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With the sad news that actress Marcia Wallace has passed away, The Simpsons announced the long-running series will also retire her character. She's long been one of our favorite Springfieldians, whose cynicism, well-delivered "Hah!" and unending search for love have made up some of the best, or should we say, most cromulant episodes.
Her complicated relationship with Bart (there's a special hell for having him in your class for over 20 years) and wishy-washy ex Principal Skinner have provided a lot of laughs over the years.
Edna K. has been an integral part of the show and she'll be greatly missed, especially by new husband, Ned Flanders, who married her after losing first wife Maude.
What are your favorite Mrs. K. episodes?
11. "Bart Gets An F," 1990
When Bart actually studies for the first time, and still fails a crucial test, Edna takes pity on him and gives him a D-, so that he passes, "Just barely."
10. "Treehouse of Horror V, Nightmare Cafeteria" 1994
The one in which the entire faculty begins feasting on children, starting with German exchange student Uter. One of Mrs. K's most memorable "Hah!" comes after Skinner admits the burger she's eating is made out of bully Jimbo Jones. She says, "it's so young and impudent." The homework assignment to the dwindling class: "Eat a stick of butter" as she gleefully croaks, "Detention" to the quaking students.
9. "Lisa's Substitute," 1991. An uncredited Dustin Hoffman guest starred as Lisa's crush-worthy substitute teacher, who Mrs. Krabappel naturally put the moves on, Mrs. Robinson-style. "Mrs. Krabappel, you're trying to seduce me."
8. "Brother From Another Series," 1997
After Bart interrupts Sideshow Bob's date with Edna ("Well, that is the last time I announce my dinner plans in class), Bart's nemesis mutters, "THAT was Edna Krabappel. You only get one chance with Edna Krabappel."
8. "Marge Simpson in Screaming Yellow Honkers," 1999
Who can forget the sight of Edna singing "Fever" in a teachers' talent show, wearing only balloons, which she pops one by one? "Kill me now," says Bart.
6. "The PTA Disbands," 1995
Mrs. K. and the other teachers go on strike with Bart manipulating her and Principal Skinner so that the strike never ends. After a whispered message is passed along the striking line of teachers, Edna utters the immortal "Purple monkey dishwasher" line.
5. "The Ned-Liest Catch," 2009
In which embittered Edna falls for optimistic do-gooder Ned and America was asked to vote if they should stay together. Bless their hearts, viewers voted for "Nedna" to carry on. They got married and Ned even let her have a say in raising Rod and Todd.
4. "Grade School Confidential," 1994
Bart reluctantly helps facilitate Edna and Seymour's secret love affair, which leads to them both being fired and taking over the school. Seymour tells her, "I've always admired your tart honesty and ability to be personally offended by broad social trends," as well as her distinctive laugh.
3. "Special Edna," 2003
Edna receives the Teacher of the Year award, thanks to Bart, but finds her worst student is more supportive than her commitment-phobic boyfriend, Seymour Skinner. Memorable for her brief rebound hook-up with Comic Book Guy.
2. "Bart Gets a Z," 2009
To loosen up Mrs. K, Bart (and the whole class) spike her coffee. When her drunken shenanigans get her fired, Bart helps her come up with another career path, thanks to the hokey book "The Answer." Several great scenes, including the painfully awkward visit Bart makes to her home, post-firing, where she's pretty much just living in a bathrobe and the montage that shows her usual routine including washing out last night's wine glass and filling it with mouthwash in the morning.
1. "Bart the Lover," 1992
Bart decides to play a prank on his teacher by sending her love letters as fictitious dreamboat "Woodrow." When he realizes how heartbroken she is after being stood up, he turns to his family to draft the ultimate farewell letter that will let her down gently.
