Again, the four that are left:
102. 1F21 (SI-521 / S05E21) Lady Bouvier's Lover
Grampa Simpson falls in love with Marge's mother, Jackie, but Mr. Burns woos her away from him. Grampa is broken hearted when learning Jackie is going to marry Burns. (originally in Pool 34)
129. 2F20 (SI-620 / S07E01) Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part Two)
With Burns shot, Chief Wiggum follows a trail of DNA that leads to the Simpsons front door step. Homer is charged for the shooting and before Homer can be jailed, he escapes. It's a race to see who reaches Burns' hospital room first. Tito Puente guest stars. (originally in Pool 9)
153. 3F22 (SI-722 / S07E25) Summer of 4 Ft. 2
In the hopes of making friends on the latest family vacation trip, Lisa packs an empty suitcase, determined to leave her 'nerdy' self behind. Christina Ricci guest stars. (originally in Pool 5)
212. AABF05 (SI-1005 / S10E09) Mayored to the Mob
When Homer rescues Mark Hamill and Mayor Quimby from a rowdy mob of sci-fi fanatics, he is appointed the mayor's new bodyguard. But after convincing Quimby that he needs to stop Fat Tony's mob from selling rat's milk to the town's schools, the mayor's life is placed in jeopardy. Also guest starring Joe Mantegna as Fat Tony and Dick Tufeld as the Robot. (originally in Pool 50)
I can't remember the last time the best episode seemed so obvious from among four at this level. I claim that the worst is also obvious, though this is partly backlash over how gimmicky the "Who Shot Mr. Burns?" meme was as a marketing tool.
That leaves a bittersweet Lisa episode that I like a lot (sleeper) and a really well-done farce centering on Homer, Quimby, and Fat Tony. I'll take the Lisa, though I'd be shocked if the commenter consensus agreed with me on this pair.
1. Lady Bouvier's Lover
2. Summer of 4 Ft. 2
3. Mayored to the Mob
4. Who Shot Mr. Burns? (Part Two)
My irrational love of Fat Tony makes me disagree with you.
1. Mayored to the Mob ("my headshot up there next to the pepper steak," "Oh, Fat Tony," Bi-Mon-Sci-Fi-Con (on which I wrote a question once upon a time), sleeper hold, nondescript briefcase, Luke be a Jedi Tonight...I could go on)
2. Lady Bouvier's Lover
3. Summer of 4 Ft. 2
4. Who Shot Mr. Burns (Part Two)?