THE FIRST LADY – I’ve been looking forward to this series on Showtime for weeks. It’s an interesting depiction of three First Ladies – Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford and Michelle Obama. I like the way three distinct eras are showcased in every episode allowing us to compare how each First Lady handled (or didn’t) similar situations and events according to her own particular personality, background and time period. It’s also an education which I very much enjoy as a history buff. For instance, I never knew FDR’s disability was due to contracting polio as an adult while swimming in a lake. Gillian Anderson is marvelous as Eleanor Roosevelt. She seems to have a knack for portraying iconic political women. Michelle Feiffer is decent as Betty Ford. Viola Davis, while a talented actress, falls short as Michelle Obama. She constantly moves her mouth in a weird configuration I have never seen Michelle Obama do, and it is a major distraction and bothersome throughout the piece. O-T Fagbenle nails Barack Obama’s cadence and laid back demeanor, but there is no chemistry or passion between he and Viola like we see with the real Obamas. Plus it seems he is sometimes so focused on capturing Obama’s outward behavior that he isn’t believable delivering the lines. Keifer Sutherland also nails FDR’s cadence and mannerisms. Both he and Aaron Eckhart (as Gerry Ford) deliver decent performances. I’m watching for the history lesson. One toast to standout Gillian. Cheers! Boyfriends/Girlfriends – 0.