Peggy and Kelly both enter a singing contest when they are on vacation in Missouri.

Marge is upset with Homer because their married life has become routine so she decides to hold a dinner party with other married couples to show him what a marriage can be. The party is over when the Van Houtens get into a huge argument and decide to get a divorce. Homer befriends Kirk, who tries to become a singer when he loses his job and Marge befriends Luann, who begins dating an American Gladiator. Milhouse stays with his mother and becomes a spoiled brat. Meanwhile Homer recalls his awful wedding with Marge and he worries that he and Marge have drifted apart, so he tries to win her back. When that doesn't work, he applies for a divorce. He breaks the news to her and then surprises her with a wedding ceremony. This time, all her friends are there and Kirk tries unsuccessfully to win back Luann at the wedding.

In a Tunguska gulag, Mulder and many others are infected with the alien virus that uses oil as a medium. The only person who knows Mulder's whereabouts is Scully, who has been called before a Senate Subcommittee hearing on the death of a diplomatic courier, who fell from Skinner's apartment balcony.