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Now, this, this is a first-season Simpsons episode with legs. In fact, I would argue aside from “Simpsons Roasting on an Open Fire” and an episode coming up, “Life on the Fast Lane” is the first season episode to have the most impact on the future of the show. It’s also possibly the best episode of the season.
“Life on the Fast Lane” is an episode about Homer and Marge, not the only of the first season, but one with a bit more nuance. It has a smidge more heart in it, which is a surprise, given that this is a John Swartzwelder episode. Also, the first Albert Brooks appearance that really set the stage for his future guest spots on the show.
In classic sitcom style, Homer forgets Marge’s birthday, and quickly scrambles to get her a bowling ball “one that has his own name inscribed in it at that.” Purely to spite him, Marge decides to take up bowling, where she meets Jacques, a French bowling instructor and a lover of the ladies. Sure, a loverboy Frenchman who is a bowling instructor is silly, Swartzwelderian you might say, but it works fine, especially because Brooks is funny in the role. He also adlibs, including his famous line about brunch.
Marge is actually tempted by Jacques, but thanks to a drive down a particularly ironic street (a meta riff from a future clip show episode) she changes her mind. However, her temptation is treated seriously, as is the rift between the couple. There’s just, you know, a lot of laughs in the mix as well.
“Life on the Fast Lane” is in the running for the funniest first season episode, but from a storytelling perspective, it is the best. It’s also not quite breakfast and not quite lunch, but it comes with a slice of cantaloupe.
