10 Most Underrated Simpsons Characters

Originally appearing as early as 1989 in a Tracey Ullman Show short, Hans Moleman made an official appearance in the Season 2 episode Principal Charming. Aside from his withered looks, and equally withered voice, he is known as a magnet for often violent misfortune. Each appearance seems to involve him dying a particularly unpleasant death, only to be resurrected later.

His list of 'accidents' include having his brains drilled by a hallucinating Mr Burns, being buried alive out of social embarrassment and getting hit in the groin by a football. Often his misfortunes are completely inexplicable, such as his car randomly exploding after coming to rest beside a tree.

The Moleman backstory has developed over the years, with an AA meeting revealing he is just 31 years old - his looks the result of heavy drinking. He was also the elected Mayor of Springfield before Joe Quimby (it is possible this led to his drinking).

Hans is used so sparingly, to the point where his impact would be lost by more appearances. There isn't really anywhere to go with an ageing old man other than the odd crazy, usually fatal appearance. For that reason he seems doomed to limited screen time.

Who's your pick for most underrated Simpsons character? And what about overrated? Share the love down in the comments.