Mrs. America Season 1 Episode 8
Mrs. America
Season 1

Ep 8. Houston

  • TVMA
  • May 20, 2020
  • 51 min
  • 8.6  (669)

Mrs. America season 1 episode 8, titled "Houston," follows the aftermath of the conservative backlash to the passage of the ERA and the National Women's Conference in Houston, Texas in 1977. Phyllis Schlafly (played by Cate Blanchett) is still reeling from the defeat of her anti-feminist coalition, STOP ERA, in the Illinois ratification battle. In the previous episode, Phyllis learned that her son John (played by Ben Rosenfield) is gay after she finds a letter from him to his boyfriend. This knowledge challenges her worldview and conservative values, and she is forced to reevaluate her beliefs.

Meanwhile, Gloria Steinem (played by Rose Byrne) is dealing with the fallout of her controversial appearance at the National Women's Conference in Houston. She is criticized by other feminists for her opposition to the lesbian separatist movement and her support for the Equal Rights Amendment. However, Gloria finds an unlikely ally in Bella Abzug (played by Margo Martindale), who offers her support and encouragement.

The episode also explores the relationship between Shirley Chisholm (played by Uzo Aduba) and her husband Conrad (played by John Ellison Conlee). Shirley is struggling to balance her political ambitions with her responsibilities to her husband and family. Conrad has moved to New York to support her in her presidential campaign, but he feels neglected and frustrated by her absence.

As tensions rise between the feminist and anti-feminist camps, the episode culminates in a heated confrontation between Phyllis and Betty Friedan (played by Tracy Ullman) at a televised debate. The two women represent opposing sides of the feminist movement and have a long-standing personal feud. The debate is a brutal showdown, with both women attacking each other's credibility and character. The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers wondering about the outcome of the debate and the future of the ERA.

Overall, "Houston" is a pivotal episode in the series, as it explores the divisions within the feminist movement and the conservative backlash to women's rights. The episode features strong performances from the ensemble cast, particularly Cate Blanchett as Phyllis Schlafly and Tracy Ullman as Betty Friedan. The writing is sharp and insightful, illuminating the complex political and social forces at play in the 1970s. "Houston" is a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone interested in the history of the women's rights movement.

Description
Watch Mrs. America - Houston (s1 e8) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Mrs. America, Season 1 Episode 8, is available to watch and stream on Hulu. You can also buy, rent Mrs. America on demand at Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    May 20, 2020
  • Content Rating
    TVMA
  • Runtime
    51 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.6  (669)