All In The Family Season 7 Episode 20

Okay, let's talk All in the Family. Specifically, Season 7, Episode 20. You know, the one called "Edith's Crisis of Faith, Part 1".

Now, everyone remembers All in the Family. Groundbreaking, right? Archie Bunker, the lovable bigot. Edith, his sweet, sometimes clueless wife.

But this episode...it's got something different. It's heavier. More emotional.

Edith's Struggle: Not Just "Dingbat" Anymore

See, Edith's always been portrayed as kind of ditzy. Sweet, yes. But not exactly...profound. Except in this episode, everything changes.

Edith starts questioning her faith. A friend of hers has died. And Edith is struggling to understand why bad things happen to good people. It makes her doubt everything.

This isn't just Edith messing up a saying. This is Edith Bunker wrestling with life's big questions. And I'm here for it.

Archie's Reaction: Predictable, but Still Important

Of course, Archie doesn't get it. At all. He's Archie. Logic and emotional depth aren't exactly his strong suits.

He tries to "fix" Edith's problem with his usual brand of bluntness. Which, as you can imagine, doesn't go over too well. It's classic All in the Family conflict.

Honestly, though, Archie's reaction highlights Edith's strength. He's stuck in his ways. She's actually thinking and growing.

My Unpopular Opinion: Edith is the Real Star

Alright, here it is. My controversial take. Ready? Edith, not Archie, is the real star of All in the Family.

Everyone talks about Archie's controversial opinions. But Edith is the heart of the show. She's the moral compass. She shows us empathy.

And in this episode, "Edith's Crisis of Faith," we see her full power. The depth of her character shines through.

The Power of Edith's Vulnerability

She's not just a lovable housewife. She's a woman grappling with grief and doubt. And she's brave enough to question what she's always believed. That's powerful.

This vulnerability is something Jean Stapleton embodied perfectly. She made Edith feel so real. Even in her "dingbat" moments.

I think we underestimate the impact of a character like Edith. She showed us how to be kind, even when things are tough.

Why This Episode Still Matters

Look, "Edith's Crisis of Faith" isn't always the first episode people mention when talking about All in the Family. But I think it's one of the most important.

It reminds us that even the most seemingly simple people can have complex inner lives. That questioning your beliefs is okay. Even necessary.

And that sometimes, the quietest voices have the most to say. Even after so many years.

So, next time you're flipping through channels, give this episode a watch. Pay attention to Edith. You might just see her in a new light.

Maybe, like me, you'll realize she's been the star all along. And let's not forget Michael and Gloria who may have been caught up in Edith's problems, adding to the family's dynamic.

It's a bold statement I know but maybe after re-watching, you'll agree with me.