Mrs. America Review: Betty (Season 1 Episode 4)

The mother of the feminist movement takes the spotlight on Mrs. America Season 1 Episode 4, “Betty.”

At this point in history, feminism is in its second wave, its initial influx beginning with Betty Friedan and her book, The Feminine Mystique. The women’s liberation movement has her to thank for the advancements of women’s rights in the national conversation, but it is also progressive—it has to be to survive.

This situation puts Betty in a lib limbo, and the inspired casting choice of iconic comic Tracey Ullman to portray this iconic woman on the outskirts of a movement that she pioneered is genius.

It’s uncomfortable to watch because it is an uncomfortable position for her. Ullman expresses this with a healthy vein of sardonic humor running through her dramatically-nuanced performance—a master class, truly. 

This episode that focuses on Betty is a rollercoaster, one with quick, triumphant highs and devastating lows. I find myself agreeing with her on some things and disheartened by her stance on others. It’s complicated, but with Ullman in this role I will take all the complications I can get my hands on.

The lengthy debate Betty had with Phyllis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett) in 1973 is the emotional peak of the episode. 

The narrative lead-up to this shows the importance of coming out on top for both of them—Betty’s insecure bravado and Phyllis’ vengeful vindictiveness. The way it’s edited shows how long the women went at it, giving it an exhaustive sense but with so much tension.  

Another rival of Betty’s is on the same side—Gloria Steinem, played with striking aplomb by Rose Byrne. Gloria is right to ignore Phyllis—the right-wing woman just wants the attention—but after Betty ignores that and debates her, Gloria puts her support behind Betty.

The final phone conversation between Betty and Gloria is a comforting balm to the irritation caused by witnessing Betty’s crash and burn in the debate. Betty gets her well-deserved “thank you” from her competition within the movement, and it feels like we can all let out a sigh of relief …for the time being anyway.

And playing Jackie DeShannon’s “What the World Needs Now” right after is a nice sentimental shot to the heart.

Sub-plots are interspersed with Betty’s main storyline, and the episode is strengthened for it.

I’m glad they didn’t leave the examination of white feminism and its exclusionary practices to just the episode about Shirley Chisholm (Uzo Aduba). Part of me was afraid they might. If they had, it would have been tokenism, which is another issue brought up on this episode.

Mrs. America doubles down on its efforts by following the ramifications of fighting for feminism without intersectionality.

Margaret (Bria Henderson) is discounted in both groups—disregarded when bringing up a race issue at a Ms. meeting and being seen as a drawback for black feminists because she is a lesbian.

An investigation into Shirley’s campaign funds has taken its toll on her, and the passionate politician is now dejected. It is seen in her appearance and her demeanor, and it is heartbreaking.

Mrs. America Season 1 Episode 3, “Shirley,” showed her fighting spirit, but being dragged through the muck and mire of a tactical smear campaign (that comes from the top—Nixon’s White House) dims that light.

“Betty” is another captivating and effective chapter of this complex time in herstory.

What did you think of this episode of Mrs. America? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Mrs. America airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on FX on Hulu.

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