The First Lady Review: Victory Dance (Season 1 Episode 10)
The First Lady ends its first season with the culmination of the women’s legacies on Season 1 Episode 10, “Victory Dance.”
Eleanor’s valiant efforts in international diplomacy lead her to being named a delegate to the newly-formed (with her help) United Nations where she would go on to serve as head of the Commission on Human Rights and be instrumental in creating its bill of rights.
Betty’s path to recovery inspires her to create a place for people to rehabilitate from addiction, the Eisenhower Chemical Dependency Treatment Center. Which, of course, becomes the now widely-known Betty Ford Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center.
Michelle continues to inspire the youth of America, especially the Black youth, to fight for positive change amidst our country’s prevalent hate. Her Becoming book tour allows her to lead by example and encourage Americans to act with kindness, grace, and compassion even when you’re angry.
These are three different outcomes of their time as First Lady, but they, for sure, have one thing in common: hope.
Eleanor has hope that the world can become a more just and peaceful place for everyone. Betty believes healing in the face of substance dependency is possible and wants to share that with others that are suffering. Michelle looks to the future generations and sees promise and possibility.
All three ladies have accomplished so much, and that is shown well with Eleanor and Betty on this episode, but Michelle’s feels like it could’ve packed a stronger punch—pun intended. It comes across a little unbalanced, like showing us all the things these two white women have done versus all the things this Black woman has had to put up with. However, I do appreciate seeing Michelle’s frustrations and anger followed by her incredible ability to rise above while still fighting for equality.
The scene between Michelle and an old collegemate at her book signing conveys a lot, especially with the flashback, but it’s her interactions with young people that’s really moving to watch. Viola Davis is fantastic in the aforementioned scene, speaking very little but saying so much more with her eyes. Likewise, Jayme Lawson as young Michelle is compelling in the uncomfortable flashback.
Also of note is Lexi Underwood’s performance as Malia Obama. This episode brings more of the mother/daughter relationships that have merely been touched on, and which I’ve wanted more of since The First Lady Season 1 Episode 6, “Shout Out.”
Gillian Anderson and Cailee Spaeny shine as Eleanor and her first and only daughter, Anna. Their final scene together at Val-Kill is stunningly well-acted, showing a complicated parent/child dynamic. Anna tells her how lonely it is to be her daughter when her mother really belongs to the American people, and now to all people, the world over. This is gut-wrenching to watch and for Eleanor to hear, but it is played beautifully by both actors.
There’s extra heartache here because of how similar Anna’s grievance is to the reason Hick (Lily Rabe) used when she decided to leave.
Eleanor: I’m afraid I’m clumsy with love.
That seems to sum up the series—biographical stories of three First Ladies told clumsily but with love. However, there’s no denying the remarkable performances from the leads to the ensemble in these historical roles.
What did you think of the finale episode of The First Lady Season 1? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The First Lady Season 1 is available to stream 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.