Bart goes to prankster rehab after a clown-mask prank terrifies the town and ruins Krusty's career causing him to give up comedy and try serious drama.
On his deathbed, Grampa makes a confession to Homer about the notes from Homer's mother that got lost when she left. This angers Homer to the point of refusing to reconcile with Abe after he miraculously recovers.
Bart ends up in the hospital after taking a dare and lies about going to heaven to cover it up, but Homer takes a deal with Christian producers to make a movie about it.
Homer wins an oyster-eating contest against the mythical Cthulhu, Springfield is overrun by plant body-snatchers, Lisa finally snaps and Mr. Burns opens a retirement home with some Jurassic upgrades.
Bart feels neglected when Homer and Lisa bond over To Kill a Mockingbird and start spending quality time together, so Marge attempts to help Homer balance attention between the kids.