Homer thinks Bart’s new Muslim friend belongs to a family of terrorists; and Lisa acquires her first iPod-like device.

The day after Christmas, the Simpsons make their way to Springfield Mall. Marge reminds her family of their agreement: everyone gets to return one Christmas present without hurt feelings. Marge, Homer, and Lisa want to return the same “kitty calendar” Bart gave them. Lisa reacts with excitement when she realizes the mall now features a Mapple Store (an Apple-like store). The Simpsons make their way inside, where they gaze upon the beautiful-looking electronics. Lisa loves what she sees, but doesn’t have the money to buy anything. A short time later, Krusty complains about the movies and music on his MyPod. He hands the device to Lisa, and walks off. A joyous Lisa declares that she’s become a “Mapple person.” Mapple CEO Steve Mobbs addresses the shoppers in the store on a giant video screen. Before he has the chance to

make an important announcement, Bart’s voice is heard on the store’s loudspeakers (replacing Mobbs’ voice). Bart declares that everyone in the store is a loser… and that he pees on every phone the store sells. An angry mob finds Bart, and threatens to flay him with their ear-phones. Bart holds them at bay by threatening to wipe out a computer’s hard drive with a magnet. The angry mob chases him out of the store. Once he’s outside, Bart smells something cooking. Attracted to the smell, Bart makes his way to a nearby backyard. A Middle-Eastern boy, Bashir, is barbecuing lamb shish-kabobs. Bashir introduces Bart to his sister Mina, and explains that his family moved to Springfield from Jordan. Never one to refuse a free meal, Bart helps himself to some lamb. Later Bart gives Bashir a tour of Springfield Elementary. When Jimbo and Kearney realize Bashir is “different,” they advance on him in a menacing fashion.

Bart tells Jimbo and Kearney that it’s not fair to pick on someone just because he’s a member of a different faith. When Bart realizes Bashir is a Muslim, he knows he’s got his work cut out for him. Nonetheless, he’s able to defuse the situation. Lisa impresses Sherri and Terri by showing them all of the music and videos she’s downloaded, including an Itchy & Scratchy video. Bart introduces Bashir to his family. Bashir compliments Homer on his appearance, causing him to giggle. Later Moe tells Homer that Bashir is a Muslim, and is probably up to no good… just like the Middle Eastern characters on the television show 24. When Homer expresses concern, Moe suggests he invite the boy over for dinner, and then “Jack Bauer him” into giving away his secrets. Homer hosts a dinner for Bashir and his family. During the meal Homer offers Bashir’s family some cake featuring a design of the American flag. Bashir’s father, Amid, turns down the dessert. When Homer questions Amid’s patriotism, Bart becomes upset with his father. Amid, in turn, gets upset with Bart for disrespecting his elder. After Bashir’s family leaves, Marge insists that Homer apologize. Homer makes his way to Bashir’s family’s house. When he looks in the window, he sees the family unpacking sticks of TNT. Homer concludes that Bashir’s family is terrorist.

Homer returns home, and tells Marge what he saw. Marge thinks Homer is mistaken. That night Homer experiences a dream featuring a Robin Williams-like blue genie who destroys the “decadent Western Springfield” by turning it into a town resembling something out of Arabian Nights. Meanwhile, Lisa receives her first invoice from Mapple: she downloaded $1200 worth of songs and videos. Homer spies on Bashir’s family, and overhears Amid say that he loves blowing up buildings. Homer accesses the family’s computer, and finds some diagrams of Springfield Mall. Homer concludes that Amid intends to blow it up. He rushes to the mall, and urges everyone to leave. It turns out, however, that Amid gets paid to demolish buildings: his job is to demolish Old Springfield Mall. Oblivious Homer grabs Amid’s dynamite, and throws it into a nearby river… blowing up a bridge that leads to Duff Brewery. Later Homer apologizes to Bashir’s family by creating a banner that reads Pardon My Intolerance. Lisa pays Steve Mobbs a visit, and asks for a reduced payment plan. Instead Mobbs hires Lisa to work for Mapple… by dressing in a cheesy MyPod costume, and handing out coupons to passersby.