I used to worship this show when it was at its peak (every moment was close to perfect), and even when the show began running out of steam the eps were still full of laff-out-loud moments. Last night's left me really disappointed, felt like I wasted a half-hour watching it, which was the first time I'd ever had that feeling after an episode. (I thought the best gag was Homer being related to his 'cousins' via their dogs.)
Definitely a 'been there, done that' episode. Reminded me very much of the much better 'Homer buys a gun' episode. At the end of that one Homer throws the gun away - and in a great twist ending Marge keeps it, the 'Avengers' theme playing in her head! (Mrs. Peel meet Mrs. Simpson.)
If this is the strongest they can do for their season opener I'm worried. They've already started doing a lot of 'imaginary' episodes like 1960's Superman comics so they can step outside their established continuity. What's next - 'hoax' episodes? Nahh - probably lots more 'Homer f***s up and desperately tries make amends' stories. Hope I'm wrong...