character is that he’s one of the most mundane and inoffensive around, and yet Homer can’t help but hate him for everything he does. No matter how kind and selfless Ned is, it’s never enough to end the grudge Homer has against him.
Despite this, the two are often inseparable, comforting each other in hard times and helping out when the other one needs it. It suggests that there’s a little more to Homer’s feelings for his neighbor than blind hate, especially when he goes out of his way to remind Flanders of that hate, just like this meme shows.
Homer & Ned’s Other Connection
The world of The Simpsons isn’t the most consistent, with the show often retconning things long after the fact and ignoring inconsistencies within its own logic, such as characters’ ages. One thing that’s changed multiple times is the name of Flanders’ mother, which has been Agnes, Capri, and, most hilariously, Mona, at one point.
The reason that’s odd is that Mona also happens to be the name of Homer’s mom, giving the two a surprising connection that neither one seemed to notice. It’s not surprising that some drew comparisons between this and Batman V Superman: Dawn Of Justice, where the two titular heroes discovered a similar coincidence. Whether a sign of the writer’s not caring that much about Flanders’ lore or a hidden link that shows how close the characters really are, it’s certainly a strange detail.
