It was a very meta episode of 'The Simpsons' (Sun., 8PM ET on FOX), as the opening minutes dealt directly -- or directly through talking about 'Itchy & Scratchy' -- with the dated references issues. Sure, they explained that it takes a long time to animate the series, but is explaining the technical reasons behind the problem supposed to make the audience simply accept it and be happy about it?

The rest of the episode had a chance for some sharp satire, but as 'The Simpsons' tend to do, went for the soft approach. When Krusty the Clown's show got cancelled, he hooked back up with the talent agent who first scouted him, played by Joan Rivers. She first booked him on a live show à la Pee Wee Herman's recent broadway revival, and ultimately on HBOWTIME.

There, they had a little bit of fun talking about networks meddling in shows -- as well as agents trying to control content as when Joan Rivers booted Janeane Garofalo for being funnier than Krusty -- and the differences between cable original programming and broadcast programming. But they had the potential they had to make some bold statements about television and how the industry works throughout, and simply didn't.

It was nice to see the 'King of the Hill' gang again, in a fun nod. It was only the first of the night, though, as 'The Simpsons' had a quick cameo on 'Family Guy' later. Non-MacFarlane crossovers? What is the world coming to!?