Every Simpsons Ever: Episode 9 “Life On the Fast Lane”

Episode 9: Life On the Fast Lane

Episode 9 is the first time we see evidence of marital strife in the Simpsons home. And the story is significant in how far it goes to almost ruin Marge and Homer’s marriage.

The story begins with Bart and Lisa cooking birthday breakfast for their mother. They barge into the master bedroom, and a confused Homer thinks its his own birthday. Upon learning that it’s actually Marge’s special day, Homer jumps out of bed. He fumbles to put on clothes while stumbling through a flimsy excuse to leave the house. It’s clear to all (Marge included) that Homer has forgotten to buy a birthday gift. So it’s off to the mall to buy a rushed gift.

That evening, the Simpsons join Marge’s sisters at the Singing Sirloin. Patty and Selma remind Marge of her husband’s terrible gift-giving history. Bart and Lisa give Marge their charmingly child-like gifts. Lisa gives her a macaroni Mona Lisa, while Bart gives her cheap, stinky perfume.

When it’s time to cut the cake, Homer reveals his gift. A brand new bowling bowl slides out of the bag and onto the cake. To add insult to injury, the ball is inscribed with the name “Homer.”

“Well, if you don’t want it, I know someone who does.” – Homer Simpson

Marge is infuriated. But, she is determined to learn to bowl out of spite. And this is where Episode 9 tests the security of her marriage. Marge strikes out on her own over to Barney’s Bowlarama. There, she quickly displays her inability to bowl. And this is enough for Jacques, a French bowling expert, to approach Marge to offer advice. He is a great teacher, Jacques says, and so he will instruct her in the ways of bowling. An initially hesitant Marge quickly warms up to her new teacher and agrees to meet again the next day.

When this second bowling lesson leads to daily visits to the Bowlarama, Homer becomes overwhelmed. He is left to fend for his own with his three children at home. Meanwhile, Marge and Jacques’ relationship escalates to a brunch date. And it all goes well until the gossipy Helen Lovejoy enters the picture.  Then, in an attempt for privacy with Marge, Jacques invites her to his apartment. Marge is so overwhelmed that she faints.

Back at the Simpsons’ house, Homer is becoming increasingly aware of the strain on his marriage. Things all come to a head when Homer finds a bowling glove that Jacques gifted Marge. Depressed, he heads off to work, where he doesn’t even eat his sandwich. Simultaneously, Marge is on her way to Jacques’ apartment. But her conscience weighs heavy, and soon she finds herself at a fork in the road. At the last second, Marge decides against seeing Jacques, and instead surprises Homer at the nuclear plant. Elated, Homer whisks her off her feet and out to the backseat of his car.

FIRSTS

• Barney’s Bowlarama
• Lenny Leonard
• Helen Lovejoy
• Jacques

GAGS

• NONE!
• No couch gag, no chalkboard gag
• Apparently, Albert Brooks (the voice of Jacques) ad-libbed so many great lines that the episode would have ran over its time limit. And so, rather than cut any of his jokes, the producers cut the opening sequence.