Mr. Plow

"Mr. Plow" is the ninth episode of the fourth season of the American animated television series The Simpsons. It originally aired on the Fox Network in the United States on November 19, 1992. In the episode, Homer buys a snowplow and starts a business plowing driveways. It is a huge success, and inspired by this, Barney Gumble starts a rival company and quickly puts Homer out of business. The episode was written by Jon Vitti and directed by Jim Reardon. The episode was well received, with some critics calling it one of the best in the show's history. Dan Castellaneta won his second consecutive Emmy Award for "Outstanding Voice-Over Performance" for this episode (Castellaneta performs the voice of both Homer and Barney in the series). The episode was also submitted in the "Outstanding Comedy Series" category although ultimately it was not nominated. Plot After crashing into Marge's car on a snowy night (which he had spent drinking at Moe's), Homer is forced to purchase a replacement car. After he is initially unsuccessful after test driving a tiny foreign vehicle which is unsuitable for him, a car show salesman convinces Homer to get a pickup truck mounted with a snowplow. Homer agrees on the basis that he can make the payments by plowing people's driveways. Homer starts his plowing business, titled Mr. Plow, but he has trouble finding customers until Lisa suggests recording an advertisement on late night local television. The resulting commercial and jingle attracts many customers and the business is a booming success. Homer is given the key to the city in recognition of his service to the community.