Words I never thought I'd say. First off, I have watched every episode of the Simpsons repeatedly. They're practically my family at this point. But this episode was akin to watching both your parents and your favorite pet pass away at the same time.
The plot is unwarranted, focused on a background character who has never garnered a backstory, yet has had a complete character overhaul to accommodate an attempt at an overused plot device.
The voice recasting has ruined characters. Carl, who's voice has been iconic, is no longer the personality that he once was. Many of the other main voice cast voices have worn down so badly that they lose character as well.
I'm proud of The Simpsons for making this far. 701 Episodes is unprecedented and amazing, but it's time to accept that they're stalling being put in the ground.