Mrs. America Review: Phyllis & Fred & Brenda & Marc (Season 1 Episode 5)

Mrs. America Season 1 Episode 5, “Phyllis & Fred & Brenda & Marc,”  is heavy with metaphorical symbolism that speaks to the oppression of the patriarchy. 

Using the 1969 film Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice as a (very) loose framework for this episode is advantageous in more ways than just visually. It goes past being a casual nod to the popular movie when it brings up relevant issues and tensions that fit with Mrs. America’s motifs.

Most obvious is the way they title the episode, but there are other connections—most notably, the end shot. It is a head-on angle of Frank & Gloria & Marc & Brenda sitting on the couch, watching the premiere of the Free to Be… Me and You special, that mirrors the famous image of the foursome from the film. 

These characters go through a bit of a foursome struggle themselves. Brenda (Ari Graynor) is married to Marc (Adam Brody) and has an affair with Jules (Roberta Colindrez), which might also be a bit of a reference to the 1962 Truffaut film, Jules et Jim, that follows a love triangle. 

Frank (Jay Ellis) says that Marc is more “enlightened” than him because Gloria (Rose Byrne) sleeping with another woman “wouldn’t fly” with him. Gloria then says that maybe they should rethink going on vacation with the couple, but it’s an excuse to avoid celebrating her 40th birthday not because of the same-sex affair or the openness of Brenda and Marc’s marriage.

Later, Gloria is shown having a “one time” night with republican lawyer Stan (Jake Lacy), most likely to rebel against Frank’s objection to it earlier as it is clear that she’s not interested in exclusive commitment with Frank or anybody.

So the correlations with the films aren’t direct, but they shouldn’t be—Mrs. America is its own story—the callbacks, though, are a nice touch and add a unique cinematic and historical depth to the episode.

Brenda’s storyline brings up sexist issues in even the most radical of marriages, but, fortunately, it’s only a hiccup between her and Marc. He isn’t threatened by Jules when Brenda first tells him because it’s a woman not a man. It’s when Brenda admits to continuing the affair that he sees that it really affects him.

They have a heart-to-heart after the debate with the Schlaflys which is very open and honest, and rather inspiring. 

Brenda: What do we do?
Marc: What if you don’t have to be this or that? I mean what if there’s another way? Isn’t that the whole point of living a radical life?
Brenda: Until you bring a child into it.
Marc: Says who? We’ve always played by our own rules. We can choose to build our family however we want.

Brody is excellent in this role and completely unrecognizable from that of The O.C.’s Seth Cohen, the character for which he is most known. And Graynor gives a phenomenal performance as Brenda Feigen Fasteau, real life activist from the women’s liberation movement. 

In stark contrast, the relationship between Phyllis (Cate Blanchett) and Fred (John Slattery) is polarizing.

Phyllis fights ferociously against women’s rights, but is starting to really feel the effect of the patriarchy in her home life. She both submits to her husband and stands up for herself, putting her in a complicated position. This dichotomy is illustrated often on the series and quite a bit on this episode.

Blanchett is exceptionally skilled in portraying this complex duality.

Phyllis and Fred have a volatile argument that precedes the understanding and loving conversation between Brenda and Marc quoted above. She makes a biting comment with fierce confidence then, almost imperceptibly, cowers, so quickly regretting her bravado. After Fred leaves in a huff, Phyllis slaps herself then curls up, submissively, into the fetal position.

It is utterly remarkable watching talent like this in action.

She makes nice to keep her marriage intact and functioning—after all, being happily married is vital to her campaign. It seems to be a somewhat superficial gesture as she still intends to apply to law school and get her degree. 

Phyllis finds other ways to assert her power, and in a very different approach than her husband. Her suspicion that her eldest son, John (Ben Rosenfield), might be gay is all but confirmed. She has a roundabout talk with him loaded with cautionary language.

This scene is done so well, especially the bit about Phyllis quitting smoking for Fred. It comes on the heels of a scene where Gloria is shown smoking.

Phyllis: Oh yes, I was a pack a day, and your father hated the habit. He thought it wasn’t ladylike. Well, he was right.

Mrs. America Season 1 Episode 5, “Phyllis & Fred & Brenda & Marc,” is teeming with potent content that has layers upon layers of meaning, resulting in a truly compelling hour of television.

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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