And Maggie Makes Three

"And Maggie Makes Three" is the thirteenth episode of the sixth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons.

It features cultural references to television series such as The Mary Tyler Moore Show and Knight Rider.

Homer explains why by recounting the story of Maggie's birth: in 1993, Homer hated his job at the Springfield Nuclear Power Plant and dreamed of working at a bowling alley, and thus quit after receiving a paycheck clearing him of all his debts, humiliating Mr. Burns and literally burning a bridge during his departure.

Homer tried to attract more customers by firing a shotgun outside the bowling alley, which only caused a massive panic and large police response - a series of events so absurd, Bart and Lisa do not even believe it until Marge, ashamed, confirms their veracity.

Mr. Burns forced Homer to beg for his job back and placed a large plaque near his desk which read: "Don't forget: you're here forever".

Back in the present, Bart and Lisa still do not understand what this story has to do with Maggie's missing baby pictures, though Homer claims the photos are safe in a location where he "needs them most".

Crittenden was taking a beginners' writing program at 20th Century Fox when former The Simpsons showrunner David Mirkin hired her on the show.

[15] The episode was the fourth-highest rated show on the Fox network that week, beaten only by Melrose Place, Beverly Hills, 90210, and the Rock 'n' Roll Skating Championship.

One-time The Simpsons writer and comedian Ricky Gervais named it his second favorite episode, and said: "Mr. Burns gives [Homer] this terrible plaque above his desk that says, 'Don't forget: You're here forever.'

"[16] Warren Martyn and Adrian Wood, the authors of the book I Can't Believe It's a Bigger and Better Updated Unofficial Simpsons Guide, said: "A surprisingly traditional episode.

The flashback to 1993 seems a bit odd, but this is a good example of a story that doesn't overly rely on set pieces and confounded expectations for its success.

Homer is not thrilled with the idea of having a baby, and the episode does a wonderful job of showing the dark side of having another mouth to feed.