Episode 2F21
Written by Jonathan Collier
Directed by Mark Kirkland
Additional cast: Marcia Wallace, Pamela Hayden, Tress MacNeille, Maggie Roswell
Special guest voice: Phil Hartman (Lionel Hutz)

Premise: A chance encounter with Springfield's criminal lowlife launches Marge on a new career as a cop. How will her lawless family cope?

Features: Dr Hibbert, Snake, Chief Wiggum, Lou and Eddie, Lionel Hutz, Apu, Mr Burns, Principal Skinner, Mrs Skinner, Jimbo, Kearney, Dolph, Maude Flanders, Ms Krabappel, Helen Lovejoy, Moe, Ned Flanders, Barney, Lenny, Hans Moleman, Carl, Herman, Rev. Lovejoy, Milhouse and Grampa.

Couch: Homer enters as James Bond.

Homage: Hill Street Blues is the main influence, with a briefing scene at the police station and a hint of its theme tune in the incidental music. There's also a skit on crime camcorder documentaries such as Cops. Police Academy (Hugh Wilson, 1984) supplies the overeager trainee at police college, and Marge's freeway jump recalls Speed (Jan de Bont, 1994). And the title and Herman's illegal activities refer to The French Connection (William Friedkin, 1971).

Note for Brits: The US police use 'McGruff, the crime dog' in public relations.

Mmmmm: ...incapacitating.

Notes: Homer's attempt to run after Marge as she chases Snake is very impressive. But the highlight of this episode has to be Marge's training, especially her sharpshooting on the firing range.