Season 5 summary

Homer Goes to College

During nap time in Mr. Burns' office, the plant is paid a surprise visit by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a test of employee competence. After he and Smithers are woken up, Mr. Burns tries and claims that they make cookies at the plant, though this doesn't convince the inspectors in any way.

After a short lapse of time, Smithers tells Burns not to worry, as he's gathered up the "less gifted" employees and put them in the basement, telling them they needed to watch a bee in a jar. The inspectors ask if Homer (the designated "head bee guy") is present, and he tells them that he couldn't "bee" there at the moment, with Mr. Burns corroborating this by saying that he's in Geneva and chairing a conference on nuclear fission. Unfortunately for them, however, he immediately comes up through a nearby manhole, having been stung by the bee.

The inspectors put him in a recreation of his workstation and simulate a power surge. Despite there apparently being no nuclear material in this simulation, he still manages to cause a meltdown. During this, Mr. Burns enters an escape pod, locking Smithers out in the process. When he pleads to be let in (as there are seats for the both of them), he simply tells him that he likes to put his feet up on the other seat, once again locking him out.

After the incident, Mr. Burns attempts to bribe the inspectors, giving them the choice between a washer and dryer (which Smithers helps present to them) or a mystery box. They don't take either of the bribes, instead telling him that Homer needs a college education and that they'll be taking legal action if he doesn't get caught up soon. He attempts to drop them through a trapdoor in his office, though (as Smithers soon informs him) the painters moved his desk to another part of the room, thus causing his desk (where the inspectors are standing) to be further away from his door.

Later, Burns, his lawyer, and Smithers drop by the Simpson household to inform Homer of his need for college education. After notifying him of this fact, Mr. Burns tells him that he has to find the jade monkey before the next full moon. However, Smithers tells him that it was already found, having been in Mr. Burns' glove compartment, along with a few other relevant items.

As Mr. Burns has a chair at Springfield University, he tries to convince the admissions board to let Homer in. However, when they all agree that he isn't qualified enough, he attempts to beat one of the men there with a club. Despite his extremely weak hits, they go ahead and allow Homer in any way. Mr. Burns collapses from exertion and tells Smithers to "dismember the corpse and send his widow a corsage." He doesn't speak in this scene, but is visible at 7:45, 7:50, and 8:14.

Rosebud

At the very start of the episode, soldiers are shown marching and chanting outside of Burns' manor. Smithers shushes them, as Mr. Burns is asleep. During a dream about his lost childhood teddy bear, Bobo, Burns knocks a nearby snow globe onto the floor, alerting Smithers, who comes and wakes him up. Having heard his sleeptalk, he asks him who Bobo is, though Burns lies and claims he was calling for "Lobo," as in Sheriff Lobo. Smithers then tells him that they've begun preparations for his birthday. Mr. Burns is unenthused about this, saying that he won't get what he wants.

Smithers simply states that "no one does," prompting him to fantasize about a nude Burns popping out of a birthday cake and seductively singing him happy birthday.

Over the surveillance monitors, the two watch Homer (inadvertently) evoke laughs from his coworkers due to an embarrassing situation of his. After asking Smithers who this man is, Mr. Burns says he wants him to perform at his birthday party, and Smithers tells him that he'll get him "started on some snappy sinbad-esque material."

Once the night of the party arrives, it starts with a short display of Mr. Burns' life (aptly titled "Montgomery Burns: A Life"), which Smithers introduces. Afterwards, he presents The Ramones, who perform a version of Happy Birthday for him. Unfortunately, this performance is quite disparaging, prompting Burns to order Smithers to have "The Rolling Stones" killed. When he goes to correct him, he's immediately cut off and told to "do as [he says]."

While Mr. Burns look through a large selection of expensive yet unimpressive gifts, Smithers tells him that he's arranged for the citizens of Australia to line up and spell out his name with candles, which is visible on a monitor to his side. However, he refuses to turn his head and look, still clearly dejected.

Before finally presenting Homer's performance, Smithers informs the audience that a small puppy was run over in the parking lot. Though the audience is visibly upset by this, he quickly changes to a more cheerful tone as he brings Homer on to perform.

