Season 36 ‘s flashback-heavy fourth episode “Shoddy Heat” revealed that, long before Mr. Burns ever hired Homer, his father Abe assured his son would always have a steady job.

Mr. Burns then promises Abe that he’ll give Homer a lifelong job at the power plant in exchange for Abe ending the investigation into Billy’s disappearance.

Which means fans are treated to yet another new look into Mr. Burns’ past to somehow explain his current evil nature. 20th Television Animation The Simpsons Reveals Mr. Burns’ New Origin Story ...

It actually even adds a secret layer to their relationship that shows that while Mr. Burns has outright forgotten Homer’s name, he’s never once forgotten that deal he made with Abe.

To save the moose for future generations, Lisa reluctantly joins forces with a young Mr. Burns who, judging from his sunnier visage in the poster, has yet to fully embrace his immorality.

“Mr. Burns, he's fascinating,” says Gordon-Levitt of the backstory-laden installment. “It goes to show you that oligarchs have always been around!” ...

In exchange, Mr. Burns promised Abe he would give Abe’s young son Homer a power plant job when Homer grew up. Even more importantly (in ways Mr. Burns could never imagine) the deal also meant he ...