Every season, the Drama After Dark team gathers ‘round the (currently virtual) conference room table to watch the latest and greatest in all things drama. This month, our colleagues at MASTERPIECE are bringing us Atlantic Crossing, a historical dramatization of the relationship between U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt and Norwegian Crown Princess Martha set against the backdrop of WWII. I’m here to recap the show as it happens.
At an unnamed military base, a pair of young soldiers are learning how to use radar. But their normal lesson is interrupted by a super weird reading. Should they call it in? After some debate (they’re technically off duty) they do, only to have their commanding officer tell them to just ignore it. THAT turns out to be a mistake, because (as some of you history buffs might have expected), it’s December 7, 1941, and these guys are stationed at Pearl Harbor.
Back at the White House, Advisor Harry barges into the oval office to inform FDR, who snaps into action, sending Advisor Harry and a stunned Missy off to fetch various important people. At Martha’s house, later that night, she listens to the radio update until FDR himself arrives.
FDR: Sorry I missed lunch, I had a thing. You were right! The war got us! Anyway, Germany will declare war on us soon I bet, and then I’m gonna have to deal with two different fronts? Garbage.
Martha: It is garbage, and I’m sorry, but it seems like the Germans are focusing on the eastern front, and there aren’t that many of them. The U.S. is big!
FDR: Exactly, so it'll take us a while to mobilize. We’re definitely going to lose for a while before we put a win up, and in the meantime, a LOT of my guys died today.
Martha: It’s not your fault. Look, we were unprepared too, but we stood our ground. You’re in better shape because your guys will be motivated too, but your armed forces are way beefier than ours.
FDR: Motivation shmotivation: you still lost!
Martha: No we didn’t! The fight isn’t over! Now go motivate your country.
And guess what, he sure did, in historical fashion. We all remember the “day of infamy” speech, right? Over in the U.K., Olav and the crew are thrilled: Finally, the U.S. has joined the war. Olav takes the opportunity to pop over to Scotland to visit Military Guy to discuss the situation.
Military Guy: So, did you talk to your dad, or?
Olav: Well, about that. The Nazis found that letter you wrote to my dad about potentially surrendering, and they’re using it for propaganda about how we should make peace with the Germans.
Military Guy: But I wasn’t the only one who thought that?
Olav: I know, but it’s making everyone think we cut and run! Look, I’m on your side, but this really isn’t helping the effort to get you this job.
Back in London, Olav continues the convo with King Grandpa, who really isn’t interested in going against the cabinet (in general, it seems, and about this in particular). Olav’s a little confused, because technically, King Grandpa is the HBIC (Head Boy In Charge), and Military Guy could work with the Americans to actually make the Norwegian forces awesome. Give him a chance, King Grandpa!
Back in the U.S., at Martha’s house, a fun domestic moment between Ragni and Eliza Forbes (the massage therapist introduced in episode 3 who’s been hanging around with the Norwegian Girl Squad for a while) is interrupted by a telephone call from Missy, of all people. Martha is needed at the White House ASAP. Once there, she’s handed a printout of a telegram.
Martha: OK, I’ve read this, but what does it mean?
Advisor Harry: That was sent to Hitler’s main office in Berlin.
FDR: Do you know a Mr. Johnson?
Martha: Uh, yeah, do you know a Mr. Smith? It’s a super common surname at home! There’s one who’s involved in our aid for Norway work.
Advisor Harry: That’s the one. According to that telegraph, you asked him to help you and the kids go back to Norway, and he’s reached out to his contacts in Berlin to make it happen.
Martha: That’s bonkers, I barely know him. And if I wanted to go back I would have done it a year ago instead of getting on a boat through bomb-infested water to come here! Seriously, I’m in the middle of a fundraising tour, why would I do this?
FDR: I believe you.
Advisor Harry: But we’re worried that there might be a plan to kidnap you guys. If you disappeared, this message would make it really easy to spin it as you voluntarily going back home.
Martha: Oh my god, my kids!
FDR: They’re ok, but we’ve locked the house down. There are a fair number of Norwegians who are sympathetic to the Nazi agenda.
Advisor Harry: So we’re going to vet anyone new who might try and get close to you, just to be safe. Also, I really think you should cancel your tour.
FDR: This is the crappy part of a high-profile job, btw: You put yourself out there, and now you have some dangerous enemies.
And with that cheerful pronouncement, we head back across the pond to London, and a meeting of the Norwegian cabinet. King Grandpa, having listened to Olav, makes the case that Military Guy should be made the Chief of Defense.
The Cabinet: No thanks, he’s messing up our alliance with Great Britain.
Olav: Alliance? We’re doing errands for them AT MOST! Military Guy thinks we should link up with the Americans, and I have to say, I agree.
The Cabinet: All due respect, but FDR seems interested in things other than the war.
Me: Dude, you better not be implying what I think you’re implying.
Olav: What are you talking about? We have a close relationship!
The Cabinet, definitely implying what I thought they were implying: Yeah, close relationship indeed. Did you see this newspaper article about your wife and FDR?
King Grandpa: Uh, that’s not really on our agenda for today…
The Cabinet: Well maybe it needs to be, the optics of this thing need to be discussed!
Olav: Ok, sure, so have you guys heard of tabloids before? Do you know what their business model is??
The Cabinet: It’s not just the tabs! British intelligence is reporting a lot of contact, if you know what I mean.
