In the tranquil waters of the Pacific, the ninth episode of The Simpsons' Season 35, "Murder, She Boat," sets sail with a twist of mystery and humor. The episode begins with an unexpected windfall for the Simpson family—stimulus checks that open the door to an extravagant vacation. With Lisa's suggestion, they embark on a journey aboard the Pacific Princess Leia, a cruise liner designed for the ultimate nerd experience.
Homer's initial excitement is quickly overshadowed by his apprehension; he feels out of place among the nerdy crowd. However, the rest of the family is in their element, especially when they meet the enigmatic Taika Waititi, whose awkward charm adds a layer of intrigue to the cruise.
Bart's adventure on the high seas takes a dark turn when he is accused of decapitating the Comic Book Guy's highly valuable radioactive doll. The gravity of the situation escalates as the captain announces Bart's impending transfer to an adult prison. In a desperate plea, Bart convinces Lisa of his innocence, prompting her to take on the role of detective.
Lisa's quest for the truth is joined by Taika Waititi, and together they begin a series of interviews with the cruise's eclectic cast of characters. The investigation takes a surprising turn when Lisa discovers the doll's severed head under Bart's bed, casting doubt on her brother's claims of innocence.
As the mystery deepens, the Comic Book Guy himself goes missing, leading Waititi to theorize that he might have staged the doll's murder for the insurance payout. Lisa, however, has a different suspect in mind—Taika Waititi himself. She accuses him of boarding the cruise with a nefarious plan to swap his broken doll for the Comic Book Guy's prized collectible.
The accusation leaves Taika speechless, but the plot thickens when the Comic Book Guy's doll is found, and Waititi finally confesses to his crimes. Taken into custody, Taika's fall from grace is as sudden as it is shocking.
In a final twist, the Comic Book Guy is discovered safe and sound in the ship's gym, and Bart is exonerated, released from his prison cell. The episode concludes with a lesson in trust, family bonds, and the unpredictable nature of truth.