The Simpsons: What Happened To Allison Taylor, Lisa’s Rival

What happened to Allison Taylor, The Simpsons student first introduced as Lisa’s musical and intellectual rival? Originally voiced by Winona Ryder, and later by Pamela Hyden, Allison makes a huge impression in her first episode, but never becomes a prominent character in the series. Still, she’s very much still part of The Simpsons storyline.

In “Lisa’s Rival,” the second episode in The Simpsons season 6, Allison initially dazzles Lisa within the classroom. The new student impressively makes teacher Elizabeth Hoover say “wow-eee” while speaking about Christopher Columbus, which makes Lisa hyperventilate, nervous about her stature with Springfield Elementary. Allison is not only younger, but also appears to be smarter and more composed. During a saxophone competition for First Chair, Lisa literally passes out while trying to keep up, and later plots against Allison, hoping to win a diorama contest. The girls eventually bond, and hang out with Ralph Wiggum. Since then, however, Allison has been seen in The Simpsons more than heard.

Allison most recently appeared in the Simpsons season 31 episode, “Hail to the Teeth.” Once again, though, she doesn’t speak, but rather appears in the background while Lisa campaigns to be Student Body President at Springfield Elementary. This particular episode aligns with Allison’s most recent appearances in The Simpsons, as she’s usually part of a crowd. And based on her character design, some viewers could easily mistake Lisa’s former rival for Laura Powers. It’s even been speculated that Allison could indeed be Ruth Powers’ daughter; they’re actually seen together in The Simpsons season 24 episode, “A Tree Grows in Springfield.” At a Springfield fundraiser, tagged with the slogan, “‘Cause Your Elderly Neighbors Are Cheapskates,” Ruth and Laura walk together on a basketball court as Music Cletus and the Song Players performs a bluegrass jig. The older character wears her trademark red head cloth, while Lisa’s one-time rival on The Simpsons appears with her trademark maroon headband, a slightly different look than the more punk rock Laura (seen below).

So, what’s the purpose of Allison’s arc in The Simpsons if she merely shows up in episodes, but rarely has conflict with Lisa? Like other students at Springfield Elementary, she complements Lisa’s frame of mind. For example, “Hail to the Teeth” bears thematic similarities to the Simpsons season 1 episode “Moaning Lisa,” as Lisa struggles with her emotions and feels inclined to present a fake smile to the world. The posturing makes Lisa more popular, but contrasts with who she is deep inside.

As for Allison, she’s always presented as being more natural and confident. Just her appearance alone in The Simpsons subtly reinforces Lisa’s character arc, as she’s fundamentally known for being “the rival,” or someone who inadvertently challenges Lisa to be more self-aware and proactive.

About The Author

Q.V. Hough
(1892 Articles Published)

Q.V. Hough is a senior writer at Screen Rant. He’s also the founding editor at Vague Visages, and has contributed to RogerEbert.com and Fandor.

More From Q.V. Hough