I wonder if the need to have all these "special" episodes is a sign that they've jumped the shark....
I hope not. I think some of the episodes lately have been better than some of the earlier ones. The same with 'Seinfeld', the later episodes to me are much better than the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd seasons. What I did not like with 'The Simpsons' was the season finale last season. The whole episode, but also the fan couch gag, it was cgi and not traditional animation. Out of all the fan made submissions for the couch gag sent in, that is the one they pick? Also, in the submission form, they say it has to be at least 45 seconds long, the one they picked and made was like 5 seconds, lame. Overall, I still enjoy 'The Simpsons', last nights couch gag was a good one.