The dreaded Osaka flu hits Springfield and Homer, Bart, Lisa, and Grampa all depend on Marge to nurse them back to health. While picking up supplies at the Kwik-E-Mart, Marge accidentally forgets to pay for Grampa's bottle of bourbon and is arrested for shoplifting.

Homer hires Lionel Hutz to defend Marge at her trial. The jury finds her guilty, and she is sentenced to thirty days in jail.

Now behind bars, Marge's absence is felt at home and at the annual bake sale. Without her famous marshmallow squares, the Springfield Park Commission fails to raise enough money to pay for a statue of Abraham Lincoln. Instead, they purchase one of Jimmy Carter. When the statue is unveiled, disappointed townspeople riot. Marge is released from jail and the townspeople wlecome her back, apologizing for not trusting her.