What is the plot?

The episode "Women in Shorts" from The Simpsons season 36, episode 6, unfolds through multiple short stories focusing on the women of Springfield.

The episode begins with a gathering of women at the Van Houten house for a book reading. Luann Van Houten brings out wine, which concerns the group--not because of the drinking itself, but due to Luann's addiction to wine merchandise. They discuss her obsession, including a recent work conflict over a wine-themed apron. The women suggest she switch to other indulgences like coffee or chocolate, but Luann resists until they agree on her embracing merchandise that labels her a "proud slut."

In a separate storyline, Malibu Stacy, the iconic doll, leaves Malibu Stacy Land in search of the little girl who loves her most. She arrives at Springfield Elementary and ignores Lisa Simpson, instead presenting herself to Shauna Chalmers, who is mocked by peers for still playing with dolls. Shauna pretends to fight Malibu Stacy and invites her to meet at her house. When Malibu Stacy reveals she is confronting her fear of growing up, Shauna violently kicks Malibu Stacy's head away. The head rolls to the feet of Waylon Smithers, who screams in fright.

At the Muntz household, Mrs. Muntz tucks Nelson into bed. Nelson asks for a story about the Kingdom of the Classy Ladies. Mrs. Muntz narrates a tale about Princess Muntzeena, who loved dancing with her friends until the evil Princess Rylee took over the stage, stealing her play. Muntzeena stops Rylee by throwing her heel at her face. The doorman then banishes Rylee to the morning shift, a time when everyone is asleep after drinking. Nelson adds that he hooked up with Muntzeena and took her to Krusty Burger.

Another vignette features Marge Simpson at a store checkout line, where she asks Homer to buy tampons. Homer is uncomfortable with the task and drags his feet. The store clerks accuse him of faking incompetence to avoid embarrassment. This sequence culminates in a musical number parodying "Gee, Officer Krupke" from West Side Story, reminding Homer that Marge always buys products to treat his ailments. Eventually, Homer complies and purchases the tampons.

Meanwhile, Patty and Selma are horrified by news of a potential cigarette shortage due to supply chain issues. They claim they will share their remaining cigarettes but each secretly hoards their own stash. This leads to a fast-paced chase where they reveal each other's secret cigarette supplies.

Throughout the episode, these vignettes highlight various female characters in Springfield, including Lunchlady Dora and Mrs. Muntz, giving them moments in the spotlight. The episode features guest appearances by Kerry Washington as Rayshelle Peyton and food writer Ruth Reichl as herself.

The episode ends after these intertwined stories, each focusing on different aspects of the women's lives in Springfield, with no further overarching resolution tying the stories together.

What is the ending?

The episode "Women in Shorts" ends with a series of short vignettes focusing on the women of Springfield, concluding with a bedtime story told by Mrs. Muntz to Nelson about Princess Muntzeena, who defends her dance from an evil princess and restores order. The episode closes with Nelson and his mother sharing a tender moment, and other characters like Homer and Marge wrapping up their respective storylines.

Expanded narrative of the ending scene by scene:

The final segment centers on Mrs. Muntz tucking Nelson into bed. Nelson asks for a story, and Mrs. Muntz narrates the tale of the Kingdom of the Classy Ladies. She tells of Princess Muntzeena, who loved to dance with her friends. The peace is disrupted when the evil Princess Rylee takes over the stage, stealing Muntzeena's play. In response, Muntzeena throws her shoe at Rylee's face, and the doorman banishes Rylee to the morning shift, a time when everyone is asleep and unable to enjoy the performances. This story serves as a metaphorical resolution, symbolizing standing up to usurpers and reclaiming one's rightful place.

After the story, Nelson adds a personal touch, saying he hooked up with Princess Muntzeena and took her to Krusty Burger, blending fantasy with his reality. This moment highlights Nelson's softer side and his connection with his mother.

Elsewhere, the episode's other storylines conclude with Homer finally purchasing tampons for Marge after some embarrassment and a musical number at the store checkout, emphasizing his awkwardness but eventual support. Patty and Selma's subplot about cigarette shortages ends with them revealing their secret stashes to each other, maintaining their contentious but close relationship.

