Ep 2. Episode 2

In Mrs. America season 1 episode 2, tensions between the feminist movement and the conservative opposition continue to rise in the late 1970s. As the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) faces opposition from conservative women led by Phyllis Schlafly, feminist leaders such as Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan struggle to maintain their power and influence.

The episode focuses on the strategies used by both the feminist and conservative movements to rally support for their respective causes. Steinem and Friedan attend a fundraising dinner for the National Organization for Women (NOW), where they debate the best way to counter Schlafly's growing influence. Meanwhile, Schlafly hosts a "pro-family" rally in Illinois, using fear-mongering language to rally her supporters against the perceived threat of the ERA.

Throughout the episode, tensions between the characters continue to build. Steinem and Friedan argue over the best course of action for the feminist movement, with Steinem pushing for a more radical approach while Friedan advocates for a more moderate stance. Meanwhile, Schlafly's husband Fred grows increasingly frustrated with his wife's obsession with politics and her lack of attention to their family.

As the episode progresses, we see more of the personal struggles experienced by each character. Steinem explores her growing attraction to a fellow feminist, while Friedan grapples with her sense of irrelevance in the changing feminist landscape. Schlafly, meanwhile, begins to feel the toll that her political ambitions are taking on her personal life.

Overall, episode 2 of Mrs. America presents a nuanced and complex portrayal of the various forces at play in the fight for women's rights in the late 1970s. Through its focus on the personal lives and struggles of its characters, the show presents a powerful commentary on the ongoing struggle for gender equality in the United States.