Edith's Crisis of Faith
Edith Bunker faces a crisis of faith after a friend's death.
"Edith's Crisis of Faith" is a two-part episode of the American television sitcom All in the Family. It aired as the 13th and 14th episodes of season 8, on December 18 and 25 in 1977. The episode is notable for its depiction of the aftermath of a fatal anti-gay attack.
Quick Facts
- Series
- All in the Family
- Season
- 8
- Episode numbers
- 13 and 14
- Airdates
- December 18 and 25, 1977
- Part count
- 2
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- The episode includes the third and final appearance of Beverly LaSalle, played by Lori Shannon.
- Beverly LaSalle previously appeared in "Archie the Hero" and "Beverly Rides Again".
- Beverly LaSalle, a transvestite and friend of Edith Bunker, is attacked with Mike Stivic a few days before Christmas in an incident of gay bashing.
Critical reception and analysis
Critics have noted that the episode exposes the social stigma faced by trans people, a cruelty made more poignant by Edith's failure to grasp why humanity would reject someone like her friend. In 2016, a reviewer called the storyline groundbreaking for 1975 and still relevant by contemporary standards. Another source described the episode as both daring and disturbing. One critic observed that while Edith claims Beverly was killed because of who she was, the episode remains vague about what that identity actually is. A later analysis argued that broadcasting both parts on Christmas night 1977 dramatically shifted the episode's emotional impact, compelling viewers to associate the holiday with mourning queer loss.
More in American LGBTQ-related Television Episodes
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced