Al Jean's desire to go full circle with any potential series finale is understandable, even if his concept it is a little inelegant. Season 23 wasn't exactly a high for The Simpsons it had indeed been of its game for several years at that point but it does include one of the strongest contenders for finale that fits Jean's idea. Holidays Of Future Passed is another flash-forward episode, this time skipping to the year 2041, where a grown-up Bart and Lisa bring their own kids to Springfield, and there's a surprisingly emotional and turbulent plot involving being unable to connect with your children and Homer becomign surprisingly sweet and wise in his old age. It still brought the funny, obviously, with former Futurama writer J Stewart Burns recycling material about cryogenics (Grandpa gets frozen because it's cheaper than a home) and a rickety airplane modelled after the vehicles from Mad Max. It gives a look at the future that also circles back to the main themes and heart-warming The Simpsons did best.