Later, Smithers tries to remind Mr. Burns of all the rare and exceptional things he has, though this fails to cheer him up in any way. He guesses that he wants his old teddy bear back, which Mr. Burns initially denies, attempting to give him "the thrashing of a lifetime" (which is actually just very weak slaps), but he quickly admits to it, collapsing in his arms and lamenting Bobo's absence.

In an attempt to cheer Burns up, Smithers surprises him by dressing up as Bobo, sitting on his lap and telling him to "hug [him,] squeeze [him, and] tug at [his] fur." This briefly disturbs Mr. Burns, who then tells him to go look for the real Bobo. This results in a search for Bobo's whereabouts to be publicized through mediums such as milk cartons and the local news.

Meanwhile, Professor Frink builds a giant robot bear meant to fill this role. Unfortunately, this robot doesn't perform its intended function of cuddling and dancing, instead attacking Mr. Burns. Smithers tries to defend him, though the robot is incredibly strong. However, it soon leaves them alone, running off on its own to "live."

As things turn out, the Simpson family had Bobo, and Homer returns it to Mr. Burns. Despite being grateful for Bobo's return, he still insists that he can't pay him a proper reward, as he's "strapped for cash" (a claim which is quickly debunked by a pile of riches falling onto him). He offers Homer a drink, and he refuses this offer, taking Bobo back home in the process. Burns turns to Smithers and tells him that it won't take long for him to crack. He doesn't speak in this scene, but he's visible in various shots between 12:25 and 12:57.

The two soon pay a visit to the Simpson household, with Burns asking how much they want for Bobo. He quickly agrees to Homer's demands ($1,000,000 and three islands), though Homer struggles to get the bear out of the hands of Maggie, who has grown attached to Bobo. Though both Burns and Smithers attempt to pressure him into handing Bobo over, he ultimately refuses, and the two (angrily) leave.

Burns and Smithers make a couple of attempts to steal Bobo back. Their first try fails due to them getting stuck in the middle of a line they tied between the Flanders and Simpson houses to slide across, thus leaving them needing to be rescued. On their second try, they manage to get into their home, using suction cups to stick to the ceiling. However, they get stuck in the kitchen the entire night when Homer comes in and eats cheese for the next several hours. In the morning, the two finally fall down (in front of both Homer and Marge), but they simply leave.

Later, Homer is at work and feels like his life can't get any worse (as his coworkers are gawking at him for his decision), and Smithers (in)conveniently reassigns him to "much worse duty," which involves him being forced to turn a wheel while being whipped.

As a desperate measure, Mr. Burns deprives the town of both television and beer until Bobo is returned to him. Taking the place of regular television seem to be programs featuring him and/or Smithers. One of these is shown on-screen, showing Mr. Burns returning home (presumably from work) to Smithers, who simply says "what? Already?", and receives a plain "yes" as a response.

Homer and Lisa watch this show together, with the latter asking if television has gotten worse. Homer doesn't notice the decrease in quality, but quickly tells Smithers to look out, and a crashing sound is heard on TV.

After none of his tactics work, Mr. Burns arrives once again at the Simpsons' house, with him apparently having been reduced to desperate pleas, which he has Smithers act out for him. After an interaction with Maggie, she eventually gives Bobo back to him, much to his delight. He's so happy that he tells Smithers to take a note: that he'll only be good and kind from now on. However, he doesn't have anything to write with, but Burns doesn't mind this much, believing that he'll remember it even without the note.

That night, Smithers tucks Burns and Bobo in. While falling asleep, Mr. Burns wonders what the future holds for Bobo, prompting a short future segment to be shown, taking place in 1,000,000 AD. Earth (presumbly, at least) is desolate, and Mr. Burns (who now resides in a mechanical humanoid body) picks up Bobo (who he apparently abandons every century) and runs off with him. Smithers now resides in a mechanical dog body, and follows after him.

Treehouse of Horror IV

Smithers appears in one segment: Bart Simpson's Dracula. In this, Burns (who Lisa rightfully suspects to be a vampire) invites the Simpson family to his country house in Pennsylvania for dinner. When the family rings his doorbell, he welcomes them in over the intercom. However, he then references the family soon becoming part of his "ever-growing army of the undead," and Smithers has to remind him to let go of the button, otherwise what he says will continue to be heard over the speaker.

