While digging a grave for a dead gerbil in the school basement, Willie accidentally strikes oil. The ensuing geyser shoots upward, destroying much of Springfield Elementary. The discovery leads everyone to believe that the school is suddenly rich. Townspeople present their ideas as to how Superintendent Chalmers should spend the money. It also attracts the interest of Mr. Burns, who feels he has a monopoly to protect. He tells Skinner he wishes to buy the oil well, but he is thrown out of the school.

Homer grows aggravated by Burns’ inability to remember his name. Taking a cue from Marge, Homer sends his boss a box of candy with his family’s photo inside. Burns and Smithers eat the candy, uncovering everyone’s face save Homer’s. Burns tells Smithers to send Marge, Lisa, Bart and Maggie a thank-you note. Meanwhile, despite Smithers’ warning, Burns erects his own derrick, tapping into the same source of Springfield elementary’s crude. When the rig is tested, it blows oil clear across town at a thirty degree angle, injuring Bart and his dog. The new well affects just about everyone’s life adversely. When the townspeople realize they have been cheated out of riches the oil had promised, and their lives changed for the worse, they vow revenge against Burns.

Smithers is aghast when Burns threatens to block out all the energy from the sun. Sensing his insubordination, Burns fires him. Just about everyone in Springfield is ready to kill Mr. Burns. Mayor Quimby calls a town meeting to discuss the dilemma. Some of those in attendance show up with guns, but all voice their outrage over Burns’ actions. Mr. Burns pays the townspeople a surprise visit. He shows everyone that he now carries a gun with him at all times. Then, in an impressive display of his awesome power, he hits a button on a remote control device and blocks out the sun’s rays. As Burns happily walks away from the town hall, someone shoots him in the chest. But who?