Mrs. America (2020–) tv series review, story and analysis

History of Construction and Production Details

“Mrs. America” is a historical drama television series that premiered in 2020. Produced by FX Productions and aired on FX on Hulu, the series was created by Dahvi Waller. The construction of “Mrs. America” involved meticulous research into the women’s liberation movement of the 1970s in the United States, particularly focusing on the fight for and against the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The production team faced the challenge of accurately depicting the political and social landscape of the time period, as well as portraying real-life figures from the era with authenticity and nuance. Despite these challenges, “Mrs. America” has been praised for its compelling storytelling, powerful performances, and insightful exploration of gender politics and activism.

The Actors and Their Roles

“Mrs. America” boasts a stellar ensemble cast, with each actor portraying a real-life figure from the women’s liberation movement:

1. Cate Blanchett as Phyllis Schlafly: Cate Blanchett stars as Phyllis Schlafly, a conservative activist who leads the fight against the Equal Rights Amendment.
2. Rose Byrne as Gloria Steinem: Rose Byrne portrays Gloria Steinem, a leading feminist and co-founder of Ms. magazine, who advocates for the passage of the ERA.
3. Uzo Aduba as Shirley Chisholm: Uzo Aduba plays Shirley Chisholm, the first African American woman elected to the United States Congress, who runs for president in the 1972 Democratic primaries.
4. Elizabeth Banks as Jill Ruckelshaus: Elizabeth Banks portrays Jill Ruckelshaus, a Republican activist who supports the ERA and becomes a key ally to the feminist movement.
5. Sarah Paulson as Alice Macray: Sarah Paulson plays Alice Macray, a fictionalized composite character representing conservative women who oppose the ERA.
6. Tracey Ullman as Betty Friedan: Tracey Ullman stars as Betty Friedan, the author of “The Feminine Mystique” and co-founder of the National Organization for Women (NOW), who clashes with Schlafly over the ERA.

Each actor delivers a nuanced and compelling performance, bringing their respective characters to life with depth and complexity.

The General Concept of the Series

“Mrs. America” explores the political and social tensions surrounding the women’s liberation movement in the United States during the 1970s, focusing in particular on the battle over the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). The series delves into the lives and ideologies of key figures on both sides of the debate, examining the ways in which gender, race, and political ideology intersected to shape the outcome of the ERA ratification process. Through a combination of historical reenactments, archival footage, and fictionalized drama, “Mrs. America” offers viewers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of a pivotal moment in American history.

The Full Story of the Series

“Mrs. America” unfolds over the course of several episodes, each focusing on different aspects of the ERA debate and the women’s liberation movement. The series begins with Phyllis Schlafly’s campaign against the ERA, as she rallies conservative women across the country to oppose what she sees as a threat to traditional gender roles and family values. As Schlafly’s movement gains momentum, she clashes with feminist leaders such as Gloria Steinem, Betty Friedan, and Shirley Chisholm, who advocate for the passage of the ERA as a means of achieving gender equality.

As the series progresses, viewers witness the political maneuvering and ideological battles that define the ERA ratification process. From tense congressional hearings to heated debates in state legislatures, “Mrs. America” captures the drama and intensity of the fight for and against the ERA. Along the way, the series explores the personal and professional lives of its characters, delving into their motivations, insecurities, and moral dilemmas as they navigate the turbulent waters of 1970s America.

As the series reaches its climax, viewers are left to ponder the legacy of the ERA debate and its impact on the women’s liberation movement. While the ERA ultimately fails to be ratified by enough states to become law, “Mrs. America” suggests that the battle for gender equality is far from over, as women continue to fight for their rights and freedoms in the face of entrenched social and political opposition.

Criticism and Analysis

“Mrs. America” has been widely praised by critics for its compelling storytelling, nuanced characterizations, and timely exploration of gender politics and activism. The series has been lauded for its meticulous attention to historical detail, as well as its ability to humanize its characters and portray their motivations and conflicts with empathy and complexity. Additionally, “Mrs. America” has been commended for its diverse cast and its inclusion of perspectives from both sides of the ERA debate, offering viewers a well-rounded and multi-dimensional portrayal of this pivotal moment in American history.

However, some critics have raised concerns about the series’ fictionalization of certain events and characters, as well as its occasional reliance on melodrama and narrative contrivances. While “Mrs. America” strives to remain faithful to the historical record, it occasionally takes creative liberties for the sake of dramatic effect, leading some viewers to question the accuracy of certain portrayals and plot developments.

Critical Reception and Position Among Similar Series

“Mrs. America” has received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, with many praising its thought-provoking subject matter, stellar performances, and stylish production values. The series has been nominated for numerous awards, including multiple Emmy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Critics’ Choice Television Awards, cementing its status as one of the most acclaimed television dramas of recent years.

In terms of its position among other similar series, “Mrs. America” stands out for its unique approach to storytelling and its exploration of a relatively underrepresented period in American history. While there have been other television dramas that touch on themes of feminism and women’s rights, such as “The Handmaid’s Tale” and “Mad Men,” “Mrs. America” distinguishes itself with its focus on the specific historical context of the ERA debate and its portrayal of real-life figures from the era.

Five Series Similar to “Mrs. America”

1. The Handmaid’s Tale: A dystopian drama series based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, exploring themes of gender oppression, totalitarianism, and resistance in a future society where women are subjugated.
2. Mad Men: A period drama series set in the 1960s, which explores the personal and professional lives of employees at a Madison Avenue advertising agency, touching on issues of gender, race, and social change.
3. The Crown: A historical drama series that chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and the events that shaped post-war Britain, offering insights into gender roles, power dynamics, and the complexities of monarchy.
4. Big Little Lies: A drama series based on the novel by Liane Moriarty, which explores the lives of several women living in Monterey, California, delving into themes of motherhood, friendship, and domestic violence.
5. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel: A comedy-drama series set in the 1950s, which follows a housewife who discovers a talent for stand-up comedy and embarks on a career in show business, challenging traditional gender norms along the way.