The Simpsons: 15 Most Underrated Golden Age Episodes

Stellar animation hasn't always been a benefactor associated with this hit show, but in this swansong of a season, the creativity levels were beyond inspiring. Using dramatic lightning techniques and gratifying animation that was extensively unique for this show proved the harmony between the writers and design technicians was very different to other shows airing at the time. They were in a perfect coalescence, which this episode certainly embodies.

The storytelling typifies the uniqueness of The Simpsons in droves, with a family oriented relationship centred on Bart and Grampa at its heart being the vehicle for it. When a dramatic feud unfolds between them and everybody's not so friendly neighbourhood provider-man; Mr. Burns.

The backstory of the feud isn't over some unadulterated adultery like it was the last time Gramps and Burns clashed. It goes far deeper than that.

Emphasising the self-aware nature of the episode itself, we're given an insight into events that took place in Grampa's life before Homer arrived for the first time, already making for a refreshing change of pace. Increasing the original factor by showing him in his glory days as a sergeant serving in the military in the vein of an old school war movie.

The real highlight though comes within the conflict between him and Burns, one that never loses sight of the goal but effortlessly sums up the two men's juxtaposing ideals and the who's who of Springfieldian ancestors on show. The flashback sequences do a fantastic job of fleshing out Springfield's history, showing that the residents of Springfield are so tightly knit that you could throw a blanket over them.