Mrs. America: Houston

May 22, 2020 5:28 PM - Season 1, Episode 8

All the women converge on Houston for the National Women’s Conference. Alice, who prodded Phyllis to stop the ERA in episode 1, is fueled by optimism as she drives herself and Pamela across the country. But nothing goes according to plan and, after her trip, Alice reconsiders her original goals.

Vulture writes:

Pamela, whose controlling husband has no idea that she’s gone to Texas, is well aware that she’s trying to get away from an oppressive situation. Alice doesn’t realize she’s in a similar situation until after they arrive. Her abusive partner is Phyllis, who has been manipulating Alice for years, convincing her that her self-worth is completely tied to doing whatever Phyllis thinks is best.

posted by Monochrome (5 comments total)

It was really touching that a libber was worried enough about Pamela crying in the bathroom to check on her. Even as Pamela and Phyllis’ cohort are trying to tear women apart, there are plenty of women primarily motivated to help other women.

By the way, I was going to add the AV Club recap but one of their ads hijacked my browser, tried to convince me that my iPhone had a virus, and opened the App Store.
posted by Monochrome at 5:37 PM on May 22, 2020 [3 favorites]

..."convincing her her self-worth is completely tied to doing whatever Phyllis thinks..."

That kiss on the cheek and "go fix your face" comment at the end was so good. So familiar as evidence they had interacted closely for years, but also completely condescending and infantilizing. Alice's loyalty and devotion are pretty much nothing of value. She's a number in the cause.
posted by dog food sugar at 10:51 AM on May 23, 2020 [1 favorite]

"I've discovered a new way to eat."

We've been rooting for Alice to flip sides ever since the first scene where Phyllis accepts the racists. And it's striking just how much inertia still needs to be overcome to make the switch: her whole social circle, as cruddy as they treat her, is going to be lost.

The trip through the hotel was fantastic... Singing! Screaming! Women giving communion!
posted by kaibutsu at 1:37 AM on May 27, 2020 [1 favorite]

I'm pretty sure Alice was standing in front of the screen during the only exciting part of Jeanne Dielman, 23, quai du Commerce, 1080 Bruxells—I'd be pissed at her too.
posted by whir at 12:53 PM on May 28, 2020 [1 favorite]

This was an incredible episode, and one of the funniest and most bittersweet Long Strange Trips (Wo)Maaaaaan that I've ever seen
posted by lalochezia at 6:11 PM on August 5, 2020 [1 favorite]