: Homer flees the operating table twice. During his first escape, he joins a "Ship of Lost Souls" filled with outcasts, but even they throw him overboard when they hear he abandoned his father.

: Dr. Hibbert informs the family that Homer is a perfect donor match. Homer initially agrees but grows terrified after Moe and the barflies warn him of the dangers of living with only one kidney.

: After a family trip to a tourist-trap ghost town called Bloodbath Gulch, Homer refuses to stop the car for Grampa to use the restroom. The prolonged pressure causes Grampa's kidneys to "explode".

: While attempting a second escape from the hospital, Homer is crushed by a car that falls off a transport truck driven by Hans Moleman. While Homer is unconscious being treated for his injuries, Dr. Hibbert surgically removes the kidney without Homer's consent to save Grampa. The episode ends with Homer eyeing Bart's kidneys as future backups for himself. Critical Reception

" Homer Simpson in: 'Kidney Trouble '" is the eighth episode of of The Simpsons , first airing on December 6, 1998 . Written by John Swartzwelder and directed by Mike B. Anderson, it is often cited by fans and critics as a landmark moment in the transition to the "Jerkass Homer" era of the show. Episode Overview Production Code Episode Number Main Characters Homer Simpson and Abraham "Grampa" Simpson Chalkboard Gag "I am not a licensed hairstylist" Couch Gag The family are frogs on a lily pad; Maggie is a tadpole Plot Summary