Season 2 summary

Bart Gets an "F"

During a snow day in Springfield, Homer throws a snowball at Mr. Burns. Never backing away from a snowball fight, Mr. Burns reciprocates, albeit using Smithers, who—after handing Mr. Burns his fallen hat—happily returns fire.

Simpson and Delilah

After going on dimoxinil and regrowing his hair, Homer is immediately held in higher regard by the people around him. Meanwhile, Mr. Burns is complaining about the poor quality of his workforce, seeing none of them as worthy of a promotion, though Smithers reminds him that the union contract requires one token promotion from within per year. Immediately after this, Burns notices Homer over the security cameras and asks Smithers who he is, to which Smithers says he "sort of looks like Homer Simpson, only more dynamic and resourceful." Mr. Burns decides to promote him to junior executive, which Smithers announces over the intercom.

After being promoted, Homer does job interviews, though every woman that comes in flirts with him. During an interview with a man named Karl, Smithers interrupts to let Homer know that there's a board meeting at 2 o'clock, telling him to "just sit there and keep [his] mouth shut."

At a meeting later on (though seemingly not the aforementioned one, as this takes place on another day entirely), Smithers informs Burns of the plant's low productivity and record-high employee accident rate. After being asked for suggestions, Homer begins to tell Mr. Burns about his problems with the way fish sticks are served, saying there's not enough tartar sauce to dip it in. Smithers doesn't welcome this point, telling Homer to "stop wasting [their] time." However, despite his own initial shock, Burns cuts Smithers off, approving the idea of giving the workers more tartar sauce.

This works at increasing productivity and decreasing accidents at the plant; still, Smithers points out to Mr. Burns that productivity has only increased as much as it did when Homer was last on vacation, and accidents have only decreased by the amount that Homer had previously been causing. Mr. Burns ignores this, instead just viewing Smithers as jealous.

For his contributions, Homer is given "the key," which goes to the executive washroom. Upon arriving at said washroom, Mr. Burns exits the bathroom and washes his hands, asking Homer to dry his hands and harshly rejecting Smithers' offer to do so. This visibly hurts him, which soon turns into jealous anger. Later that night, Smithers looks to sabotage Homer's career and finds out about the insurance fraud Homer utilized to pay for his dimoxinil.

Soon afterwards, Burns asks Homer to give a speech to his executives and work his "Simpson magic" on them, which Homer accepts. Immediately upon Homer's exit from Burns' office, however, Smithers enters, clearly pleased by his recent findings (although he does attempt to feign disappointment). He informs Burns of Homer's fraud and is told to "make an example of" him, which Smithers does with pleasure. He goes to fire Homer, though his plan is thwarted by Karl, who takes the fall and claims he did it for him, much to Smithers' clear disappointment.

As he wasn't fired, Homer still has to give his speech, but since he no longer has access to dimoxinil, he's also back to his former baldness. This drains him of his confidence, which isn't made any better by Smithers popping in to taunt him five minutes before his presentation. Luckily for Homer, Karl returns to give him a pep talk, offering him much needed encouragement.

Unluckily for him, however, everybody else has returned to seeing him as incompetent due to his lack of hair, despite the high quality of his speech. Smithers clearly revels in Homer's failure, watching his poorly received speech with a large smile and his hands clasped enthusiastically. After everyone leaves the presentation early, Smithers makes his final appearance in the episode to inform Homer that Burns wants to see him in his office, while also making sure to mock him on his way out.

Two Cars in Every Garage and Three Eyes on Every Fish

A government inspection is taking place at the nuclear plant, which Mr. Burns announces to the employees. Smithers praises him on this, calling his announcement "very stirring." Immediately afterwards, though, the inspectors arrive; to comfort him, Burns instructs Smithers to hold him, to which he obliges.

