10 Best Simpsons Characters Who Debuted After The Golden Age

Rachel Jordan appears in the show twice, first in Season 11 when Maude dies, and again in Season 12 when Ned is prompted to make Praiseland. It’s a shame that second appearance ended in such a way that it’s unlikely we’ll ever see her again.

The first time we see her, she gives us one of the catchiest tunes we get post-Golden Age. A Song About A Man doesn’t try to be too funny, and the pay off is a professional sounding song perfect for where it appears in such a tragic episode. There’s a wonderful subtlety to her role as well, with Ned struggling with his grief in a realistic manner and Rachel offering warm comfort without pushing too hard.

In her return though, Ned gives her a creepy haircut to make her look like Maude. The whole uncomfortable affair ends in her getting a cab out of Springfield, never to return. All that subtlety is gone now as Ned acts hideously out of character.

She had a lot of potential, but unfortunately it seems she was brought back a little too soon. If she hadn’t been a needless prop in Ned’s story, she might have stuck around a bit longer.