The First Lady Review: Cracked Pot (Season 1 Episode 4)
On The First Lady Season 1 Episode 4, “Cracked Pot,” the performances continue to transcend the bland storytelling.
However, relying on the performances to excel is not a sustainable method, nor does it make for dramatic television that can compete with the many shows out there that excel in both aspects.
Perhaps the caliber of the supremely talented cast raised my expectations to unreachable heights, but in these times of Prestige TV it shouldn’t be too much to expect. There are loads of series where the superb acting matches the exceptional writing.
The stories of these women are interesting on their own. The structure is lacking as is a common thread to connect the three First Ladies on anything other than a surface level. As it stands, the connection is merely the title they hold and the role that was thrust upon them.
On Season 1 Episode 3, “Please Allow Me,” there is, at least, the throughline of courtship and marriage, but even that is too broad and flimsy to really be compelling.
The show is overwhelmed with material and opportunity, and that comes across through telling three separate narratives that clumsily relate to each other. And since these acting powerhouses are delivering stunning performances each week, the choppy storytelling is even more conspicuous.
Episode 4, “Cracked Pot,” starts with Eleanor discovering Franklin’s infidelity, which serves as a turning point for the future First Lady. Gillian Anderson does an exemplary job conveying, first, Eleanor’s naive romanticism and trust in her husband, which informs her devastation upon finding out. Then, it becomes fuel to fight for causes that are important to her.
She begins socializing within progressive women’s circles and declares she will use her name—her maiden name—Roosevelt, for political advocacy. This is how she meets journalist Lorena Hickok who later becomes her trusted romantic companion.
Hick, played by Lily Rabe, was introduced on Episode 2, “Voices Carry.” That introduction was way too quick, almost feeling like an aside, and it was an introduction just for the audience. This is where that messy timeline jumping can cause problems. It would have much more of an impact if we meet Hick along with Eleanor.
Regardless, Anderson and Rabe have chemistry. I only wish we could see more of it.
I do, however, feel satisfied with the meaty scenes between Anderson’s Eleanor and her mother-in-law, Sarah, played by the inimitable Ellen Burstyn.
All of this is fascinating character development for Eleanor, and Anderson takes it and runs with it. Unfortunately though, Eleanor’s story weakly intertwines with Betty’s and Michelle’s in terms of theme, and there fails to be a strong cinematic synergy among the three stories as well.
The First Lady can’t seem to decide if it should focus on the three narratives each as their own story or tell a far-reaching tale that weaves the lives of these formidable women together. Thankfully, the performances overcome this scattered clunkiness, but the series can’t sustain on its talented star power alone.
As we approach the halfway point of Season 1 of The First Lady, my confidence and hope that the storytelling catches up with these thoughtful and moving portrayals, is dwindling, and I can’t help but be disappointed.
What did you think of this episode of The First Lady? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The First Lady airs Sundays at 9/8c on Showtime.
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Erin Allen
Erin is a former script supervisor for film and television. She's an avid fan of middle aged actresses, dark dramas, and irreverent comedies. She loves to read actual books and X-Files fan fiction. Her other passions include pointing out feminist issues, shipping Mulder and Scully, and collecting pop culture mugs.