As soon as they step out of their vehicle, the inspectors immediately begin to notice violations, which only increase as they further check the plant. After the plant severely fails to meet regulations, they just happen to come across a suitcase of money. Burns and Smithers leave the room, allowing an inspector time alone with it. He obviously notices the attempt to bribe him (which Mr. Burns himself admits to); he chooses to overlook the bribe, but not the 342 violations he observed throughout the day.

Mr. Burns is initially able to remain composed, only thinking that the repairs will cost a relatively small amount to him. However, his composure quickly goes out the window when Smithers informs him that the cost of repairs would be over $56,000,000. He initially snaps at Smithers (causing him to quickly plead not to be hit by him), though he then informs Smithers that he doesn't have the strength to take his anger out on him, and would like to be left alone. Smithers proceeds to leave, giving Mr. Burns time alone to wallow in his misery.

After talking to Homer, Burns decides he'll run for governor in the upcoming election. He has a meeting with his new campaign team, consisting both of people to make him look better and to make his opponent look worse. Though he doesn't speak, Smithers is present at this meeting; he's visible in several shots between 8:46 and 9:44.

Before Mr. Burns goes on air for a live political advertisement, Smithers is among the people working behind the scenes with him, with him in particular informing Mr. Burns of the time left before going live.

There's a short sequence showing Mr. Burns campaigning, as well as the Simpson family being torn by Homer and Marge's differing political opinions. Smithers is silently present alongside Mr. Burns at 12:41 and 13:04, sporting several pro-Burns accessories in both instances. Another meeting is held, in which they fail to dig up dirt on Mr. Burns' opponent. Once again, Smithers doesn't speak, but he is present in multiple shots. Mr. Burns is once again shown campaigning, with Smithers again standing alongside him and wearing his merchandise.

Mr. Burns is increasingly approved of by voters, but he's also beginning to be seen as too distant from the common man. While being told this by his team, Smithers is present, visible at 14:00 and 14:15.

Mr. Burns decides to dine with the Simpson family to seem more in-touch. While dining with them, Smithers is present along with other members of his team and journalists, specifically at 17:11 and 17:30.

After the dinner goes awry, the public opinion on Mr. Burns immediately flips. He insists that they aren't done, telling Smithers to boil him some coffee, but his team quits on him, effectively ending his run. Enraged, Mr. Burns starts destroying the Simpsons' home, with Smithers joining in at Mr. Burns' request. Eventually, Burns tells Smithers to take him home, where they can "destroy something tasteful."

While on his way out, Mr. Burns complains that despite the fact that the Simpsons had just ruined his political career, he'd still not be legally justified if he had them killed for it. Smithers praises this, telling Mr. Burns that he's "noble and poetic in defeat."

Dancin' Homer

The nuclear plant is having their employees, spouses, and no-more-than-three children night at the Springfield Stadium. Mr. Burns greets the employees as they enter, Smithers standing by his side and holding a set of cards listing the employees and their families. An employee praises Burns, and Smithers is instructed to put a smiley face on his card for it.

Up next, the Simpson family arrives, who Mr. Burns quickly forgets the names of. Smithers hands him a card listing the family, though it outdatedly lists "expecting" instead of "Maggie." The family quickly excuses this mistake and enters the stadium. At the start of the game, the first ball is set to be thrown by Mr. Burns, who's driven into the stadium by Smithers. Burns asks Smithers to spit on the ball for him, to which he obliges. Unfortunately for Mr. Burns, the ball immediately falls on the ground when he tries and throws it. Though the crowd laughs at and taunts him for this, Smithers tries to sycophantically compliment him, claiming he could "actually hear the air being torn," though Mr. Burns quickly rejects his attempt at praise.

Afterwards, Mr. Burns goes to sit in the audience, specifically requesting something on an aisle, as not to be surrounded by his common employees. Smithers guides him to his seat (which happens to be next to the Simpson family) and sits down next to him. After Homer and Burns spend most of the show getting on together, Homer eventually makes a scene by dancing in front of the crowd in an attempt to hype them up. Upon leaving the stadium, it's made clear that this displeased Mr. Burns, as he tells Smithers that he ruined the event and that he wanted him banned from all future company outings.

