As a person born in the 80’s the Simpsons has been a part of our lives for many happy years. For some, we have tuned in religiously every Sunday night at 8pm est to catch up with a family we saw as an extension of our own life, and since the beginning we have had our beloved teacher there to push Bart through the 4th grade. Sunday, we will say our final farewell to our teacher Ms. Edna Krabappel. The actress that has lent her voice to Misses K, Marcia Wallace, passed away on Oct 25, 2013 from pneumonia complications.
Edna’s iconic laugh, and quick wit, made her a show regular. Originally the self loathing, middle age divorce, we watched as she went through many of her tries at love and romance from Principal Skinner till she finally found it with Ned Flanders at the end of season 22. During the 22nd episode of the 22nd season, “The Ned-Liest Catch”, Ned and Edna began dating. The fate of the couple was left to a fan vote, to be revealed during the 23rd season opener. When “The Falcon and the D’ohman” debuted, it revealed that the fans voted in favor of the relationship. At the close of the episode, a disclaimer appeared on screen which stated – “What our fans have joined together, let no writer rip asunder”
“‘Simpsons’ executive producer Al Jean said in a statement Saturday that her ‘irreplaceable character,’ the fourth-grade teacher who contended with Bart Simpson’s constant antics, would be retired from the show. ‘I was tremendously saddened to learn this morning of the passing of the brilliant and gracious Marcia Wallace. She was beloved by all at The Simpsons,” Jean said. It’s “a terrible loss for all who had the pleasure of knowing her.'”
On Sunday, November 3, 2013 Fox will rerun “Bart the Lover,” which offered a sympathetic take on Misses K. In
the episode, Bart discovers Krabappel personal ad, so he begins writing her bogus love letters. After setting her up on a fake date, he spies her sitting by herself in the restaurant. When she’s still there hours later, he feels sorry for his prank and sets about trying to make things right. This episode won Wallace an Emmy Award in 1992. This episode will be followed by an all-new Simpsons, titled “4 Regrettings and a Funeral.” The new episode will then conclude with a tribute card from the producers honoring Wallace.
It is with heavy hearts that we will be tuning in for one last school lesson from our beloved Edna, but atleast she found happiness.
