Top 10 Reasons Why Marge Simpson Should Divorce Homer

Sure, Homer has a job, but he phones it in at best, goofing off more often than not. At home, he pigs out on the couch rather than helping with the chores, and only takes an interest in his own children with the most vigorous prompting. Even on the occasions that Marge has a full-time job, Homer still expects her to do 100% of the homecare. Marge already has three kids to raise - and apparently her husband as well! It’s no wonder she has a mental breakdown back in season three. You’ve been napping on your marriage, Homer – time to wake up and smell the donuts!

Homer is all about number one, and constantly disregards Marge’s feelings. He’s sceptical when she needs a therapist to overcome her fear of flying, and spies on her session when she seeks out professional help on another occasion without telling him. When he learns that he’s driving her up the wall, rather than becoming a better husband, he’s angry that she kept her sessions secret. While he eventually comes to terms with the fact, it’s only because he learns that the therapy acts as a reset button, allowing her to endure his shenanigans for the rest of the week.

Homer’s misbehavior isn’t lost on the kids. Bart acts out daily, rebelling at home and at school, and Lisa is basically a walking case of daddy issues, compelled to seek paternal guidance from outside sources, even Mr. Burns. The children never see Homer having to face real consequences for his antics, or what he puts Marge through, which can’t exactly can’t be a good life lesson. Maybe Homer should be the one in detention; a hundred lines of “I Will Be A Better Role Model” couldn’t hurt. Until then, it’s yet another reason for Marge to pack her bags!

In flashbacks we see that Marge was once a bright young woman with varied interests in language, arts, and social justice. After meeting Homer, she falls for his doofy charm and gets knocked up at a young age. And the rest, of course, is history. When she does have an interest - like painting, being part of a play, or singing - Homer is either oblivious or resentful. Even when she became a cop, he refused to take her seriously. She may have made the most of their marriage, but it’s clear the whole thing might have been a terrible mistake. You’re an artist, Marge - you know that pencils have erasers for a reason!

While Marge has the occasional crush and is tempted from time to time by other men, Homer crosses the line on more than one occasion. He’s openly flirted with other women, cavorted with an exotic dancer, and seriously toyed with the idea of an affair right up to the point of inviting another woman into his hotel room - although to his credit, he did look pretty miserable about it. Worst of all however, he once got so drunk in Vegas that he blacked out and married someone else. That’s right, straight up bigamy. And no, Homer, just because goody-two-shoes Ned Flanders did it too doesn’t make it alright.

Even when buying a gift for Marge, Homer thinks of himself first and foremost. A fan of impractical, outlandish schemes, he’s willing to drop everything - both work and family responsibilities - to follow them through . . . until he gets bored and leaves the mess for someone else to clean up. He’s extremely dependent on Marge, who’s had to sacrifice her own ambitions to take care of him. Marge is a generous, patient woman, and Homer takes full advantage at every opportunity. She ought to hit him where it hurts and withhold porkchops until he can learn how to think of others.

Marge is so sweet and nurturing that she deserves the same care and attention. But she usually only gets it after Homer has to make amends for messing up. Grand gestures are nice, but not when they’re just a way to cover your beer- and donut-inspired butt! Parcelling out the consideration and affection that someone craves to make up for your own wrong-doings is pretty messed up. It's never about Marge and what she actually needs; it's all about getting Homer out of a jam and convincing her for another week that he’s worth the trouble.

Homer’s antics are for the most part harebrained schemes that, while stressful for Marge, are at least within the bounds of law and order. But from time to time he leaps right over that line into a life of crime. From rum-running to drunk driving to vigilantism to child abuse to bail jumping, Homer has a rap sheet nearly as long as the series! Worst of all, he sometimes involves his kids, making them accomplices and endangering their lives. Marge ought to raise the bar the next time he’s fixing to get thrown behind bars; that way the next cake she bakes won’t need to have a nail file inside it.

Many people enjoy a drink or two after a long day of work, but Homer’s intake is well-above the reasonable consumption level. Whether he’s drinking away his paycheck at Moe’s, getting wasted on the couch, or making a public spectacle of himself, it’s clear that Homer has a problem. His alcoholism frequently threatens not only his safety but that of the family. In one episode, Marge even ends up in rehab because he framed her for his drunk driving accident. If there is no changing Homer, perhaps it’s Marge who needs the intervention because she’s hooked on a rummy dummy she might just have to quit.

Homer certainly has his moments. ‘Do It For Her’ still gets us tearing up like we’ve had one too many Flaming Moes. But overall, Homer is a terrible father. He strangles Bart on the regular and even forgets at times that he exists. His son isn’t alone in the neglect. Homer mocks Lisa frequently and whenever she makes pointed social or political comments, tells her to go to her room - in effect punishing her for being outspoken. As for Maggie, half the time he can't even remember her name. Homer is more of a weekend kind of dad, anyway; might as well make it official.