With its 300th episode set to air Sunday, it seems like an appropriate time to rate the 10 best episodes of “The Simpsons.” Picking the series’ most “cromulent” shows proved to be close to “unpossible.” All kidding aside, here’s my all-too-debatable list.

10.) Sweet Seymour Skinner’s Badasssss Song (Apr. 27, 1994; Bill Oakley and Josh Weinstein)

The show’s 100th episode found Principal Skinner fired after Bart’s dog ran amok in the school. This episode made the list thanks to writers Oakley and Weinstein — the best the show they ever had. It also helped that Groundskeeper Willie dispenses the immortal fact: “There’s nary an animal alive that can outrun a greased Scotsman.”

9.) Guess Who’s Coming to Criticize Dinner (Oct. 24, 1999; Al Jean)

To paraphrase Marge, only Homer could take a part-time job as a food critic and become the target of international assassins. The most recent episode on the list is also perhaps the show’s last classic. “We’re going to run this on page one,” Homer’s editor declared. “Of section H-2.“

8.) Homer at the Bat (Feb. 20, 1992; John Swartzwelder)

Homer and the other power plant staff members are replaced by ringers for the companys softball championship game. The show’s first great one, this episode brought “The Simpsons” into pop culture’s limelight with guest stars such as Ken Griffey, Jr., Roger Clemens and Darryl Strawberry. “He’s bigger than me, faster than me, stronger than me,” Homer said of Strawberry. “And he already has more friends around the plant than I do.” Laugh-out-loud moment: Tears stream down an oversensitive Strawberry’s face as Bart taunts “Daaaaaryl” from the stands.

7.) Cape Feare (Oct. 7, 1993; Jon Vitti)

The FBI sends the the Simpsons into protective custody when Sideshow Bob is paroled from prison. Bob is at his best in this episode, which also excelled thanks to McBain’s politically incorrect late night talk show. “Let’s say hello to my music guy, Skoey. That is some outfit, Skoey. It makes you look like a homosexual.” After the audience responded with boos, McBain yelled back, “Whoa, maybe you all are homosexuals too!”

6.) The Cartridge Family (Nov. 2, 1997; John Swartzwelder)

In this episode Homer feels unsafe and purcha

Published on February 13, 2003 at 12:00 pm