The Simpsons 500th Episode: Celebrate An Old Friend

The Simpsons' Celebrate Major Milestone Tonight

Via huffingtonpost.com

This Sunday, that very loyalty is tested as we bear witness to the 500th episode of "The Simpsons" (8 p.m. EST on Fox). A truly epic landmark, really, considering the show's humble beginnings. Did you really think we'd reach this point? We've seen 500 different couch gag sequences, chalkboard writings and we've heard countless "d'ohs," probably into the thousands. We've reveled in the glory of the 22 -- yes, that's right, 22 --Treehouse of Horror episodes. Every character, no matter how minor, has had their day in the sun.

And the gang's all here for the 500th episode. We see Gil, Cookie Kwan, Otto, Sideshow Bob, Lenny and Carl (and more) as they all gather -- sorta -- to take part in this epic milestone. Titled "At Long Last Leave," the very premise of the episode (booting The Simpsons out of town) and the title itself are obvious hints at the show's self-awareness. That is, "The Simpsons" knows it's past its prime, but doesn't care. Instead of offering us cutting-edge humor and side-splitting comedy, "The Simpsons" now provides us with a sense of comfort, like the old couch Homer so begrudgingly bid farewell to in Season 3. (Season THREE!) Instead of guffaws, we get giggles; instead of knee-slapping, we knowingly smirk; and instead of sitting on the edge of our seats, we sit back, relax and enjoy its familiarity.