Ep 7. The Call of the Simpsons

In The Call of the Simpsons, the seventh episode of the hit animated series The Simpsons' first season, Homer becomes envious of his neighbor Ned Flanders' new purchase: a high-end RV. He convinces Marge that they need one for themselves in order to keep up with the Joneses, but the family soon realizes they can't quite afford it. After spotting an ad in the newspaper that claims "RVs for $1", they go to the location listed and discover it's a sales pitch for a high-quality camping catalog. Despite this disappointment, Homer insists that they go on a camping trip and purchases a dilapidated RV off a stranger for a meager amount.

Homer's family is hesitant but agrees to go to the woods for a weekend trip. They have various troubles while driving the RV, including struggling to navigate, getting splattered with mud, and getting caught in a river. While parked in what they believe is an isolated clearing, they become surrounded by a pack of wolves, who are drawn in by Homer's penchant for barbecuing steak. In the chaos of trying to fend off the wolves, the RV is run off a cliff and crashes, leaving the family stranded and on foot in the wilderness.

The family sets out to find civilization while carrying their meager supplies, but they quickly realize they are hopelessly lost. Homer attempts to hunt for food and water but is unsuccessful. Meanwhile, Bart, Lisa, and Marge stumble upon a strange cult leader named Jacques, who convinces them to join his movement called the "Junior Campers". Jacques brainwashes the kids and offers Marge a luxurious, comfortable tent. She is initially hesitant but eventually gives in out of desperation.

Homer misses his family and begins to hallucinate while trudging through the wilderness. He has a dream in which he is visited by the Spirit of the Forest, who shows him a vision of his family safe and happy without him. Homer believes the vision to be true and decides to stay in the forest forever.

In the meantime, Marge and the kids discover the true nature of Jacques' camp. It is a hippie commune, and the other members are heavily intoxicated and behaving erratically. Marge realizes they have to leave and convinces Bart and Lisa to come with her. Jacques tries to stop them, but they escape and run back into the wilderness, hoping to find Homer.

Eventually, the family is reunited, and they stumble upon a gas station and call for help. They all make it back home safely, and Homer decides that he is okay with not having an RV after all.

The Call of the Simpsons is a hilarious and heartwarming episode that showcases the unique quirks of the Simpson family while also commenting on the dangers of materialism and greed. With excellent voice acting and witty writing, this is one episode that will leave you both laughing and feeling sentimental.