I'm the eldest daughter of three. My sisters are my everything, I love them dearly. However, from an early age, my sister Kate showed more 'eldest child' tendencies than myself. I actually tend to show more middle-child-like tendencies, not so much Middle Child Syndrome or anything, but I am not a leader. I am quiet, shy, and easily forgotten. Therefore, when watching "Downton Abbey" on PBS from 2010 to this year's finale, I immediately felt a connection to Lady Edith Crawley. The middle child, easily forgotten, doesn't feel as pretty as her sisters (though, don't get me wrong Laura Carmichael is BEAUTIFUL), and Edith always seems to have the worst luck- a constant in my life as well.
Not since Lizzie McGuire had I been able to connect to a television character. Edith can be whiny and difficult, but, like, aren't we all like that at some point? Edith's lack of success in relationships was also something I could connect to. I am no flirt, to say the least. I don't know why, but I absolutely adored her from the moment the show began. She is the underdog and, despite struggle and heartbreak along the way, she does get an extremely happy ending.
Edith taught me that through being truly yourself you find happiness. She finds a career and is happy with her life as it is, and while she's down in the dumps about being a possible 'spinster' in the final episode, prior to her breakup with Bertie (SPOILER: her true love) she seems content with the life she leads alone. Edith taught me to love my family with all my heart, no matter what. After losing her sister, she bonds closer to her family. After nearly losing her daughter, she insists upon raising her, going to great lengths to get her back. And, even after Mary breaks up her and Bertie, Edith forgives her, knowing that, when all else are gone, they will at least have each other. Edith taught me to forge my own way in the world. Not only does she discover her talent for writing, but she uses it to get a job and, eventually, take over as head editor for a magazine.
Yes, Edith may be the underdog, but Edith is one of the best characters I've ever seen on screen in a long time. I will always have lots of love for this wonderfully drawn character.
