The Simpsons: Ranking Every Alternate Future Episode From Worst To Best

The season twenty-three episode Holidays of Future Passed is the very epitome of lighting in a bottle.

People often harshly criticize the fact that the Simpsons is still running after well over two decades. And while it's arguable that Springfield's first family have overstayed their welcome, Holidays of Future Passed is living proof that The Simpsons can not only still be good, but be fantastic.

Throughout this holiday tale (which implicitly takes place many years after Future-Drama left off), we see Bart and Lisa's relationship explored even further as they aid each other through the difficulties of raising their respective children. In doing so, they significantly grow as siblings, parents, and people.

Holidays of Future Passed also takes place against the backdrop of a rather bleak future for everyone involved. This greatly works to the episode's advantage, as it only drives home the point that optimism and compassion are necessities when things are at their worst.

Interestingly enough, this episode was actually written as a possible series finale. And had Holidays of Future Passed actually closed the book on The Simpsons, it's unlikely that anyone would have complained. It's incredibly funny and beyond heartfelt. In other words, it's quintessential Simpsons.