I didn’t notice it till now but when watching the show again, it’s kinda obvious. Let’s start with Ed.
Ed’s abuse seems to be more emotional abuse. His parents spoil his sister Sarah, while Ed lives in the basement. They also seem to take Sarah’s side more often. These can be signs of parental favoritism. I mean, look at Ed’s room.
now look at sarah’s:
Sarah’s room is much larger, cleaner and more comfortable than Ed’s. Sure, Ed’s a messy guy but you’d think a good parent would start showing SOME concern when their child’s room is as bad as Ed’s.
Now to Double D. His abuse is more about neglect and lack of affection from his parents. Not only are his parents never home but they communicate through sticky notes they leave around the house. and what are on those notes?
Chores. Double D’s parents seem to treat him more like a maid that cleans the place while they’re away most of the time, instead of their son.
and finally, Eddy. His is the most obvious.
While not a parent, Eddy has been shown to be physically and verbally abused by his older brother. This was revealed in the series finale.
I can’t believe I actually missed this until now.
This also shows another difference between them and the rest of the kids in the cul-de-sac.
Jimmy’s parent’s don’t seem to mind that their son has more feminine interests, buying him things like an easy bake oven and letting him have a feminine room and stuffed animals. Kevin’s dad constantly showers him in gifts. Nazz lives a carefree and happy life. Johnny’s parents seem to be tree-huggers(they have arbor day parties and bring nature inside as a christmas tradition) and don’t find it strange that their son talks to inanimate objects and Rolf has a close, very large and traditional family.
These are kids that most likely wouldn’t understand what the eds go through. That could be another reason why the eds are outcasts in the show.
