But the subject matter and execution are just fresh enough in this case that this episode doesn't play like a bland retread. 'Bart's Not Dead' follows a very traditional, straightforward structure, giving us yet another conflict built around Homer and Bart making boneheaded decisions and then trying to cover their butts. The trouble with following The Simpsons 30 seasons in is that it becomes more and more rare to watch a new episode that doesn't feel annoyingly reminiscent of an older, better classic. 'Bart's Not Dead' sticks to treading more traditional ground, and in the process becomes one of the series' better season premieres in recent memory. Last season began with the gimmicky, medieval-themed 'The Serfsons,' an episode that failed to give the show much early momentum. Not that the series went out of its way to mark the occasion (aside from a quick nod during the intro). That's another huge milestone for the series in 2018, after it already broke Gunsmoke's record as the longest-running primetime scripted series in history. September 30 seems like an appropriate day for The Simpsons to kick off its 30th season.

The simpsons season 30 episode 17