Feeling that Maggie is too clingy, Marge hires a counselor to teach her a child care method (C.R.I.E.) that will help Maggie become more independent. But the method works a little too well, leaving Maggie with no need for Marge at all, not even for hugs. Meanwhile, after Homer goes in search of milk in Mookington and ends up having his car towed by a guy named Louie, Louie invites Homer to be the tow guy for Springfield on one condition: that Homer stays off of Louie 's turf. When he gets too "tow happy," the residents of Springfield set Homer up to look like he's towing outside of the Springfield territory, and Louie throws Homer in his basement along with half a dozen other tow guys from outside Mookington. With Homer missing, the newly independent Maggie leaves home unnoticed and springs Homer from Louie's basement. Homer thanks Maggie with a hug, insisting that even super babies need hugs once in a while. They then return home where Maggie walks back into Marge's arms for all the love, affection and dependence she used crave.