Atlantic Crossing Review: Over Atlanteren (Season 1 Episode 3)

The Crown Princess and the children arrive safely in America while the Crown Prince faces danger in London on Atlantic Crossing Season 1 Episode 3, “Over Atlantern.”

Märtha: I never thought that if I made another Atlantic crossing it would be as a refugee.

The trip is no easy sailing for Märtha (Sofia Helin) and the kids. Everyone holds their breath (even the viewer) as they pass very closely by a naval mine floating in the sea. Prince Harald comes very close to accidentally eating the cyanide pills in Märtha’s purse.

A collective sigh of relief is to be had when the Statue of Liberty comes into view. But, on Atlantic Crossing the periods of calm are brief, making room for the drama to be at the forefront.

Even when Märtha is able to enjoy the rare carefree moment there is someone nearby with a concerned look and a frown or scowl—the Norwegian ambassador, Wilhelm Morgenstierne (Trond Teigen), and secretary to the President, Missy LeHand (Lucy Russell) being the frequent offenders.

Something is up with Morgenstierne. He is either an extremely nervous person or he is a spy (or maybe he is a nervous spy). Märtha has to fight for the chance to call Olav (Tobias Santelmann) in London. Morgenstierne has booked a press conference for her immediately after they disembark the ship.

I’m no WWII expert, but isn’t it a bad idea to reveal where the princess is and that she is in the currently-neutral United States? They’ve just been in hiding for four months, barely escaping to America alive, but, sure, let’s do a big press conference.

This, along with Olav’s message that they will have to remain apart for the duration of the war, sends Märtha into a panic. Poor thing has to speak to the press and appear composed while having an anxiety attack. 

The scene is shot cinematically to enhance the drama as the princess stumbles over the English words and gets rattled by the flashing lights. There are cuts to Olav and President Roosevelt (Kyle MacLachlan) listening on the radio and a superb rack focus to the children sitting off to the side. Theatrically, the lights go dark at the end of the conference. 

Missy’s obvious dislike of the princess seems to be laid on a bit thick. It’s a catty drama that plays awkwardly and maybe even unnecessarily.

Missy: If Hitler wins this war, you will be the queen of nothing.

Geez, harsh much?

The episode ends on that line which is kind of an odd choice, but it really makes me not like Missy, that’s for sure.

Märtha picks up on the peculiar relationship between Missy and Franklin Roosevelt, and then Ragni (Anneke von der Lippe) gives her the hot goss on the unconventional marriage between POTUS and the First Lady.

Even though it’s delivered through gossip, I like the inclusion of Eleanor Roosevelt (Harriet Samson Harris) here. And Franklin’s mention of his wife and her absence is a nice addition, too.

President Roosevelt: I’m sorry Eleanor is not here to greet you. She’s too busy running the country while I pretend to be president.

Franklin is a gracious host, spoiling the kids and helping to distract Märtha from her troubles. It’s a joy to see her smile and laugh.

However, there are times where Franklin’s hospitality is almost too pushy. There is a forced charisma about him which feels awkward for the viewer but adds another layer of tension to Märtha’s situation.

Interesting things are sure to come with a lot of mention about Roosevelt’s re-election campaign and both Märtha and Olav’s desire to do something to help their country of Norway and its citizens.

What did you think of this episode of Atlantic Crossing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Atlantic Crossing airs Sundays at 9/8c on PBS.

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