Ethel Mertz from I Love Lucy is probably the greatest television sidekick in history, right? I suppose it depends on how you define sidekick. George Costanza is up there. Dwight Schrute could fit the bill. I suppose Robin works in quite literally what a sidekick is, but there's never been a supporting character whose actions and stories are so dependent on whoever the first fiddle is as much as this has been the case for Ethel. Sure there are a few episodes where she gets to do her own thing, but most of her character development comes through whatever it is that Lucy's doing. Which is why her characteristics are so easily identifiable. She's loyal, she's quick on her feet, she's a fantastic friend. What do all of these do if not just make you identify with Ethel because you, too, are being brought along through the craziness by Lucy.
Ethel Mertz: Supporting character on I Love Lucy portrayed by Vivian Vance.
Lucy was a lucky woman to have Ethel by her side.
ReplyDeleteLucy was a lucky woman to have Ethel by her side.
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