While most of the buzz around this episode centered around the death of a beloved character, the couch gag created by animator and independent filmmaker Don Hertzfeldt was the unexpected highlight of the evening.

In all likelihood, many of you may not recognize him name, but are perhaps unknowingly familiar with an example of his work. When YouTube first launched in 2005, his short animated film “REJECTED” went viral online. If you haven’t seen it before, the video is embedded below.

If you saw the couch gag, you probably though it was particularly odd and perhaps a bit disturbing. It was very evocative of his short-film “THE MEANING OF LIFE”.

Personally I’ve been a fan of his work for years, and while most of his earlier work is hilarious and silly, his more recent projects have been quite profound and thought provoking. So if the couch gag felt a bit jarring, that is to be expected. It’s weird in a way that deserves to be celebrated.

His technique is notable because (with the exception of this couch gag) everything is hand drawn and animated without the use of computers.

So if you have the means to check out the season premiere, take notice of the couch gag. Watching the videos below will give you an idea of his work, and will likely help you appreciate the short even more.

If you find that you like his work, I would recommend “BILLY’S BALLOON” as well an over-simplified/hyper dramatization as to why I’m still single, “Ah, L’Amour” . This should give you a broader idea of his work, as well as something amusing to watch to brighten up your Monday.

P.S. Did anyone else notice that Maurice LaMarche (i.e. the voice of Brain from Pinky and the Brain had a guest part in the episode as week? It’s particularly noticeable because he used the same Orson Wells styled voice that he used for Brain in the episode. Just a little a tidbit I’d thought I mention!