The Simpsons: 10 Greatest One-Time Characters

5. Jessica Lovejoy

Simpsons Mindy
Fox

The Episode: "Bart's Girlfriend" (Season 6, Episode 7)

The Voice Actor: Meryl Streep

"You're bad, and I like it." There's good reason why the character of Jessica Lovejoy has remained so firmly ingrained inside the brains of Simpsons' fans: her brief but torturous appearance in "Bart's Girlfriend" made for agonising yet familiar viewing.

In the same way that Laura Powers managed to be memorable on the basis she formed a major part of Bart's development as a character, Jessica Lovejoy perfectly epitomised a another type we've all perhaps encountered in one way or another, particularly in our youth. You know, the kid who derives pleasure from manipulating and playing around with those stunned by their good looks and charm.

Jessica, of course, pretends to be an angel, but really she's evil incarnate; Bart without a soul. In the end, he describes her as "like a Milk Dud; sweet on the outside, poison on the inside," and Meryl Streep sells this persona to incredible effect. It's no surprise, obviously, given she's Meryl Streep, but it's a yet another display of talent from Hollywood's most beloved actress, and perhaps one of her best performances.

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Sam Hill is an ardent cinephile and has been writing about film professionally since 2008. He harbours a particular fondness for western and sci-fi movies.