[9.0/10 on a post-classic Simpsons scale.[ Yeah, I’m definitely grading this one on a bit of a curve, but maybe Al Jean should write episodes himself more often. This felt like it could be a mostly satisfying season finale, one that includes some non-forced nods to the series’ biggest hits, packs in plenty of the cynicism and caustic wit from the show’s golden years, but also adds in the heart that always sustained it.
The approach of using each act to show a different stage of Lisa’s life -- her trials of people forgetting her birthday at age 7, having to fix her parents’ marriage at 14, and going off to college at 18 -- gives the episode some calendar-hopping charm. And the college essay conceit even follows a bit from Spanglish, another work produced by James L. Brooks.
Each segment has its charms. While some of the character designs to show the characters as slightly younger or slightly older are kind of hinky, and while this clashes a bit with some of the other future continuity of the show, each little skip and jump is enjoyable on its own terms as a few of the not too distant past or future. And Lisa getting the birthday she missed, convincing Homer not to drink, and finding a kindred spirit at Harvard are all great buttons to put on these mini-stories.
It also has the perfect finish, with little scenes from throughout Lisa’s life that show her relationship with her family that, while rocky, makes her into the successful person she becomes. Again, this one would feel like a solid way to end the series in its 29th year, which is no small feat. I rag on Al Jean from time to time around here, but he deserves credit for delivering something this creative, amusing, and heartfelt so late in the show’s run.
Shout by RothSothyBlockedParent2017-12-04T01:51:32Z