Bart vs. Thanksgiving

Mr. Burns is having his Thanksgiving meal. Smithers offers him some candied yams, but Mr. Burns says that he couldn't eat another bite, and thus wants Smithers to dispose of all the other food he made. However, he did still save room for his special pumpkin pie, which Smithers has left cooling on the windowsill.

Meanwhile, Bart is looking for a Thanksgiving meal himself and comes across said pumpkin pie. He tries to grab it from the windowsill, only to have his attempt set off alarms and alert guards, who inform Mr. Burns of his presence. Burns tells Smithers to release the hounds on him.

Bart Gets Hit by a Car

After Burns hits Bart with his car, Smithers (who was in the passenger seat) gets out and checks on him. Though Mr. Burns wants to drive off, Smithers suggests they call an ambulance.

Later on, Homer is talking to his coworkers about the incident. In the middle of talking about Burns, Smithers comes in and tells Homer to go to his office immediately. Homer anxiously does so. While he's talking with him, Smithers (along with several of Mr. Burns' lawyers) stands behind Mr. Burns. After their conversation goes awry, Burns tells Smithers to throw him out, though Homer decides to throw himself out.

Homer decides to take legal action, and Mr. Burns receives a notice that he's being sued for $1,000,000. He tells Smithers to fire him, though Smithers questions this decision, telling him to imagine how critical the press would be if he fired Homer so soon after hitting his son. Mr. Burns decides to wait, letting the papers find something else to focus on before he strikes.

The court date arrives, and Bart is called to the stand. Telling a false version of the story, he frames Burns and Smithers as intentionally seeking out children to hit, choosing to target Bart as all the children flee in terror. Next up, Mr. Burns is called to the stand. Also lying about the incident, he portrays that they were on a wholesome drive, looking to do charitable deeds, but they were interrupted by Bart wildly skateboarding in front of their vehicle. Though Mr. Burns is horrified by this, Smithers insists that it isn't important and that they should just keep driving. Disgusted by Smithers' apparent heartlessness, Burns insists on comforting the boy until help arrives.

Mr. Burns' testimony is poorly received, as the whole court (including Smithers) looks at him with disapproval. In disbelief of the court's poor opinion of him, Mr. Burns yells at and berates his lawyers after the trial.

Mr. Burns attempts to buy them off by inviting Homer and Marge to his home and offering them $500,000. Giving them time to think things over, he and Smithers go to "powder his nose," though they in actuality go and watch over the two as they discuss from behind a painting. After finding out they were using "shifty lawyers and phony doctors," the two come back down and call off the deal, allowing the jury to decide the fate of the trial. Burns instructs Smithers to release the hounds on them.

Back in court, Marge is called to the stand. Much to the satisfaction of Mr. Burns and his team, she's honest to an arguable fault, revealing the ways that she doesn't trust the people and story they've been working with. In the end, the family loses the case, getting no money at all. Though he doesn't speak in this scene, Smithers is visible through most of 18:29-18:43, and chuckles when Mr. Burns slips the family a paper declaring their entitlement to $0.

One Fish, Two Fish, Blowfish, Blue Fish

As part of his bucket list for his supposed last day alive, Homer wants to tell off his boss. While in the car with Barney, they happen to drive past Burns and Smithers, who are checking out the ankles of women walking by.

After being told to "eat [Homer's] shorts," Burns asks Smithers who that was, to which he's reminded of who he is and his position under him in Sector 7-G. Mr. Burns wants to see Homer in his office at 9 a.m. on Monday morning.

