Welcome to this week’s installment of Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week, wherein we spotlight strong women and nonbinary folks who inspire us. These characters are prime examples of empowerment and how crucial it is for youth to have said example to follow.
DISCLAIMER: The following contains spoilers for Apple TV+‘s The Buccaneers, primarily Lizzy Elmsworth’s arc.
Lizzy Elmsworth
Fast Facts:
Lizzy Elmsworth (Aubri Ibrag) grew up with her younger sister, Mabel (Josie Totah), in an affluent family in New York City. Not much is known about her formative or adolescent years, save her crush on Harry Hamilton and her penchant for executing cartwheels. At the start of Season 1, Lizzy and her friends head to London, where she and her best friend Jinny St. George (Imogen Waterhouse) participated in the upcoming season. She was also a bridesmaid in their friend Conchita Closson’s (Alisha Boe) wedding.
Then, while vacationing in Runnymede with Mabel, Conchita, Jinny and Nan St. George (Kristine Frøseth), Lizzy caught the eye of Lord James Seadown (Barney Fishwick). They fled to a bedroom for privacy. Before they kissed, however, Seadown ordered Lizzy to take off her clothes and pose on a couch. He demanded she stay there until he returned. Later, a servant informed Lizzy that Seadown had gone to bed.
Even more bewildering to Lizzy was that Seadown proposed to Jinny the following day. Lizzy struggled with the sexual abuse she suffered, no thanks to Seadown. Throughout Season 1, Seadown incessantly gaslit and manipulated her. Lizzy decided to free herself from shame regarding the incident after an illuminating chat with Guy Thwarte (Matthew Broome). Every encounter with Seadown after that saw Lizzy taking back her power.
In the season finale, Mabel confided in Lizzy about being a lesbian. Lizzy wholeheartedly supported her sister and encouraged her to find love. Additionally, Lizzy helped Jinny leave Seadown after the latter told Nan about his abuse.
The Real Deal:
Lizzy is a complex, nuanced young woman who endures a traumatic event that’s all too common even now. Her arc is wholly relatable in that regard. Initially, she blames herself and feels shame, as is a typical reaction from abuse victims. However, Lizzy works through her trauma and strives to rise above it. She no longer averts her gaze when she runs into Seadown. Now, she stands tall and puts him in his place with one scathing look. It’s immensely empowering to watch a woman triumph over her abuser.
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Additionally, Lizzy is kind, empathic and brimming with warmth. She loves unconditionally and accepts Mabel for who she is without judgment. These are beautiful qualities to have regardless of the time (even though this kind of acceptance in the 19th century is awe-inspiring).
Lizzy is intelligent and clever, with a sharp sense of humor to match. She can read people well. Despite her fears concerning her trauma and abuse, she doesn’t let them dim her shine. Her resilience and desire to overcome her trauma are admirable as all get-out. Not to mention, her all-encompassing understanding of what it means to be a woman in society is as resonant as it is acutely observant.
Why She Matters:
Lizzy is a multifaceted, strong and courageous woman in a time when these qualities weren’t encouraged. Instead, “docile” and “demure” were societally-approved traits. Thankfully, Lizzy doesn’t prescribe to that behavior. She’s risen like a phoenix from the ashes, reminding Seadown that she doesn’t have to carry his shame. Her insightful, painfully relatable conversation with Guy in episode five is proof of that.
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So, be like Lizzy. Be gentle to yourself when working through your trauma. Don’t let anyone make you feel less than. Rise above your abuser. Be kind, laugh hard and love without inhibitions. Oh, and always keep your best pals close. Nobody understands us quite like our found family.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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