The Simpsons: 15 Modern Episodes You Need To Watch

"Now I need to leave you where you'll be safe; under the watchful eyes of God. And I'll be watching you too, in case God's busy making tornadoes or not existing" - Homer Simpson

Another densely plotted episode, the action in this one escalates brilliantly with every minute that passes. From Marge temporarily losing her sight when she looks at the solar eclipse for too long, to Homer losing Maggie when he attempts to buy rat poison meaning he has to hide her disappearance from Marge; every funny moment in 'Gone Maggie Gone' plays into the next.

Maggie ends up being adopted by a convent of nuns which sets off a very well executed Da Vinci Code parody, including puzzle sequences aplenty and the revelation of a chosen 'gem' child. It's a classic gag heavy Simpsons episode and one which comes to a surprisingly emotional conclusion as Marge realises she would rather have her baby than world peace. After all, she notes: "I'm sorry, but I know God would never ask a mother to sacrifice her child for the good of the world... again."