'The Simpsons'' 500th episode: Where did the time go?

A major programming milestone on Sunday: "The Simpsons" turns 500 episodes old. Major. Remarkable. Amazing. And also breathtaking. Who would have predicted 20-odd years ago this moment would be reached? No one. Really, absolutely no one.

But here it is, Sunday, entitled "At Long Last Leave." Quickie overview: The Simpsons are finally forced out of Springfield due to Homer's drunken and licentious behavior (which has bankrupted the town) and they end up "off the grid," where they meet Julian Assange, among others. 

Bottom line: It's a good episode. Fans will not be disappointed. Best is the open -- a fabulous montage of hundreds of couch scenes over the years. (By God, this clip will go viral big time Monday morning.)

Not to give too much away, but the closing credit includes this card: 

Thanks for 500 shows. All we ask is that you go out and get some fresh air before logging on the Internet and saying how much this sucked.

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