Once the family goes in, Mr. Burns tries to greet them once again, though Smithers has to remind him of their family name.

While the family dines, Smithers is seen in the background supplying their drinks. He's visible in two shots at 17:29 and 17:31, respectively.

Marge on the Lam

Burns and Smithers are seen at a ballet show. Mr. Burns criticizes it, saying there's "too much dancing [and] not nearly enough prancing." Smithers adds that "a little mincing would be nice."

Bart's Inner Child

Burns and Smithers are both seen at a self-help seminar. Smithers doesn't speak, but he is visible at 10:46.

Later in the episode, they're at the first (and last) annual "Do What You Want" festival, having ice cream together. Smithers takes the opportunity to confess his love to Mr. Burns, though he quickly backs out of it, claiming that he simply loved him "in those colors." He briefly laments to himself that "the boathouse was the time."

The Last Temptation of Homer

After a nearly fatal accident at the plant, Charlie requests to Burns that they add a real emergency exit, as the one that already exists is simply painted onto a wall. He sarcastically praises the idea before telling Smithers to throw the request papers at him. After he does so, Mr. Burns presses a button that results in a tube sucking Charlie up to somewhere unknown. According to Smithers, it was already there when they moved in, so its function is unknown to them.

With Charlie having been the dangerous emissions supervisor, Smithers say that they'll need someone else to fill this role. Mr. Burns says this needs to be someone cheap, as it's been a "very lean year" for them. After a momentary pause, the two start a "money fight," throwing stacks of money at each other.

Later, Smithers introduces Homer, Lenny, and Carl to their new coworker, Mindy, telling them that she has "a degree in engineering or something."

While watching Homer and Mindy talk over the surveillance monitor (not realizing that he's trying to tell her he thinks they should avoid each other due to their attraction to each other), Burns tells Smithers that he wants them to represent the plant at the upcoming energy convention, as they're some of the only employees that actually seem to get along. He goes and gives them the news, telling them that they'll be spending two nights in Capital City together.

Once in Capital City, the two call room service. This sounds off at the plant, and Smithers tells Burns about this.

$pringfield (Or, How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Legalized Gambling)

Henry Kissinger is leaving the plant after a visit. On his way out, Smithers tells him that they'll let him know if they find his glasses, as he lost them at some point during the visit. After Kissinger leaves, he tells Burns that the economy has hit them hard, though Burns doesn't feel much worry about this news. Regardless, Smithers suggests that they could fire a few employees, which Mr. Burns proceeds to do.

After gambling is legalized, Mr. Burns decides to build a casino, specifically on the town's waterfront. He recalls an amusing childhood memory at said waterfront, and after he finishes laughing about it for an extended amount of time, Smithers tells him that designers have arrived at his office to show off their prototypes. None of these designs please Mr. Burns, who ends up deciding to design the casino himself.

The casino is a success upon opening. However, five days afterwards, it's shown that Mr. Burns hasn't slept at all since, something which Smithers expresses concern over. Mr. Burns states that nothing can stop his success now except microscopic bacteria. He grabs Smithers by the arm, seeking affirmation that they "won't let that happen," and he worriedly goes along with this.

As time goes on, Mr. Burns becomes increasingly desheveled and unwell. He believes that everyone is contaminated with bacteria. This is to the degree that when he turns to look at Smithers, he hallucinates dozens of germs covering his face.

Marge becomes addicted to gambling, spending at least several dozen hours straight doing so. Smithers comes and asks her if she's done, as they're required by law to do so every 75 hours. She rejects this, and he gives her another free drink.

The episode cuts back to Mr. Burns, who is still deteriorating. He designs a small plane, the Spruce Moose, which he believes will carry 200 passengers. Smithers compliments him on his model, though he's confused by the assertion that it's simply a model plane.

Robert Goulet is set to perform at the casino, but Bart takes him to perform at his own casino, run out of his treehouse. Smithers breaks the news of Goulet's absence to Burns.

When Mr. Burns sees Homer rampaging around the casino in search of his wife, he tells Smithers that he doesn't want him working at his casino anymore. When Smithers mentions transferring Homer back to the nuclear plant, he realizes he misses his power plant, causing him to gain a sudden sense of lucidity, putting an end to many of his disordered behaviors. However, he's still isn't completely sound, as he insists on taking the Spruce Moose back to the power plant, putting a gun up to Smithers when he tries to object to this.

