TV Quick Hits: ‘The Simpsons’ death; ‘Last Man Standing’ spoilers; ‘Devious Maids’ renewed

“The Simpsons” death teased – Sunday, there is going to be more than just a big “Family Guy” – “Simpsons” crossover event: You are also going to see a character die on the latter series’ premiere? This story has taken on a huge life for itself over the years, but executive producer Al Jean wants to make it clear that they never really intended for speculation to get this crazy.

Rather, he tells TVLine that the media even made up a word to make the death somewhat more significant than it really is:

“I’ve done everything I can to temper any disappointment by saying that, although the press is claiming this is an ‘iconic’ character, we never said that … We just said it’s a ‘beloved’ character. I think it may have become overhyped, though I’ve never heard the term ‘underhyped’ before. Either way, it’s an emotional story, and it’s one we’re really proud of.”

The episode’s title is “Clown in the Dumps,” and we do have our theory as to who it is. However, we don’t want to either spoil anything in the event we’re right.

“Devious Maids” renewed – Great news to fans of the Lifetime series: Season 3 is official! The only news that may come as a shock is that Marc Cherry will no longer be primary showrunner. Ric Swartzlander and Brian Tanen, per Deadline, will now have the duties.

“Last Man Standing” stages “Home Improvement” reunion – According to Entertainment Weekly, Patricia Richardson of the famed sitcom will appear on Tim Allen’s new show this fall in the role of Helen Potts, a recently-divorced neighbor of Allen’s Mike … who, ironically, fancies a little bit of home improvement. Let’s hope she’s better at it than Tim “The Toolman” Taylor.