The Simpsons quietly returns long forgotten character after almost 30 years

The Simpsons has just given die-hard fans a blast from the past by bringing back a character last seen nearly three decades ago.

Considering how the writers behind America's most famous family seem to spend their time predicting the future or making meta observations about the franchise as a whole during the season finale, you'd think they wouldn't have much time to take a trip down memory lane.

However that's exactly what the latest episode of season 36, with a familiar face making his first appearance since 1997.

Titled 'The Yellow Lotus' - we wonder what this episode could be about - the episode shows the family heading out to a luxury resort after deciding to cash in on their 10-year timeshare. However, the trip doesn't go exactly to plan.

Upon arriving at the resort it soon becomes apparent that all is not what it seems - with the holiday ending in tears after a dead body is discovered in the water.

We'll spare you any significant spoilers but the episode is filled with plenty of classic The Simpsons callbacks, including a nod to Homer's iconic backing into the bushes moment.

There's also an appearance from Sideshow Bob, who reveals he's made his fortune after inventing a rake which features a collapsable handle in order to avoid getting whacked on the head - a callback to season 5, episode 2's 'Cape Feare'.

The throwbacks didn't end there either, as the episode revealed the family's holiday was all due to a certain Nick Callahan - remember that name?

Look familiar? (Fox/Disney)

Nick first appears during 1997's 'Reality Bites' where Marge begins working at a dodgy real estate company. However 'The Yellow Lotus' subsequently reveals the family's history with Nick goes back even further than the real estate job, with a flashback revealing he previously duped a younger Homer and Marge, who was then pregnant with Bart, into buying the dodgy timeshare on this island in the first place.

The scoundrel!

Nick Callahan made a surprise reappearance on the show (Fox/Disney)

Enraged by the situation, the couple confront Mr Callahan about his shady antics before being kicked out of the resort.

As for the reason why Marge and Homer recognised Callahan at the resort and not when Marge was working at the estate agents is anyone's guess, however it's a great full circle moment for the character.

As for the reason why The Simpsons writers decided to bring back such a random background character it was all down producer Loni Steele Sosthand, with Al Jean confirming it was her idea on X.