Homer takes the family to the Happy Sumo for sushi. After sampling most of the items on the menu, he tries the blowfish--the dangerous sushi delicacy. One false cut by the chef can make the dish fatal. When the master chef sees that the fish Homer ate was prepared improperly, he directs Homer to the hospital, where Dr. Hibbert tells Homer that he has twenty-four hours to live.

Homer writes a list of "things to do before dying" and attempts to complete it in his last day. He has a heart-to-heart talk with Bart, tries to enjoy an improptu saxaphone recital by Lisa, makes ammends witrh his father, joins Barney for one last beer at Moe's, tells off Mr. Burns, and takes Marge into the bedroom for one last night of passion.

Leaving Marge to sleep, Homer slips away to kiss his children one last time. He then falls asleep in his easy chair, listening to the Bible on tape, expecting to never wake up. The next morning, Marge holds Homer's lifeless body. Homer stirs, discovers he's alive, and celebrates overcoming his brush with death. Soon, he is back in front of the TV set, munching on pork rinds.