An Ode To Alexis Rose, The Greatest Woman In Television

Last year, Annie Murphy had quite the surprise at the Emmys. The actress was nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy for her performance as Alexis Rose in quietly wonderful comedy Schitt's Creek. Her three co-stars - Catherine O'Hara, Eugene Levy and Dan Levy - had already received accolades that evening, but Annie was very much the underdog. Her category was fiercely competitive, and it seemed optimistic to think that all four of the Schitt's Creek performers could walk away with the heavy trophy. And yet, of the four talented performers, Annie was arguably the most deserving of her Emmy. In her hands, Alexis has become one of the most quietly empowering characters in television. Be careful, if you don't want key plot points spoiled, I'd stop reading here.

In episode one of a programme that ended its run with a cleanly closed six seasons last year, we meet the Rose family. Catherine O'Hara is Moira, the off-the-wall, elaborately dressed soap actress. Eugene Levy's Johnny is the solid pair of hands, the self-made-millionaire who naively thinks that smarts and a good work ethic has the same exchange rate in Noughties America. Dan Levy's David is perfectly arch and brilliantly insecure. Annie's Alexis, something of a California heiress stereotype in the vein of Paris Hilton, is a comic foil, delivering meme-friendly one-liners in a classic, cloying baby voice. Many viewers don't make it beyond episode one. The concept - which sees the family lose everything and relocate to a small, déclassé town called Schitt's Creek - is charming, but both the script and the four-strong family take a few episodes to get going. But when it hits its stride, Schitt's Creek is a marvel, an ode to inclusivity, optimism, tenacity and kindness. Beside bigger stars, Alexis shines brightest.

As she looks around her new surroundings, sleeping in a single bed in a motel room with her brother, it is clear that she is beyond unhappy. Her life is one of yachts and galleries and parties. But in time, she looks inward. When she realises that her life is not on the track she wants, she considers what she is going to do about it. She enrols on a course, learns how to work in public relations, and creatively and enigmatically pursues it as a new career. She believes in herself, firstly because she has been raised to believe that everything will be handed to her, and later because she comes to understand that she is more capable than she had ever imagined.

She learns to love, truly, for the first time, first of all by pursuing putting her heart and soul into committing to handsome vet Ted. But when an ultimatum arises - go to live with Ted and support his career, or focus on her own - she makes the difficult, correct choice. The end of their relationship is a devastating moment in the show's run. They are crazy about each other. But in six years, Alexis has found that loving and respecting herself outweighs everything else.

She is always frank. She has lived through true drama - even trauma - and she never shies away from it nor expresses any inch of shame for her wayward past. She is always there for her brother, and is actually pretty good at giving advice. She is able to turn a simple 'ew, David' into a source of hilarity. Her stories are without rival. Her audition for a local musical will go down in comedy history.

Alexis's arc is, of course, a joint effort. Dan, who plays David, also writes the show and has been masterful in handling how his on-screen sister grows as a human being. But Annie is truly incredible. Thoughout the first season and beyond, she hones her comic craft and embraces her character's bizarre blend of true insight and genuine obliviousness. She will make you cackle with laughter, then dissolve into tears. Few people manage to achieve this magic on screen. There is great skill involved in playing a character who has to deliver both the over-the-top, obviously funny zingers and catchphrases, along with the moving moments of pathos and growth. Alexis often makes the least noise, but she also has the greatest impact.

In the hands of Annie Murphy, Alexis evolved from a vaguely two-dimensional pampered princess into a mature, capable woman in charge of her own destiny. She is a role model to all women, a well-dressed package wrapping a kind and supportive interior. Dan Levy has expressed his pleasure that he could end the show's run on his own terms, and with a truly special finale, but if anyone could handle a spin-off, it's Alexis Rose.

Get on it, Daniel. We already know it'll be called A Little Bit Alexis.

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