The Simpsons recap: The Ned-Liest Catch

On this episode of The Simpsons, opposites attract when Ned Flanders winds up spending time with Mrs. Krabappel.

Bart causes chaos at a school event and Mrs. Krabappel is so upset that she slaps him out of frustration, which stuns all onlookers. After being chastised by the Simpsons, she is immediately suspended by Superintended Chalmers with full pay. But in the meantime, she is made to wait in a rubber room that holds all teachers with pending hearings. But Bart feels guilty about his behavior and decides to help her escape.

She manages to get out via the Fire Escape, but the ladder buckles and she eventually loses her grip before falling directly into the arms of Ned Flanders. The two strike up a conversation and agree to have lunch together. After bonding over their mutual experiences with the Simpsons, they find out that they are both single and a relationship blossoms between them. Meanwhile, Superintendent Chalmers has to hire Mrs. Krabappel back with the condition that she work weekends as a prison guard.

While returning home from school, Bart notices Mrs. Krabappel going next door to the Flanders’ house. She witnesses how Homer treats Ned and eventually gets fed up and goes next door to demand some respect for him She also asks for all the stuff Homer has borrowed over the years from Ned back. Bonding with Bart over their mutual discontent over Mrs. Krabappel being next door, they decide to try to break the couple up. Bart agrees to work on Rod and Todd, while Homer plans to remind Ned of the joys of the single life.

While at Moe’s, the two men discuss things and Ned reveals that he’s happy with Edna. Bart’s attempt to work on Rod and Todd don’t go as planned either, but Homer winds up toasting to Ned’s relationship out of genuine support. But during the toast, the other bar patrons reveal how much she’s gotten around town (including from Joey Kramer of Aerosmith) and it makes Ned have second thoughts about Edna.

Marge convinces Homer to talk to Ned about giving Mrs. Krabappel a second chance and it’s eventually successful. But when Ned says that he forgives her for her past baggage, she’s insulted at his sanctimonious behavior. The two continue to discuss the situation and the episode concludes with Homer and Marge presenting a poll to the audience and asks them to decide the future of Ned and Edna’s relationship.