After nearly drowning in a bathtub, Mr. Burns realizes that he is without an heir and launches a search for a suitable young man to inherit his vast fortune. Homer coaches Bart for his "audition." Reading Homer's words from cue cards, Bart sounds like a moron. Humiliated, he vandalizes Burns's mansion. Impressed by the boy's sheer malevolence, Burns chooses Bart as his heir.

Bart spends time at Burns's mansion, where Burns caters to his every whim and demand. When Bart returns home, spoiled and unbearable, Homer attempts to punish him. Refusing to obey, Bart moves in with Mr. Burns. Homer and Marge hire Lionel Hutz to regain custody of their son, but Hutz loses the case.

Burns tries to convice Bart that his family does not miss him. He even hires actors to portray uncaring versions of Homer, Marge, Lisa, and Maggie. Bart falls for the ploy, embracing Burns and calling him "Dad." As a sign of complete loyalty, Burns asks Bart to fire Homer from his job. Instead, Bart, deciding to return to his family, triggers a trap door that sends the evil millionaire plummeting down a dark shaft.