Lisa vs. Malibu Stacy

Upset by the misogynistic lines spouted by her Malibu Stacy doll, Lisa goes on a tour of the factory that produces them to complain in person. During the tour, a video is shown depicting the history of Malibu Stacy, including the world's largest Malibu Stacy collection, which is owned by Smithers. He tells the viewers that he'll see them at Stacycon '94, at the San Diego Airport Hilton.

Seeking to meet with the creator of Malibu Stacy herself, Lisa goes to Smithers' apartment for assistance. He tells her that the inventor of the line, Stacy Lovell, hasn't been seen out in public in the past 20 years. He then tells Lisa that he's currently writing an article on Lovell for an upcoming Malibu Stacy newsletter of his and that he'll print out a copy for her. When he turns on his computer, a short clip of a nude Mr. Burns plays, saying that Smithers is "quite good at turning [him] on." He awkwardly tells Lisa that she "probably should ignore that."

After Lisa meets Lovell, she collaborates with her to create a new, more progressive doll: Lisa Lionheart. On the day they go on sale, various people (almost exclusively little girls) gather outside the store, excitedly clamoring for the doll, including Smithers.

When they get in, however, they find a "new" Malibu Stacy doll, which is simply a rerelease of an old one with a new hat added on. Lisa tries to reason with the crowd on its misogynistic and cheap nature, but this effort is quickly undermined when he points out that "she's got a new hat." Everyone (presumably including Smithers) buys up the Malibu Stacy dolls, leaving the Lisa Lionhearts untouched.

Deep Space Homer

Smithers tells the plant workers to head to the main yard for mandatory worker of the week award festivities. Once the ceremony starts, he introduces Mr. Burns. However, once Mr. Burns comes out, he promises "a shiny new donkey" for whoever brings him the head of Colonel Motoya. Smithers whispers something to him, causing him to quickly switch over to talking about the worker of the week.

Bart Gets an Elephant

The family has Bart's elephant, Stampy, available to the public to look at and/or ride (only when they pay a small fee, of course). One of the people who comes to ride Stampy is Burns. He tells Smithers that it reminds him of a man he used to ride to work.

Burns' Heir

While being given a bath by Smithers, Burns complains about his use of a sponge with corners. He goes to retrieve a spherical one, leaving his previous sponge on top of Mr. Burns' head. The weight of it causes him to sink into the tub and drown.

When Smithers comes back and sees him submerged, he immediately assumes he is dead and grieves his passing. However, he realizes he's still alive when he comes out of the water to strangle him, angry with him for almost letting him die. While still being choked, Smithers wraps a towel around Mr. Burns, concerned that he may catch a cold.

After his near-death experience, Mr. Burns realizes that he doesn't have an heir, meaning that no one would carry on his legacy or inherit his fortune. Smithers clears his throat in an attempt to suggest himself as his heir, but he informs him that he has something much bigger planned: when he dies, Smithers will be buried alive with him.

Mr. Burns opens up auditions for local children to be his heir. Smithers is silently present behind him throughout this scene. Though Bart is forced by his parents to audition, his stitled, scripted performance gets extremely negative reception from Mr. Burns.

After he finds nobody to be a fitting heir, he tells Smithers that he'll simply have to leave his money to the Egg Advisory Council, as "eggs have gotten quite a bad rap lately." As he tells him this, a rock is thrown through the window. Mr. Burns thinks it's a bird, though Smithers tries in vain to correct him on this. Looking out the window, it turns out that Bart is wreaking havoc on his property. This pleases him, as he views Bart as "a creature of pure malevolence." He tells him that he will be his heir, though Bart responds to this simply by throwing a rock at Smithers' head, knocking him down.

Later on at the Simpson household, the family signs a document that officially makes Bart Burns' heir. Smithers is present during this scene at 8:34 and 9:06, but doesn't speak. As Mr. Burns laments about being alone, Marge suggests that Bart go and spend some time with him. At his manor, the two have dinner together, and he shows Bart his surveillance room, which shows hidden feeds of every house in Springfield. Smithers also doesn't speak here, but appears in many shots between 9:47 and 11:06.

