The Simpsons: 15 Most Underrated Golden Age Episodes

Is it nothing more than a mere coincidence, or is it a denoted intention that every Edna-centric episode is just spirit-crushingly mean to her? Did someone behind the scenes have a teacher with the same name that they absolutely despised growing up?

Whatever the case and all iniquities aside, season 3's diamond in the rough is a rough excerpt in nature, but it's also an extremely polished piece of storytelling.

After Bart becomes a little disenchanted with the idea of punishment - even more so - he enacts quite the distasteful revenge scheme. Knowing that his teacher is emotionally vulnerable and enjoying a love life as fruitful as Susan Boyle's, he takes full advantage of her dispirited demeanour.

He does it consciously and confidently, but also impudently and irresponsibly.

Though it could be considered quite malicious, it's simply testament to the brilliant minds who wrote this tale that by the time it wraps up, there are more people expressing smiles rather than receptive tears, or maybe even a combination of both. As the spectre that is Gordie Howe leaves the unassuming Edna with a respectable and heartfelt farewell and The Simpsons once again leaves its audience gazing in awe of its sheer sentimental brilliance.