The First Lady S01e09 M4b May 2026

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) Episode 9 deepens the political and personal stakes for all three First Ladies, juxtaposing Eleanor Roosevelt’s pioneering social agenda with Betty Ford’s struggle with addiction and the early machinations of a modern political dynasty. It’s a strong, character‑driven installment that balances historical detail with the series’ contemporary sensibility, though some subplots feel a bit rushed. 1. Plot Overview | Character | Storyline Highlights | |-----------|----------------------| | Eleanor Roosevelt (Loretta Devine) | - Pushes for the Fair Labor Standards Act and fights the entrenched bureaucracy of the New Deal era. - Faces backlash from both progressive allies and conservative opponents. - A poignant scene with her teenage daughter Anna (Mackenzie Astin) reveals Eleanor’s vulnerability and the personal cost of her public crusade. | | Betty Ford (Megan Mullally) | - Grapples with a relapse into alcohol after a high‑pressure fundraiser. - Her husband, President Gerald Ford (John Stamos), tries to keep the scandal under wraps, but the media’s relentless pursuit threatens to derail his administration. - A tender moment with her son, Michael, underscores the toll of fame on family life. | | Michelle Obama (Viola Davis) – flash‑forward | - The episode ends with a flash‑forward to 2008, where the newly‑elected Barack Obama (Mahershala Ali) asks Michelle to help shape his “First Lady” platform. - A brief but powerful montage hints at the modern social media landscape that will define her tenure. |