The Simpsons: 10 Best Recent Episodes You Probably Missed
8. The Way Of The Dog (Season 31, Episode 22)
"The Way of the Dog" focuses on surely the most underappreciated member of the Simpsons family - Santa's Little Helper.
A rare new episode with true emotional resonance, it adds major affecting context to the backstory of the family's beloved doggo, calling back to the very beginning of the show and culminating with Santa's Little Helper's reunion with his dear mother, She-Biscuit.
While perhaps not the most hilarious of Simpsons episodes, it really doesn't need to be when it's so thoroughly overflowing with heart.
Many fans commented upon airing that The Way of the Dog had the vibe of a series finale-type episode, and they're absolutely right.
It's also worth singling out Cate Blanchett here, who gives a spirited vocal performance as aptly-monikered dog psychologist Elaine Wolff.