The Simpsons showrunner Al Jean reveals that a season 1 romantic rival of Homer's is set to return in the next episode. Beginning its prolific run in 1989, the Emmy-winning series is currently airing season 34. Though the Simpson family are the driving force of the series, their eclectic town of Springfield is populated by numerous colorful characters that help round out the series, and even those who only appear once can leave a big impression.
Now, one such character is now set to return after a decades-long absence. Jean took to Twitter to hype Sunday's upcoming episode of The Simpsons called "Pin Girl," revealing that season 1's Jacques is set to return.
Jacques first appeared in the 1990 episode called "Life On the Fast Lane," in which he was a bowling instructor who attempts to seduce Marge. Albert Brooks, who originally voiced the character (and several others on the show), again lends his talent to Jacques, who is back to coach Marge in bowling.
What Jacques' Return Could Mean For The Simpsons
Jacques' appearance in season 1 of The Simpsons served as one of the first tests of Homer and Marge's marriage. He charmed Marge, tempting her away from Homer. And while she ultimately stayed faithful to Homer, she still had to battle her inner turmoil, making for an emotional and dramatic swing in the show in its early episodes.
With Jacques returning to The Simpsons, it may well be to test Homer and Marge's marriage anew. After such a long time, his presence may once again tempt Marge, especially if he is coaching her. However, given that The Simpsons thrives on comedy, the series may throw a curveball, having Homer as a buffer so that Marge can shine as a bowler, rather than laying out another storyline of possible infidelity.
While Jacques was one of the first instances of Homer and Marge possibly having marital problems, the series has dabbled with the idea many times through its 34 seasons. For example, Mindy, a new hire at the plant in the episode "The Last Temptation of Homer," and Lurleen Lumpkin, a country music singer first introduced in "Colonel Homer," both tested Homer's love for Marge. The Simpsons has even seen them divorce, with the episode "Every Man's Dream" showing it play out before revealing it was Homer's dream. Still, Jacques' true motivations won't be known until The Simpsons airs "Pin Gal" this Sunday.
Source: Al Jean/Twitter