'Mrs America' Finale 'Reagan' promo shows the tide turn against the ERA with 1980 presidential election
FX’s contentious biographical miniseries ‘Mrs. America’ is coming to an end. The show charts the journey of second-wave feminists and anti-feminists in the ‘70s, battling the existence of the Equal Rights Amendment. The show’s stellar cast plays the roles of some notable names in history like Gloria Steinem (Rose Byrne), Bella Abzug (Margo Martindale), Betty Friedan (Tracey Ullman), Phyllis Schlafly (Cate Blanchett) and more.
In the eight episodes so far, we have seen three-quarters of a decade pass as the antifeminists led by Schlafly put up a tough fight against the ERA, which is remarkable considering the act had both bipartisan support and political heavyweights behind it. Whether or not it glosses over some details, or even paint some abhorrent leaders in a softer light is debatable. What is not debatable, however, is how engrossing the miniseries has been. So, what should one expect from its finale?
The episode is titled ‘Reagan’, presumably after Ronald Reagan, the 40th president of the United States, who was in office from 1981 to 1989. The episode’s synopsis, according to IMDb, states, “Gloria, Bella, and Jill put pressure on the White House to act on their proposals from the National Women's Conference. Phyllis prepares to leverage her political victories as the 1980 presidential election draws near.”
The name ‘Reagan’ is awfully significant in terms of the show’s story. We know that the ERA was never ratified, despite the fact that the deadline for ratification was extended. But it’s not just that. Reagan has largely been considered a powerful proponent of neo-conservatism. And his administration is pockmarked with many instances where civil rights legislation was actively undermined.
In that sense, Schlafly’s growing power, the diminishing influence of feminist leaders, and the failure to create a landmark moment in gender justice -- the logical end to this miniseries -- is well-suited to a title like ‘Reagan’.
The episode’s promo only reflects this dark conclusion. It begins with Schlafly on a stage, declaring in her impassioned voice, “Tonight is the night that the ERA dies.” As the promo continues, we witness just how nervous the feminist leaders were getting. Even as Steinem puts up a brave face, it is obvious that they are afraid of the tides turning.
In the midst of snatches of speeches given by Steinem and Schlafly, however, we see something interesting. In episode 8, ‘Houston’, it became abundantly clear that Alice Macray (Sarah Paulson), Schlafly’s oldest friend and right-hand, had found her own voice and opinions after spending three days at the National Women’s Conference.
We saw Alice understand several areas where the antifeminists were woefully wrong and tried to even suggest that they not oppose all the agendas at the conference. For some time now, she has been internally questioning Schlafly’s beliefs and ways. But the finale, it would seem, will finally see her reach a breaking point. In one scene we see Alice shouting at Schlafly, asking her, “When did you get so mean?” In another scene, we see her driving away, stone-faced, as Schlafly stands, looking perplexed.
Will the finale then also see the end of their friendship?
'Mrs. America' drops new episodes every Wednesday on Hulu.
