The Simpsons season 36 premiered with a novel premise: its series finale. The episode is a star-studded event, with celebrity likenesses appearing in the audience, and former Simpsons writer Conan O'Brien hosting the finale. The episode is then written by AI, overflowing with references and callbacks that poke fun at TV finale tropes.

Speaking with Vulture, Showrunner Matt Selman reveals why the real Seymour Skinner returns in a brief cameo appearance. Appearing in season 9, episode 2 "The Principal and the Pauper," it is revealed that Principal Skinner is an impostor, real name Armin Tamzarian, and took over the identity of Vietnam vet Seymour Skinner. The real Skinner returns to Springfield, only to be banished by the end of the episode. It is often regarded as one of the worst episodes of the series. The real Skinner returns in a cameo in season 36, with Agnes Skinner saying "Real Son."

That we just added pretty late in the game. We were just like, screw it. Let’s just burn it down. Let’s poke the bear.

Season 36 Kicked Off With A Great Series Finale

Can The Simpsons Ever Have A Traditional Finale?

The idea of a proper Simpsons finale seems like a Herculean task. As no sitcom has ever run this long, or with so many characters, it would seem impossible to offer a satisfying conclusion with a half-hour episode. "Bart's Birthday" offers an interesting idea, having the perpetual 10-year-old Bart finally turn 11. But instead of having it be a traditional finale, The Simpsons, of course, had to make it a season premiere.

The episode serves as a tribute to The Simpsons' past while delivering a satisfying story. It has jokes about O'Brien, its history, other finales, AI, and its audience. While not the actual Simpsons finale, it demonstrates that the show still has fresh takes and a style unto its own. Every character finding a traditional happy ending in The Simpsons would not be true to the show, and it lampoons those ideas wonderfully.

Our Thoughts On The Real Seymour Skinner

The Online Reaction Is Overblown

While The Principal and the Pauper" is often considered to be one of the worst Simpsons episodes, I have never understood that take. Coming toward the end of the regularly referred to "golden age" of the show, the episode is still memorable. It shows another side of the Skinner we all know and gets to make fun of the idea of sitcoms typically maintaining the status quo. The worst offenders for any show are the ones that feel neutral or generic, and this isn't one of those. Any time The Simpsons references this episode now, it's always a welcome callback.

Source: Vulture