They're talking about age ("dating back") though I can see how that could be misinterpreted as a comparison of quality. Here's how I parsed it: First idea/sta

They're talking about age ("dating back") though I can see how that could be misinterpreted as a comparison of quality. Here's how I parsed it: First idea/statement: In the world of animated TV, The Simpsons may be the last of its kind, an expensive, high-touch, slow-paced production. Second idea/statement: built on formulas dating back to Walt Disney and Hanna-Barbera.