Viola Davis, Michelle Pfeiffer and Gillian Anderson bring to the screen the strong personalities of three of America's most recognized First Ladies.
The show portrays the ins and outs of family life for these First families, from the rise to the White House to their last days.
Viola Davis plays Michelle Obama, capturing both her personal convictions as well as her struggles against a system that wanted to make her (according to the character's words) "the next black Martha Stewart". Those viewers that read her memoir Becoming will recognize some of her words and thoughts reflected onto Davis' performance.
Gillian Anderson plays the unstoppable Eleanor Roosevelt and shows us the change of an era as well as her struggles balancing her role as a mother with her involvement in politics.
Betty Ford is played by Michelle Pfeiffer, an outspoken pro choice Republican who is not afraid to disagree with her husband (played by Aaron Eckhart) in public and whose candor made her one of the most beloved icons of the nation.
This show has been such an eye-opener for someone who is not from the United States, but I think it will also reveal some details about these incredible women that society in general was not aware of. I think you certainly must traverse a quite interesting path to become a First Lady and endure the public scrutiny and expectations set by tight agendas. It was amazing to see how Betty Ford, Michelle Obama and Eleanor Roosevelt tried to carve their own track to become who they were supposed to be and the impact that had for the country's legacy.
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