The Simpsons: 10 Greatest One-Time Characters
7. Mindy Simmons
The Episode: "The Last Temptation of Homer" (Season 5, Episode 9)
The Voice Actor: Michelle Pfeiffer
Another episode with a fantastically written one-time character, "The Last Temptation of Homer" gives us The Simpsons at its very best. Not only is the episode hilarious and touching in equal measure, it's a masterclass in how to create a memorable character with no planned longevity. Indeed, Mindy came and never returned.
Of course, Mindy Simmons turned out to be so darn memorable that she feels like an inherent part of the show's overall mythology - and that's down to the fact she's one of very few women within The Simpsons' canon to have outright tempted Homer away from his eternal and long-suffering love interest, Marge.
Mindy is supposed to stand for all things that Homer wants in a woman, of course, and Michelle Pfeiffer's performance makes Mindy funny, relatable and - above all - desirable without ever making her the enemy.
Surely the true genius of the writing here stems from the way that Mindy, despite her role as a temptress, remains ultimately sympathetic? She gives Homer the option to cheat, but never pushes him, and - when he ultimately opts to stay faithful to Marge - doesn't blame him for his decision. Good on you, Mindy.