The Simpsons: 10 Characters Who Reappeared After Long Absences
5. Dr. J. Loren Pryor
Fans of Springfield Elementary's resident psychologist, Dr. J. Loren Pryor, were spoilt for choice in the early seasons of the show. He was all over them!
He crops up in each of The Simpsons' first three seasons to dispense educational advice to the Simpson kids and their parents. Then, after being quite a regular figure on the show, he vanished.
Pryor must have taken a sabbatical or something because he wouldn't be seen in a proper capacity until Season 17! Once again, he was handing out psychological advice to Homer and Lisa, which somehow led to the former running for mayor while dressed as a salamander. As you do.
Aside from a flashback appearance in Season 9, Dr. Pryor spent 14 seasons away from the show. Did the writers run out of ideas for him? Or perhaps it's just the fact that Pryor ultimately isn't a very interesting character.
He has some good moments in his back catalogue, but ultimately, the doctor can't hold a candle to many of the other brilliant side characters in the show. The sad fact is that, when he returned in Season 17, fans probably didn't even remember who he was.