Episode 7G11
Written by John Swartzwelder
Directed by David Silverman
Additional cast: Albert Brooks (as Jacques), Maggie Roswell

Also known as: Life in the Fast Lane

Premise: Homer's birthday gift to Marge drives her into the arms of the romantic Frenchman Jacques. Will she be swayed away from the family by his continental charms?

Features: Patty and Selma, Mr and Mrs Winfield, Mr Burns, Smithers.

Couch: None. The titles crash straight in from the school to the episode.

And introducing: Helen Lovejoy, Lenny.

Trivia:

• Homer and Marge dine at The Singing Sirloin - Home of Ballads and Salads, having considered Chez Pierre and the Rusty Barnacle.
• Marge meets Jacques at Barney's New Bowlarama (rebuilt since the fire referred to in Moaning Lisa), and takes brunch with him at Shorty's coffee shop.
• She is 34 and wears size 13AA shoes. He lives at Fiesta Terrace, a luxury block designed for 'single living'.

Homage: Marge's romantic dream pays respect to the surreal dance numbers of thirties Hollywood, in particular The Gay Divorcee (Mark Sandrich, 1934). The plot's resolution recalls An Officer and a Gentleman (Taylor Hackford, 1982), complete with a rendition (nearly) of its Oscar-winning theme Up Where We Belong.

Look out for: Take a good look at the full moon when Jacques drops Marge home in his car.

Notes: Marge's dilemma is made especially memorable by the contrast between husband and suitor. Homer's attempt to pay her a compliment about her peanut butter sandwich making ability is a touching moment. A very good, very assured episode that has seen some viewers (particularly female ones) tearing out their hair at the conclusion.