The Old Man and the Key

"Who's that tall drink of Maalox?"

- Zelda

"The Old Man and the Key" is the thirteenth episode of season 13.

Plot
The Simpsons receive word that Grampa has died. They rush to the retirement home, only to find out that Grampa is very much alive and kicking. It was another resident by the name of Stimson who actually passed on. A short time later, a new female resident, Zelda, moves in. Grampa is instantly smitten. But it soon becomes apparent that the opportunistic, gold-digging Zelda is more interested in Zack, an elderly man with a minivan. Grampa concludes that if he wants to win Zelda, he must get his driver’s license back. At first, Homer nixes the idea as too dangerous. But he eventually gives in, and Grampa gets his license.

When Grampa asks Homer if he can borrow the car for a hot date, Homer refuses. But Marge dreams up the idea of a double-date at the drive-in movie theater. As the date gets under way, Grampa and Zelda make out in the back of the car. When Grampa makes off with Homer’s car so he can drive Zelda around, Homer puts his foot down. He forbids Grampa from driving it. Later, at the Kwik-E-Mart, Grampa and his elderly friends are confronted by a group of elderly Hispanic gentlemen, who challenge them to a death race at the abandoned aqueduct. Grampa and his buddies participate in the dangerous race… but end up crashing Homer’s car.

Grampa is crushed when Zelda accepts Zack’s offer to spend some time in Branson, Missouri. With some help from Bart, he hot wires Homer’s car and heads off to win back his love. Along the way, Bart and Grampa listen to an old Itchy and Scratchy radio broadcast. Meanwhile, Homer and Marge deduce where Grampa has taken the car. They decide to take a bus to Branson so they can confront him. Bart and Grampa follow Zelda and Zack into a Branson theater, where a huge musical revue is underway, featuring a huge cast of faded stars. Suddenly, Grampa stops the show. He tells the audience he drove hundreds of miles to say something special to someone in the audience. He then invites Zelda on stage. But when she draws close, and says “drive me,” Grampa tells her that their relationship is over.

Production
The episode was written by Jon Vitti and directed by Lance Kramer. Olympia Dukakis and Bill Saluga guest star.

Reception
The episode received mixed-to-positive reviews from fans of the series.