A deviation from his norm lands Homer in a mental institution, where he shares a room with a man who thinks he's Michael Jackson.

Lisa's essay wins the Simpsons a trip to Washington, D.C., where her faith in democracy is shaken by her unethical Congressman.

Flanders suffers a failure after Homer wishes him ill.

While working for Fat Tony, Bart gains enough influence with his boss to solve his problems with Principal Skinner--perhaps permanently.

Homer's averting of a nuclear meltdown earns him employee-of-the-month honors--and a call from Magic Johnson; Milhouse's parents prohibit him from playing with Bart.

Bart and Lisa use theological arguments to try to reunite Krusty the Clown and his rabbi father, who disowned Krusty when he turned from rabbi to clown.

Maggie uses one of three wishes; a mind-reading Bart rules Springfield; Homer donates his brain to Mr. Burns' science project.

After disappointing Lisa, Homer buys her a pony, solving one problem, but creating others, requiring a second job--at Apu's Kwik-E-Mart.

When Homer helps Bart build a soapbox racer, it does little for the car but a lot for their relationship.

Burns sells the power plant to a German corporation that doesn't care for Homer's approach to his work.

A trip down memory lane to the early days of Simpson wedded bliss, when Marge was with child and Homer was without a job.

Bart fools the town into thinking there's a little boy trapped in a well.

Lisa's ability to pick winning football teams kicks off a strong bond with Homer.

A stressed Marge vacations alone, leaving Bart and Lisa with Patty and Selma, and Maggie with Homer--until she leaves in search of Marge.

Bart's answer to detention from Mrs. Krabappel is to answer her personal ad with letters from a Mr. Wonderful, but his last laugh is more of a guilty whimper.

Burns hires Major League ringers for the plant softball championship.

The results from their aptitude tests cause Bart and Lisa to make 180-degree turns in their behavior.

Santa's Little Helper notices resentment after the Simpsons make sacrifices to fund his life-saving operation.

Marge fears a cheatin' heart when a waitress-country singer asks Homer to be her manager.

Bart suspects something rotten when Selma gets engaged to Sideshow Bob.

Spinal Tap hits Springfield, and Otto the bus driver hits the skids after being fired, taking refuge in the Simpsons' garage.

Bart resents Milhouse's new girlfriend; Homer gets the wrong subliminal tape, which has him gaining vocabulary, not losing weight.

Homer's half-brother asks for a loan after Homer is awarded some cash.