Ep 9. Homer Badman

In season 6 episode 9 of The Simpsons, titled "Homer Badman," Homer becomes the center of attention when he accidentally grabs a gummy Venus de Milo candy belonging to a female employee at Mr. Burns' nuclear power plant. As a result, she accuses him of sexual harassment and a media frenzy ensues, with news outlets portraying Homer as a villain. Despite Marge's unwavering support, Homer becomes more and more ostracized by society, and he is eventually forced to flee town.

Throughout the episode, The Simpsons satirizes the sensationalist nature of the media, as various television shows and news outlets twist and embellish the story to make it seem more scandalous than it really is. Homer's innocence is repeatedly called into question, despite the lack of any concrete evidence against him. In the end, he finds redemption in a comical and unexpected way, but not before facing numerous comedic obstacles along the way.

"Homer Badman" is one of the most memorable episodes of the show's sixth season, thanks to its timely commentary on the media's tendency to sensationalize stories, as well as its ability to pack in numerous laughs and sight-gags throughout. The episode also showcases the fundamental strength of The Simpsons as a show - its ability to take a mundane, everyday occurrence (in this case, Homer accidentally taking a piece of candy) and turning it into a hilarious, and often poignant, story.

Overall, "Homer Badman" is a standout episode of The Simpsons, one that showcases the show's ability to blend social commentary with sharp humor and beloved characters. It's an episode that will stick with viewers long after the credits have rolled, and is a testament to The Simpsons' enduring legacy as one of television's greatest comedies.