Homer vs. Lisa and the 8th Commandment

After seeing Homer invite his friends to watch the big fight on cable, Mr. Burns decides that he wants to go watch it at Homer's place, as well. After getting permission to speak frankly, Smithers asks him why he doesn't just pay to see it himself. Mr. Burns responds by telling him that he'd like to "savor the sights, sounds, and [...] the smells of other men," and Smithers tells him he "hasn't lost the common touch."

On the night of the fight, the two arrive at the Simpsons' house to watch it. Mr. Burns brought some "munchies," prompting Smithers to hand Homer a bag of Cheetos. Though Smithers doesn't speak throughout the rest of the episode, he excitedly watches the fight with the other guests. He's visible in various shots throughout the rest of the night.

Principal Charming

While looking for a partner for Selma, Homer mentally evaluates the people at his workplace. Among these people is Smithers, who's out of the running due to his one big con of being a jerk. He never speaks, but he's visible at 6:17 and 6:24 (shown to the left).

Old Money

When Grampa is giving away $100,000 to a person (or persons) of his choice, Mr. Burns shows up as one of the people looking to acquire his fortune. He grovels for his money, but gets turned down once Grampa remembers who he is. Angered by his rejection, Mr. Burns tells him he's made himself a powerful enemy as Smithers pulls him out of the room.

He once again doesn't speak, but he's visible in multiple shots in the 15:35-15:56 time frame.

Brush with Greatness

With six days to spare before the dedication of the Burns wing of the museum, Mr. Burns is rejecting yet another (among many, many) work of art of himself, telling Smithers to "throw [it] on the dung heap." After the artist behind the work quits, Smithers reminds Burns of the short amount of time they have left. Mr. Burns calls the idea of immortalizing himself in a portrait (which was apparently suggested by Smithers) half-baked, just like another one of Smithers' apparent ideas for Mr. Burns to have children.

Upon being told to find another artist, Smithers informs Burns that he's alienated every artist in town except for Marge Simpson. Due to her marriage to an employee, Smithers concludes that she'll be easily intimidated. This satisfies Mr. Burns, who proclaims that "somebody up there" likes him. Smithers tells him that "somebody down here likes [him] too," but is quickly rejected.

Later on, the two arrive at the Simpson household. Mr. Burns weakly tries (and fails) to knock on their front door. He complains of the lack of response, prompting Smithers to bang on the door for him, which finally gets Marge to answer. Allowing the two in, they discuss the idea of Marge painting a portrait of Burns. Smithers asks her if she has any experience painting "the rich and powerful," to which Marge responds by saying she's only done Ringo Starr. Burns fails to remember who he is, though Smithers reminds him. Burns and Marge continue to discuss the portrait.

Afterwards, Marge begins with the portrait. Smithers gets props for the portrait and applies makeup to Mr. Burns, telling him that the world will soon see him as he always has.

Later on, Smithers is seen reading the funny pages of a newspaper to Mr. Burns while he's modeling for the portrait. Another short scene shows Smithers handing a towel to a freshly-washed Burns, who Marge inadvertently walks in on. Smithers asks Burns if he'd rather he leave him alone as well, but he doesn't mind his presence, saying he's "like a doctor" to him.

Mr. Burns is also seen rudely demanding tea from Smithers. Marge takes notice of his harsh treatment, asking Smithers if it bothers him. However, he explains to her that he values every second they're together, seeing him as his best friend. Upon taking the tea to Mr. Burns, he's told that it's too hot, with Mr. Burns splashing the scalding tea onto him. Despite the obvious pain, he submissively agrees with Mr. Burns.

While working on the portrait, Homer enters the living room to tell Marge about his weight loss. Mr. Burns cuts the two off to ridicule Homer on his weight, Smithers laughing along with his harsh insults. Hurt and crying, Homer leaves the room. Marge tells the two to leave, much to Mr. Burns' relief, as he's tired of this "suburban nightmare."

