The Simpsons has a truly staggering cast by this point, with over three decades of bizarre and unique characters helping flesh out the town of Springfield. But it's still exciting to see new faces join the show -- especially when they're set up to be bigger figures going forward. This is particularly true of Kerry Washington's Ms. Peyton, who was Bart Simpson's new teacher in Season 33. Peyton comes with a lot of potential as a character and deserves a bigger spotlight going forward.

Season 33, Episode 2, "My Octopus and a Teacher" quickly established Ms. Rayshelle Peyton as a nice and sweet-natured woman, quickly winning over most of the fourth-grade class. Bart was the only holdout.... because he was saved from drowning in a pool by Peyton and has since developed a crush on her. Bart eventually revealed the truth to Peyton, who accepted the apology for his odd behavior and committed herself to being his teacher. The episode -- which also focused on Lisa's burgeoning bond with a tiny octopus she used as the subject material for a documentary -- was a heartfelt and solid addition to the show. The same can be said for Ms. Peyton's character.

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"My Octopus and a Teacher" finally moved the show past one of its more somber evolutions. For most of the show's run, Bart's teacher was Edna Krabappel. Debuting in Season 1's "Bart the Genius" and played by Marcia Wallace, Krabappel became one of the show's most deceptively deep characters, with the show taking time to explore her romances with constant stick-in-the-mud Principal Skinner and the devout Ned Flanders, her tricky rapport with Bart and her own place as an emotionally exhausted but committed woman in the world of education. When Wallace passed away in 2013, Simpsons producers retired the character by having her pass away off-screen. Edna's impact on the show has continued, with multiple characters referencing her legacy.

Season 32, Episode 12, "Diary Queen" served as a final tribute to both character and actress, with Bart and Flanders discovering Edna's diary and learning how she really felt about them. Sofia Vergara's Carol Berrera only appeared briefly as a possible replacement. But Ms. Peyton has a great deal more potential going forward. As Washington explained during an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Ms. Peyton is a genuine and enthused educator, giving her an immediate contrast to the burnt-out teachers at Springfield Elementary. Her connection with Bart is quickly defined as a nurturing and healthy one -- which is a fresh light to see the perpetual troublemaker placed in.

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Ms. Peyton offers a lot of forward momentum to The Simpsons, and should be a significant part of the show going forward. The series' embrace of characters like Shauna Chalmers has enabled it to delve into new perspectives and tones. The addition of Peyton could shake up many dynamics. She and her husband could find their place in the town's social ecosystem, potentially becoming new friends for Homer and Marge. Her commitment to education could make her an inspiration to Lisa as well as Bart, turning her into one of the show's most positive influences. She's also a person of color, a welcome addition to a largely Caucasian-coded show that's been controversial in the past.

The character easily fits into Springfield's kooky world but with a fresh, optimistic edge that makes her instantly likable. Plus, having a recurring character voiced by a known name who the producers were actually able to get would draw some new attention to the long-running series. As The Simpsons continues to evolve as it grows older, playing with characters like Ms. Peyton could be a major boon for the creative team as they strive to take the well-worn show in new directions.

The Simpsons Season 34 premieres Sept. 25 on Fox.