This episode marks the first appearance of Helen Lovejoy and Lenny.

This episode was ranked #2 on Matt Groening's list of the top 10 episodes of all time.

Patty: Look at him wolf down that gristle.
(Selma makes an affirmative sound)
Patty: It's a accident waiting to happen. Do you know the Heimlich maneuver?
Selma: No.
Patty: Good.

(Jacques drops Marge off at her house after a bowling session)
Jacques: Here we are.
Marge: You didn't have to drop me off.
Jacques: But I wanted to.
(Jacques grabs Marge's hand and stares into her eyes)
Jacques: Marge, do you know how beautiful you look in the moonlight?
Marge: Oh, Jacques. I'm a married woman.
Jacques: I know. I know. My mind says, "Stop," but my heart and my hips cry, "Proceed."
Marge: (Groans nervously)
Jacques: Marge, darling, I want to see you tomorrow. Not at Barney's Bowlarama. Away from the thunderous folly of clattering pins. Meet me tomorrow for brunch.
Marge: What's brunch?
Jacques: You'll love it. It's not quite breakfast, it's not quite lunch, but it comes with a slice of cantaloupe at the end. You don't get completely what you would at breakfast, but you get a good meal.
Marge: I don't think so.
Jacques: Marge, darling, there are ten pins in my heart. You've knocked over eight. Won't you please pick up that spare?
Marge: Mm. Mm. All right!

(Bart senses there is something wrong between Homer and Marge)
Bart: Look, Dad. I don't know what's going on, but once you gave me some advice that might help.
Homer: I gave you advice? Get outta here.
Bart: Yeah, you did. You told me when something's bothering you and you're too damn stupid to know what to do, just keep your fool mouth shut. At least that way, you won't make things worse.
Homer: Hmm. Good advice.

(Marge is upset with Homer about her birthday gift)
Marge: You bought that bowling ball for you, not for me.
Homer: What? No!
Marge: The holes were drilled for your fingers.
Homer: Well, I wanted to surprise you. I couldn't very well chop your hand off and bring it to the store, could I?
Marge: You never intended for me to use that ball.
Homer: Well, if that's how you feel, I'll take it back.
Marge: You can't take it back! You had your name engraved on it!
Homer: So you'd know it was from me!
Marge: Homer, I'm keeping the ball...for myself!
Homer: What? But you don't know how to bowl. Whoops!
Marge: I'm keeping it, and I'm going to use it. Thank you for the present, Homer.
(Marge clicks off the light and goes to bed)
Homer: Well...you're...welcome.

When Marge is on the phone with Patty and Selma, her necklace is white. Then they cut to Patty and Selma, and then back to Marge. Marge's necklace is now its usual color.

When Homer is at lunch with Lenny, his sandwich first seems to have lettuce inside. In the next few frames, it looks like a peanut butter and jelly. Then, again, it looks like a meaty sandwich.

An Officer And A Gentleman

The scene near the end where Homer comes in and carries out of the plant parodies the film, An Officer and A Gentleman, and contains the same music, "Up Where We Belong."

The Eagles

The title is a reference to the popular 70s rock song, "Life In The Fast Lane" by The Eagles.