Skipping ahead, it's the day of the unveiling. As it turns out, Marge painted a nude illustration of Mr. Burns, much to the shock of the audience, though Smithers is clearly attracted to this, to the point of fainting. He doesn't speak in this scene, but he is visible at 19:59, 20:27, 20:32 (in which he makes a sound of pleasure), and 21:23.

Blood Feud

The episode opens with the unveiling of an emergency warning sign to tell citizens what to do during a nuclear disaster. Mayor Quimby is presenting, while Smithers waits for Burns, who is nowhere to be seen. This concerns him, as Mr. Burns is never late. Going to check on him, he finds him lying weakly on the floor of his bedroom, unable to move. Smithers insists on getting him to a doctor, which Mr. Burns attempts to object to before immediately passing out and being taken to a doctor anyway.

His doctor, Hibbert, tells Smithers that he's suffering from hypohemia, a lack of blood. Smithers is agitated and impatient, exclaiming that he knows what hypohemia is and just wants to know what can be done. When Dr. Hibbert tells him that his only hope is a blood tranfusion, Smithers immediately insists on having his blood used, even asking him to skip the needle sterilization process to get it done as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, his blood type isn't compatible with Mr. Burns, who has the rare OO- blood type. Mr. Burns tries to comfort him, telling him that the kidney he donated "really hit the spot."

At the plant, Smithers tearfully announces Burns' grave condition over the intercom, asking any employees sharing his blood type to report to the Bloodmobile outside.

After coming home from work, Homer finds out that Bart's blood type matches up and convinces him to give his blood so that they may be handsomely rewarded. Upon arriving to give blood, Smithers greets the two. He's clearly grateful for what they're doing for Mr. Burns, saying he doesn't know who to hug first. Homer insists on Bart going first, thus Smithers hugs the boy, much to the latter's displeasure.

As the transfusion begins, Mr. Burns says he wants to dictate his epitaph, believing he wouldn't make it. Smithers writes it out for him as he receives his transfusion. Luckily, all goes well, and Mr. Burns is soon (relatively) healthy and better than ever. Burns asks Smithers the name of the boy who gave for him, to which the latter informs him that it was Bart Simpson, the son of an employee from Sector 7-G.

Later on, Mr. Burns wants to publish a book about his fight against hypohemia. Smithers introduces him to Mr. Roman, who is said to be one of the finest ghostwriters in the business. Roman proceeds to ask Mr. Burns who he's slept with. This angers him, and he decides to simply write the book on his own.

After receiving an otherwise rewardless thank-you card from Burns, Homer impulsively writes a disparaging letter to him. Mr. Burns is obviously infuriated upon reading this, later ranting to Smithers about it. He fires Homer, but still feels nothing. Looking to feel more, he instructs Smithers to have him beaten. He attempts to object, but is quickly shut up by Mr. Burns' hostile reaction when he tries to speak.

Smithers is clearly distressed by this. As he talks to the hitman, he's disheveled and chain-smoking. As the man walks away, Smithers stops him to tell him to beat but not kick. As he continues to walk away, he's stopped once again. This time, the man questions what Homer did wrong in the first place. Smithers breaks down, collapsing against him and telling him that he saved Burns' life. Later, Smithers goes and tells Mr. Burns that he called off the beating. This briefly angers him, but he quickly forgives Smithers, seeing him as "the sober ying to [his] raging yang." They shake hands, though they still have the Simpson matter to attend to.

Instead of beating him, Mr. Burns has now decided to get a "zip-zoop zabulous" present for Homer and his family. He and Smithers shop the mall for potential gifts for the family. After rejecting several of Smithers' suggestions, Burns lands on the perfect present for them, which Smithers points out the pricey $32,000 cost of, though Mr. Burns pays no mind to this. Once this present is delivered to the Simpson house, it turns out that it's an Olmec head statue.

Though the family isn't particularly fond of the present, Mr. Burns leaves to let them get acquainted with it. As they head out, Smithers praises Burns, calling him his "god of generosity."