Cousin Liz
| "Cousin Liz" | |
|---|---|
| All in the Family episode | |
Veronica struggles to explain her relationship with Edith's cousin Liz.
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| Episode no. | Season 8 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | Paul Bogart |
| Story by |
Harve Brosten Barry Harman |
| Teleplay by |
Bob Schiller Bob Weiskopf |
| Editing by | Harold McKenzie |
| Original air date | October 9, 1977 |
| Running time | 24 minutes |
| Guest appearance(s) | |
|
K Callan as Veronica |
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K Callan as Veronica
"Cousin Liz" is an episode of the American television sitcom All in the Family. The story concerns lead character Edith Bunker's inheritance of a valuable tea service from her deceased cousin Liz and her decision, upon learning that Liz's "roommate" Veronica is really Liz's surviving longtime companion, to give Veronica the service. The second episode of season 8, "Cousin Liz" originally aired on October 9, 1977.
"Cousin Liz" was critically acclaimed, winning an Emmy Award for its script. The episode aired at a time when gay rights protections were being challenged through ballot initiatives and one of the writers believed that "Cousin Liz" was associated with the defeat of one such initiative.
Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor) and his wife Edith (Jean Stapleton) check into a motel to get ready to attend the funeral of Edith's cousin, Liz. Archie wonders how much Edith, as Liz's closest living relative, will inherit from Liz's estate. Edith suggests that there will not be a large inheritance since as a school teacher, Liz did not make much money and had to share an apartment with her roommate Veronica (K Callan).
At a gathering at Liz and Veronica's apartment after the funeral, Archie speculates about what items in the apartment Edith will inherit. She says that the only thing she will receive is Liz's silver tea service, which has been in Edith's family for 100 years. Archie initially scoffs at the service until Edith advises him that it is worth at least $2,000.
Overhearing their conversation, Veronica pulls Edith aside to speak privately. Veronica asks to keep the service, explaining that for 25 years she and Liz spent an hour every afternoon with each other over tea. Veronica struggles to explain her relationship with Liz, finally telling Edith that it was "like a marriage". After some initial confusion and shock, Edith immediately accepts Veronica and Liz's relationship and gives Veronica the tea set.
As the Bunkers prepare to leave Archie instructs Edith to collect the service. Edith explains that she has given the service to Veronica and explains their relationship. Archie tries to convince Veronica to return the set and when she refuses, threatens to sue her, which would expose her lesbianism and probably cost her her teaching career. Edith insists that Veronica keep the service and Archie relents, but not before expressing his distaste for Veronica's sexuality and suggesting that she find herself a man.
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