Ep 22. In Marge We Trust

In the eighth season of the highly popular animated television show, The Simpsons, episode 22 is named In Marge We Trust. This episode is a comedic take on religion and the church. The episode opens at the First Church of Springfield, where Reverend Lovejoy is delivering a sermon. The sermon is long and dull, and Marge falls asleep while listening to it. However, she wakes up when she hears the reverend mention that the church is looking for a volunteer to manage its finances. Marge decides to take up the job, and after she submits her application, she gets selected for the position.

Initially, Marge is excited about her new job, but soon realizes that managing the finances of the church is not an easy task. She struggles to keep track of the church's money and expenses, and is frustrated when she sees that the church is not doing well financially. To make matters worse, Marge discovers that the church's former finance manager, a sleazy character named Lindsay Naegle, was embezzling funds from the church. Marge confronts Lindsay Naegle, who admits to her wrongdoing and flees.

Marge tries to come up with ideas to save the church's finances, but most of them are not feasible. She suggests that the church should hold a bake sale, but is overruled by the members of the church board. She then tries to get commercial sponsors for the church, but this idea is also rejected. In desperation, Marge prays to God for help, and soon her prayers are answered.

Unbeknownst to Marge, her prayers have been answered by Homer, who, after seeing his wife's stress, decides to help her. Homer comes up with a scheme that involves setting up a gambling den in the church's basement. At first, Marge is horrified by the idea, but soon realizes that the gambling den is the only way to save the church's finances. The gambling den becomes a huge success, and soon the church is flush with money.

However, Marge's success is short-lived, as the church board finds out about the gambling den and shuts it down. Marge is fired from her job, and the church board is left to figure out how to deal with the money that was earned from the gambling den.

The episode ends with Marge feeling disillusioned with the church and her faith. She tells Homer that she doesn't think the church is a good place anymore, but Homer convinces her that she should keep her faith. The episode ends with Marge and Homer sitting in their backyard, under the stars, talking about their beliefs and their doubts.

In Marge We Trust is a satirical take on religion and the role of the church in modern society. The episode deals with themes such as faith, ethics, and morality in a light-hearted manner, and is a testament to the show's ability to take on serious topics while still remaining funny and entertaining. Overall, this episode is a must-watch for fans of The Simpsons and anyone who enjoys smart and clever humor.