The Simpsons Short Film: "The Hero Who Wasn’t"

At Springfield’s annual “Summer Blowout” festival, bumbling but big-hearted security guard Richard Jewell spots a suspicious Duff cooler under a bench. When his instincts prove right and the cooler explodes, Jewell evacuates the crowd and saves countless lives — instantly hailed as a hero. But in typical Springfield fashion, the media and police turn on him just as quickly. Kent Brockman questions whether Jewell planted the bomb himself for attention, while Chief Wiggum treats him more like a suspect than a savior. Tabloids, talk shows, and even Krusty the Clown pile on, dragging Jewell’s name through the mud. Only Lisa Simpson believes in his innocence, while Bart mounts a prank-filled “Free Jewell” campaign. With Lionel Hutz as his incompetent lawyer, Jewell faces trial by gossip, donuts, and Springfield’s usual brand of justice. In the end, the town admits its mistake (sort of) and unveils a crooked statue in Jewell’s honor — which promptly topples over and crushes Gil. Jewell may not get the glory he deserves, but he does get recognition that sometimes, in Springfield, doing the right thing still matters… kind of.