Mr. Burns views a television news story featuring the inspiring life of Frank Grimes, who survived abandonment, poverty and a silo explosion—and eventually earned a degree in nuclear physics. Burns instructs Smithers to hire the self-made man and appoint him executive vice president at the plant. When Grimes begins his job, he almost immediately butts heads with Homer, disapproving of his lazy job performance. Meanwhile, Bart accompanies his mother to City Hall. Growing bored, Bart slips into the Tax Seizure office. After bidding a dollar during an auction, he purchases a gigantic abandoned factory.

The relationship between Grimes and Homer deteriorates even further. Homer accidentally mistakes a beaker of sulfuric acid for a can of Buzz cola. Grimes knocks the beaker out of Homer’s hand seconds before he drinks it. The beaker smashes against a wall, burning a hole through the concrete. At that moment, Burns passes by the snack room and notices the damage.Homer tells Burns that Grimes is responsible. As punishment, Burns reduces Grimes’ salary. Afterward, Grimes tells Homer they are enemies. Meanwhile, Bart and Martin ignore safety signs posted throughout the abandoned building and begin trashing the old structure. As Milhouse stands guard one evening, the structure topples.

Hoping to make amends, Homer invites Grimes to his home for dinner. When Grimes sees Homer’s beautiful home and family, he grows even more bitter. Marge suggests that Homer might be able to improve relations by behaving in a more professional manner at work. Homer takes her advice, but Grimes sees through the ruse and grows even angrier. Grimes tricks Homer into entering a children’s model building contest, hoping to embarrass him. The day of the contest arrives, and Homer shows off his model, built from construction paper, glitter, and elbow macaroni. Grimes attempts to belittle Homer in front of his fellow employees, but his scheme fails. Nearing madness, Grimes begins imitating the stupid things Homer does on a daily basis. He grabs two bare high-voltage wires, electrocuting himself.