Once Bart goes home, he tells his family how great a time he had at Burns', and he soon decides to go live with him, as he encourages his destructive behavior. Though Smithers doesn't appear in this scene, he is mentioned when Bart tells the family that Mr. Burns throws peas at him.

Upon Bart's arrival, Burns tells Smithers that he'll raise him as his son and proverbially carve him into his own image. When Homer comes to retrieve his son, the three briefly come out, though they soon go back in and lock him out. Once again, Smithers doesn't speak here, but he is visible in various shots between 12:40 and 13:13.

When Homer and Marge take legal action against Mr. Burns to get their son back, it ends in him being ruled as Bart's biological father. Smithers is visible at 14:09 here.

With Bart no longer having the company of his best friend, Mr. Burns offers to play with him. They attempt to play football, with Smithers as the holder. However, when Mr. Burns tries to kick the ball, he instead accidentally kicks him in the face, and they both collapse to the ground. He's visible in two shots at 15:03 and 15:05, respectively, and he again does not speak.

Later on, Burns has Bart fire some employees from the plant. After firing (and simultaneously trapdooring) Lenny, he has him fire Homer. Siding with his father, he instead decides to fire Mr. Burns, also sending him through the trapdoor in his office. Smithers tells him to "try to land on Leonard's carcass" and jumps down after him.

Lady Bouvier's Lover

After a night of dancing between Burns and Jackie Bouvier, Smithers comes and picks them up. He holds the door open for her, scowling jealously as she gets in the car. He doesn't speak, but he's in the shots between 13:30 and 13:34.

The next day, Burns enthusiastically approaches Smithers, rhetorically asking him to guess what happened last night. He responds with clear disinterest, asking if he "had sex with that old woman." As things turn out, Jackie said "no" to Mr. Burns, something that hasn't happened to him since he became a billionaire. He proclaims his love of her, gaining sarcastic yet clearly despondent congratulations from Smithers.

Burns attempts to write a love letter to her, but upon struggling to write one he's satisfied with, he tells Smithers to help him. He delivers a deeply heartfelt message, though caps it off with an unemotional "yada yada yada." Upon being asked by Burns how he thought of such an astounding letter so fast, he tells him that he sent it to him on his birthday, and he quickly excuses himself due to getting "something in [his] eye."

Mr. Burns ends up coming to the Simpsons' house for a date with Jackie. He tries to greet the family, but forgets their name. He asks Smithers, who whispers (albeit inaudibly to the viewers) the names of the Flintstone family to him, snickering to himself afterwards.

Eventually, Burns and Jackie have a wedding together. Smithers doesn't speak during this, but appears in various shots between 19:43 and 21:06.

Secrets of a Successful Marriage

When Homer begins a class on maintaining a good marriage, Smithers is among the students in attendance. Not knowing what to teach, Homer opts for the students to instead tell him about their own interpersonal troubles. Smithers tells the class that he was married once, but "just didn't know how to keep it together." The scene cuts to a flashback showing him and his then-wife, with him being on crutches for an unknown reason. She pleads with him to "make love to [her] the way that [he] used to," which he harshly denies. She says that it's because of that "horrible" Mr. Burns, a statement that immediately infuriates Smithers, causing him to yell at her to "leave Mr. Burns out of this" and break several nearby glasses and bottles with his crutch. Suddenly, they hear Mr. Burns yelling for Smithers from outside, much to his delight and his wife's visible annoyance. The scene cuts back to present time, and Smithers is clearly more pleased by Mr. Burns' presence in his flashback than anything else. Once he zones back in, he realizes Homer isn't listening and calls his name to get his attention. Once the class realizes that he doesn't have anything to teach, they all begin to leave, though they come back once he mentions a conversation with his wife in bed.

Next time in class, Homer tries to avoid revealing any more secrets about Marge (as he ended up doing last time), but it turns out that the class is only there to hear this gossip, resulting in him once again doing so. Smithers is present throughout the whole scene, but doesn't speak.

Continuing to break his promise to Marge, Homer invites the class to their home over to observe their lives like a show. Smithers—being a member of the class—is present, once again not speaking. He's visible at various points between 12:27 and 13:53.