Ms. Muriel P. Finster (voiced by April Winchell) is an assistant teacher who is the children's constant nemesis on the playground.

PersonalityEdit

Archetypal authoritarian teacher personality, Miss Finster has a strong desire for a school in which children aren't allowed to have fun or act like children. She is feared by all the children, and is always closely followed by her teacher's pet, the equally nefarious Randall J. Weems, who is also largely disliked by the other students. Her disposition plays an important part in maintaining stability within the society of the playground providing a common enemy for the children of Third Street.

Despite her authoritarian nature she has shown to be a deeper and kinder person at times. Outside school she has shown to be friendly, fun and supportive of others as shown with several interactions with the gang outside of school..

Despite her age, Finster is an accomplished fighter and is generally in excellent physical condition, demonstrated on a number of occasions. Former Navy commodore from 1952 to 1954 (Korean War.) Her surname "Finster" is the German word for "sinister".

RelationshipsEdit

In terms of inter-personal relationships, Miss Finster has been shown to have a crush on the school's janitor, Hank and is friends with Spinelli's parents. There are even moments where Miss Finster gives advice to Spinelli when she's in trouble. Of particular note is that she used to have a much sunnier disposition and throughout the series glimpses of this are seen with occasional references to her experiences in Guam.

She did at one point in the seventies have a relationship with Phillium Benedict, but broke up with him after he tried to cancel recess.