The Malibu Stacy storyline ends with Shauna decapitating the doll in embarrassment but inviting her to meet for tea, leaving a mix of hostility and potential reconciliation. The doll's head rolling onto the road frightens Waylon Smithers, adding a darkly comic touch.

Luann Van Houten's intervention about her wine merchandise addiction concludes with the women settling on a compromise where Luann embraces the label "proud slut" on her merchandise, signaling acceptance of her quirks.

In terms of character fates at the end:

  • Nelson is comforted and connected with his mother through the bedtime story.
  • Mrs. Muntz remains a caring figure despite her rough exterior.
  • Homer overcomes his embarrassment to support Marge.
  • Patty and Selma continue their complicated sisterly dynamic.
  • Shauna shows a tough exterior but hints at vulnerability.
  • Luann accepts her eccentricities with the support of her friends.

The episode closes on these intertwined vignettes, each highlighting different facets of the women of Springfield and their relationships, ending on a note of personal acceptance and community.

Is there a post-credit scene?

Yes, The Simpsons Season 36, Episode 6 titled "Women in Shorts" does have a post-credits scene. This scene is a mid-credits trailer titled "Maggie: Origins", which humorously addresses the long-standing plot hole about Maggie's age and birth timeline in the series. It reveals that Maggie was actually born after 2011, despite having appeared since 1989, thus poking fun at the show's own continuity quirks.

The episode itself is an anthology of short stories focusing on the women of Springfield, and the post-credits scene serves as a playful addendum that ties into the show's self-aware humor about its history and characters.

What happens with Malibu Stacy in the episode Women in Shorts?

Malibu Stacy leaves Malibu Stacy Land searching for the little girl who loves her most. She arrives at Springfield Elementary, ignores Lisa, and presents herself to Shauna, who is mocked for still playing with dolls. Shauna pretends to fight Malibu Stacy and suggests meeting at her house. When Stacy says she is confronting her fear of growing up, Shauna kicks her head away, which lands at Smithers' feet, causing him to scream.

What is the story involving Nelson and the Kingdom of the Classy Ladies?

Nelson asks his mother to tell him a story about the Kingdom of the Classy Ladies. She tells him about Muntzeena, who loved to dance with her friends until the evil princess Rylee took over the stage and stole her play. Muntzeena stopped Rylee with her heels, and the door keeper banished Rylee to the morning shift when everyone sleeps off their drinks. Nelson adds that he hooked up with Muntzeena and took her to Krusty Burger.

What is the subplot involving Patty and Selma in Women in Shorts?

Patty and Selma are horrified by news of a potential cigarette shortage caused by supply chain issues. They claim they will share their remaining cigarettes but both secretly claim to have none left. This leads to a fast-paced chase where they reveal each other's secret cigarette stashes.

What embarrassing situation does Homer face in this episode?

Homer struggles to buy tampons for Marge and drags his feet around the purchase. The cashiers accuse him of faking incompetence to avoid embarrassment, but Homer is genuinely awkward and foolish. The sequence ends with Homer finally buying the sanitary products at the shopkeeper's behest, accompanied by a musical number.

What is the significance of the women’s gathering at the Van Houten house?

The women sit at the Van Houten house to start a book reading, but Luann brings out wine. They worry not about the drinking but about her addiction to wine merchandise, including a work fight over an apron. They suggest switching to coffee or chocolate, but Luann declines until they settle on the phrase 'proud slut'.

Is this family friendly?

The Simpsons Season 36, Episode 6 "Women in Shorts" is rated TV-14 and generally family-friendly but may contain some content that could be potentially objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers. The episode features multiple short stories about the women of Springfield, including themes and scenes involving:

  • Mild sexual references, such as a character describing herself as a "proud slut" in a comedic context.
  • Some violence and gore, notably a scene where a doll character is assaulted and decapitated, which might be unsettling for younger children.
  • Alcohol-related content, including a storyline about a character's obsession with wine merchandise.
  • Mild profanity and some potentially embarrassing or uncomfortable situations, such as Homer being asked to buy tampons and a musical number highlighting this awkwardness.
  • Frightening moments, like a doll's head rolling onto a road and scaring another character.

Overall, while the episode is comedic and satirical in tone, it includes brief scenes with mild violence, adult humor, and references to alcohol that parents might want to consider before allowing very young or sensitive children to watch.