And Maggie Makes Three (S06, E13-116)

Truly, one of the most memorable images of the early seasons of the show.

Plot Summary
As the family watches another thrilling installment of Nightboat, the crime solving boat, Marge turns off the TV as the family had agreed to one hour of "family time".  With the hour moving along at a crawl, Marge decides to look in the family album, specifically baby pictures, specifically pictures of baby Bart sleeping.  However, there seems to be no pictures of Maggie in the album.  The story behind that, as Homer tells, takes about the length of an episode.

Two years prior (no longer setting solid dates for these things), Homer finally pays off all of his debt, enabling him to begin his grand plan.  He quits his job at the nuclear plant, making a public mockery of Mr. Burns and literally burning the bridge on his way out.  Next, he easily gets a job at his dream place: the bowling alley.  Working as a pin monkey, Homer doesn't make nearly as much money as before but with no debt he is able to set up a budget that will work for him, Marge, Bart and Lisa.  To celebrate, he and Marge have a night out, which results in the ever successful act of procreation.

As Marge quickly becomes pregnant, Homer has the time of his life at the bowling alley.  Not only is he enjoying his work, he's actually good at it, too.  Still, Marge decides not to tell Homer about the new baby until the time is just right, which may as well be never.  Patty and Selma learn about this, and while promising not to tell Homer about it, they instead tell two of the biggest gossips in town, who quickly spread the news.  Despite being congratulated for "hard work", "a bundle of joy" and "way to get Marge pregnant", Homer takes these all to refer to his work at the bowling alley - even the last one - and remains ignorant of what's happened.  He comes home to a baby shower held by Marge's sisters, still not figuring out what's going on.  Maude finally actually congratulates Homer for his work at the alley, and only then does Homer figure out that Marge is pregnant.

Distraught, Homer knows that his current salary at the alley isn't enough to pay for the new baby.  He tries to get a raise at the alley, actually deserving one for once, but business at the alley isn't busy enough for Homer to get one.  One failed attempt at getting business later, and Homer has no choice but to quit his dream job and literally crawl back to his old job at the nuclear plant.  As punishment for Homer's previous departure, Mr. Burns has a plaque placed in Homer's work station that says "Don't forget: you're here forever."

Complete demoralized, Homer finds himself unable to bear the burden or even get excited about the baby.  Soon enough, Marge goes into labor, and though Homer remains lethargic about it, once the baby is born he perks up and shows love and care towards the newborn Maggie.  Back to the present, Bart points out that the original query of where Maggie's pictures are remains unanswered.  Homer remarks that those pictures do exist, but are at his workstation to remind him that he's working at the plant for Maggie, having covered up the plaque to read instead: "Do it for her".

Quick Review
This episode, a rather compelling tale of tragedy and triumph, is one of the season's best episodes.  Its funny enough on its own, but its the touching ending that really gives the episode its cherry on top, another heartwarming spectacle that really showcases the best of what the series has to offer.

Final Score: 10