This episode marked Kevin Michael Richardson's first regular supporting cast appearance, having previously served as a recurring guest star.
While playing a round of golf in Burns' office, he accidentally trips the trapdoor controls and falls into a cement mixer.
Frustrated by his lack of progress and the upcoming civil suit, Burns issues an ultimatum to Smithers: get Homer to sign the waiver or be transferred to the company's nuclear plant in Chernobyl.
Marge confesses her love for Homer because of his willingness to sacrifice a compensation claim worth millions of dollars for the sake of her happiness.
Realizing how right he and Bart are and taking responsibility for her own downfall, Lisa resolves never to be a know-it-all again, but only lasts a day before correcting Ms. Hoover's many errors in class.
Like his fine, low-key 'Super Franchise Me' from a few years ago, Odenkirk builds a story around the emotional heart of the characters, finds funny angles on old jokes, and populates his script with delightfully weird touches that make 'The Last Traction Hero' plain funny from start to finish.
It’s just a fine episode of The Simpsons whose virtues appear effortless because of how well it just clicks into place in the show’s world.