Ep 21. Marge in Chains

In The Simpsons season 4 episode 21, titled "Marge in Chains", the sleepy town of Springfield is hit with a mystery virus that sends many of its residents to the hospital. Among the patients is Marge Simpson, who has been falsely accused of shoplifting a precious diamond from a department store.

As Marge languishes in jail, the Simpson family must find a way to clear her name and solve the mystery of the virus at the same time. Meanwhile, the town falls into chaos as its residents go wild over a new product called "Juice Loosener."

Homer tries his best to keep the family together and prove Marge's innocence, but his bumbling attempts only seem to make things worse. As Marge's trial approaches, the family discovers a surprising source of aid in the form of Lionel Hutz, their hapless but well-meaning lawyer.

The episode is filled with hilarious moments, from Homer's misguided attempts to sell Juice Loosener to Mr. Burns' obsession with finding the culprit behind the virus. The humor is tempered by moments of genuine warmth, as the family comes together to support Marge and try to make sense of the chaos around them.

Through it all, the show maintains its trademark irreverence, skewering everything from the American justice system to the mindless consumer culture that has overtaken Springfield. The episode is a masterclass in satire, using absurdist humor to make timeless observations about the human condition.

Ultimately, the episode is a testament to the strength of the Simpson family and the power of love and loyalty in the face of adversity. It is a classic entry in the series and a must-watch for fans of the show and comedy in general.