Ep 1. Homer's Barbershop Quartet

In The Simpsons season 5 episode 1, entitled "Homer's Barbershop Quartet," the viewers are taken on a trip down memory lane to the time when Homer and Marge first fell in love. The episode is structured around a flashback, which shows the formation of a barbershop quartet with Homer, Moe, Apu, and Principal Skinner, and their brief moment of fame.

The episode begins with Bart and Lisa discovering a vinyl record of Homer's barbershop quartet, the Be Sharps, in the attic. As they listen to the record, they ask Homer about the band, which prompts the flashback. The year is 1985, and Homer and his friends are sitting in Moe's Tavern when they hear a barbershop quartet singing on TV. Impressed, they quickly decide to form their own group.

As the group practices their harmonies, they start to gain popularity and win competitions. Along the way, they face challenges, such as replacing their original tenor with Apu and dealing with the egotistical behavior of their manager, Nigel (voiced by George Harrison). They even make a music video with a parody of The Beatles' rooftop concert. However, in the end, the fame and success prove to be short-lived, as the group disbanded due to the usual conflicts.

The episode is filled with numerous references and parodies of music from the 60s and 70s. Fans of The Beatles will particularly enjoy seeing George Harrison and his nod to their iconic rooftop concert. The group's original song, "Baby On Board," is both catchy and hilarious, with Homer's high notes causing the band to crack up mid-performance.

One of the standout parts of the episode is the glimpse into Homer and Marge's early relationship. The flashbacks to their courtship show the pair bonding over their love of music, and Marge's support for Homer's dream of being in a barbershop quartet ultimately helps cement their relationship. The episode also highlights how Homer's life has evolved since then, with his days of being in a band long behind him.

Overall, "Homer's Barbershop Quartet" is a classic Simpsons episode and a great start to season 5. With memorable music numbers, hilarious moments, and a touching love story, it's clear why this episode remains a fan favorite even over 25 years later.