Between siphoning off the oil beneath Springfield Elementary and threatening to blot out the sun, Monty Burns has cheesed off the entire town. So that big question mark that comes at episode's end, well that could be anyone. That does of unpredictability is exactly what makes this work.
I'd had the surprise spoiled for me a good 20 years ago, but I can tell you what kind of impact this had. I wasn't even watching the show in '95 and even I was aware of the cliffhanger. Everyone was talking about this; it was landmark TV.
Despite the ruined surprise, this still holds up beautifully because it's a well-crafted episode. Burns going supervillain feels appropriate; that, and the town in a lather brings everything to a fever pitch. It's funny, dramatic, and even after 20-odd years, it's a keeper.
8/10
I'd had the surprise spoiled for me a good 20 years ago, but I can tell you what kind of impact this had. I wasn't even watching the show in '95 and even I was aware of the cliffhanger. Everyone was talking about this; it was landmark TV.
Despite the ruined surprise, this still holds up beautifully because it's a well-crafted episode. Burns going supervillain feels appropriate; that, and the town in a lather brings everything to a fever pitch. It's funny, dramatic, and even after 20-odd years, it's a keeper.
8/10