The Simpsons: What Happened To Laura & Ruth Powers

Are Laura and Ruth Powers from The Simpsons still in Springfield? The mother and daughter duo made their series debut in The Simpsons season 4 but haven’t been prominently featured ever since. Here’s what happened to Homer and company’s independent-minded neighbors. 

Laura and Ruth first appeared in “New Kids on the Block” after the Winfields decided they’d rather not live next to the Simpsons. Laura initially pretends to be a ghost and scares Bart, before stating that “My upbringing was painfully strict, man.” She beats Bart to his own punchlines, and becomes the object of his affection. Meanwhile, Ruth befriends Marge and explains that her ex-husband hasn’t been keeping up with child support. In The Simpsons’ season 5 episode “Marge on the Lam,” Ruth parties with Marge, and reveals that her ex not only took her power tools but also “the car, my youth, my faith in mankind.” She also references her daughter Laura, who doesn’t appear on screen. The Powers seemingly drifted away from The Simpsons’ narrative, at least until Ruth re-emerged as a bodybuilder in The Simpsons season 14, this coming after she had presumably spent some time in the clink.

Ruth’s continued Springfield presence is confirmed in The Simpsons season 31. During “Gorillas on the Mast,” Ruth can be spotted at Moe’s Tavern near the end of the episode, which reveals that she seemingly hasn’t overcome her alcohol addiction. Throughout the series, Ruth has been seen at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, and she also shows up at The First Church of Springfield in The Simpsons season 31 episode “Marge the Lumberjil,” just one episode after drinking — or maybe just conversing — with the guys at Moe’s. 

In “Marge the Lumberjil,” Laura joins her mother at church while Marge displays her unique yet flawed Roman accent. The Powers sit in the back row at The First Church of Springfield, which seems to imply that they’re either not comfortable being up close and personal with God, or perhaps that they’re not fully invested in the religious experience, evidenced by the stern look on the faces of both women.  Or maybe it’s just the collective Springfield locals that inspire them to remain as far back as possible. Whatever the case, the Powers are in the house. 

Unlike poor Dr. Marvin Monroe, the Powers are indeed alive and (probably) well in Springfield. Ruth was originally voiced by Sara Gilbert in The Simpsons, but hasn’t really spoke since capturing Bart’s attention with her punk rock sensibilities. As for Laura, she’s been voiced by Pamela Reed and Pamela Hayden, and represents a Strong Independent Woman, as she’s the only female that frequents Moe’s Tavern, which is just a hop, skip, and a jump away from where she used to live at Evergreen Terrace.

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.

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