In the first part of this groundbreaking suspense story, Mr. Burns develops a sun-blocking machine that prevents any sunlight from reaching Springfield. With the town immersed in darkness, Mr. Burns' Power Plant can make even more money. In addition to blocking the sun, Burns has also deprived the school of its funds, broken Santa's Little Helper's leg, and alienated nearly all of his fellow townspeople. When he winds up shot, everyone, including the members of the Simpson family, is a suspect. All will be revealed in the second part, but only after a cliff hanger so steep, an entire nation will be hanging on the edge of its seats.