Ep 7. Bella

Mrs. America season 1 episode 7, titled "Bella," focuses on the life and activism of Bella Abzug, a Jewish-American lawyer, feminist, and politician. The episode starts with Bella's high school days, where she fiercely spoke up against the school's Nazi sympathizers. Her political activism grew during the 1960s and culminated in her run for Congress in 1970.

As Bella campaigns for Congress in her district, the audience gets a glimpse into the personal and political struggles that shaped her. Bella faces numerous roadblocks, from her own self-doubt to the opposition of her male colleagues in the Democratic Party. Despite these obstacles, Bella remains determined, and her passion for women's rights and social justice fuels her campaign.

The episode also explores Bella's relationship with other key players in the feminist movement, particularly Gloria Steinem. Gloria and Bella's friendship is at times contentious, as they disagree on tactics and ideology. But through their disagreements, they ultimately share a deep respect for each other's unwavering commitment to the feminist cause.

In addition to her campaign for Congress, the episode also spotlights Bella's work in organizing a groundbreaking conference on women's issues in Houston, Texas. The conference, which drew thousands of women from around the country, marked a turning point in the feminist movement and cemented Bella's place as one of its key leaders.

Throughout the episode, flashbacks to Bella's childhood and early adulthood reveal the events that shaped her worldview and fueled her activism. From her father's early support for the labor movement to her experiences with anti-Semitism, Bella's experiences shed light on the personal motivations behind her political work.

As the episode concludes, Bella's campaign for Congress reaches its climax. While the outcome of the election remains uncertain, Bella has already achieved a significant victory in inspiring a new generation of women to run for office and fight for gender equality.

Overall, "Bella" is a powerful and moving portrait of one of the feminist movement's most inspiring figures. Through its exploration of Bella's personal and political struggles, the episode paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs of the feminist movement in the 1970s.