What I’m Watching: Tehran

Tehran: Season 2, Episode 7 “Betty” (B+)

They came so close to pulling it off without anyone thinking that something had happened, since Mohammadi’s death would have been ruled an accident the same way that Peyman’s untimely demise will likely be because the car malfunctioned thanks to Milad’s interference. But the idea of having him ram his father’s car off the road didn’t work so well because both father and son tried to accommodate for his apparent car trouble, which resulted in Peyman going flying off the cliff to his death. If he believes it was an accident, that shouldn’t be all too problematic for Tamar and for the Mossad, but Faraz knows their involvement and might be upset enough about their decision to kill Peyman to do something about it. Tamar seemed most broken up by the idea, not ready to even consider that as Milad was all for it, and now that it didn’t work, his willingness to risk Peyman’s life - and then ultimately be responsible for ending it - is going to be a sticking point in their relationship, which comes at a bad time given that she just professed her love for him. The real question is whether they’re going to try to figure out another way to go after Mohammadi while he’s vulnerable and not necessarily on the lookout for elements working against him since he doesn’t believe he’s been targeted. After this action-packed hour, I’m sure the finale will be just as tense and eventful. There’s still no word on a season three, but I have a feeling there will be another mission in the cards for Tamar, wherever she ends up.

Pilot Review: Betty

Check out my one-minute take on every new pilot, which is embedded below and you can also watch by subscribing to movieswithabe on YouTube.

What I’m Watching: Mrs. America

Mrs. America: Season 1, Episode 4 “Betty” (B+)

Of the women portrayed on this show, Betty Friedan is definitely close to a loose cannon, but this episode featuring her most prominently was perfectly focused. The debate was with Phyllis, but her rivalry with Gloria was also spotlighted, resulting in an olive branch from Gloria at the end in the form of a phone call acknowledging how much of a mentor and inspiration Gloria considered her to be. Phyllis training with her husband for the debate was very informative, and I love how Betty accidentally met Fred when she bumped into him on her way out of the bathroom. Betty established an early lead on the stage when she attacked Phyllis for referring to the audience as girls rather than women, but things got out of control when she lost her temper and told Phyllis that she’d love to burn her at the stake. Many attendees still felt that she performed well and wanted autographs, but it’s understandable that she just needed to retreat. One of the most compelling elements of this show continues to be its examination of the intersection of many sub-movements within both the feminist and anti-feminist causes, with lesbians inside the black power movement and white supremacists with the Stop ERA group popping up in this episode. Gloria and everyone else in the office getting sexually harassed by phone was an unfortunate development, but not all efforts to derail their cause have to be in the form of serious arguments or protests, as such behavior can be both alienating and dispiriting.