Olav: We WANT her to be close to FDR, you jackass! It helps us!
The Cabinet: And what is SHE getting out of it?
Olav, after being briefly speechless with rage: I demand an apology.
The Cabinet, realizing he REALLY stepped in it, apologizes, but, yikes. Not a fun day at work! And it only gets worse when Olav and King Grandpa catch up after the meeting.
King Grandpa: Fool.
Olav: He sure was, but at least I got him to apologize.
King Grandpa: Not him, you! Don’t you see that they’re messing with you for their own gain? They’re laughing at you, and they distracted you from the Military Guy conversation. You’re not a politician, huh?
Olav: Well screw this, I’m leaving.
And he doesn’t just mean the conversation. Outside, channeling his inner Tyra Banks, he tells Nikolai to pack his bags... because they’re going to Washington!
Nikolai: But my daughter’s wedding?
Olav: Yeah, you’ll probably be back in time for that.
Nikolai: Probably?
Olav: Get cracking, we’re outta here!
Not the cutest move on Olav’s part, it must be said. In the states, Martha talks to Ragni about the whole impending daughter marriage situation, and hands over an early Christmas gift of a beautiful dress to wear to the wedding. That’s right; Martha insists that Ragni go to England for the nuptials. It’s her only daughter, after all! But the dress isn’t the only surprise of the night, because outside, a car is pulling up the drive. After a brief hurdle with the newly appointed security, who doesn’t recognize Olav (the guy just really isn’t having a great episode), the fellas get through and greet the family with many hugs and kisses. Inside, the cracks start to show a bit.
Martha: Hey, so I’m invited to a Christmas party at Franklin’s place. You can tag along if you want, but if you’re tired you can just stay home?
Olav: Uh, yeah, I’m definitely going to that.
But enough weird tension (for now) — in the kitchen, Ragni and Nikolai chat about the impending wedding.
Ragni: So what’s Ulla’s fiancé like?
Nikolai: He’s fine? Pretty pleasant? Apparently a good skier?
Ragni: But is he kind? Is he hot?
Nikolai: Uhhhh?
Ragni: LOL.
Nikolai: He seems to make her happy, that’s what matters. Nice dress btw.
Ragni: Thanks! It’s for the wedding! I got permission to go, so now we can go together!
Nikolai’s face says it all, but he keeps his mouth shut for the meantime. On the way to the Christmas party, Olav decides to just come out and ask his question, but in the most oblique way possible.
Olav: So there are rumors about you and the president.
Martha: But rumors are dumb, right?
Olav: Yes, but people believe what they read. We need to look united, it’s really important.
Martha: But we aren’t! You’re not HERE most of the time!
YIKES! Back at the house, Ragni asks Nikolai the question we’ve all been waiting for: When will they leave for London?
Nikolai: Well, that’s a great question. I don’t know.
Ragni: What? The wedding is…
Nikolai: Imminent. The itinerary for this trip is intense, and us getting there is going to be tight.
Ragni, understandably upset: I don’t get this — we should be there!
Nikolai: Yup.
Ragni: That’s all you have to say? WTF!
Gotta say, I really feel bad for Nikolai. This situation isn’t his fault, and while he’s super-duper loyal in an annoying way, that’s also his job. He’s also kind of the posterboy for “still waters run deep”: I’m willing to bet that he’s a lot more upset about this than he’s letting on, and is keeping it together by a thread. Anyway, hope Olav gets his stuff together and decides to not be a total jerk about this whole thing!
At the White House, the awkwardness only gets worse, as a tanked Missy greets the Norwegian couple and makes pointed comments about how nice it is to see them both. Together. Olav apparently decides to ignore that, and asks for a one-on-one meeting with FDR later that night. What’s he going to talk about? Nothing he’s interested in pre-discussing with Martha, that's for sure. The jealousy isn’t cute, but also not cute is the tiny scene happening in the corner between FDR and Missy. With Olav distracted by Eleanor, Martha heads into the hall to see what the heck is going on.
FDR: Ugh, who cares, let’s go for a drive!
Martha: Uhhhhh. Now?
FDR: Hell yeah girl!
Martha, realizing that this conversation is being watched by her husband, excuses herself to go feel awkward in the powder room. After taking a few moments to compose herself, she bumps into Missy in the hall. Literally. And Missy sure isn’t in the mood to let Martha help her clean up the ensuing spilled drink.
Missy: Don’t touch me. And FYI, he’ll kick you to the curb eventually like he did me. Keep your hands off my man!
And with that, she wanders off, but the damage is done, because Olav heard that WHOLE interaction, and doesn’t seem inclined to believe Martha’s explanation.
Martha: We trust each other, right?
Olav: Cool, fine, then look me in the eye and tell me you don’t have a thing for him!
Martha: I’m not doing that; nothing happened!
Olav: That’s not what I asked.
Martha, deflecting: Well who knows what you’ve been doing in London this whole time.
Olav: Then ask me about it, I dare ya.
Martha: Well I don’t want to!
Olav: Great, so I guess I’m gonna just draw my conclusions then.
He storms off, ignoring Martha’s attempt to talk more, but it doesn’t matter: Dinner is being served anyway, so everyone puts a smile on and pretends nothing is wrong. Later, Olav leaves, without saying a word to Martha. It’s awkward, and super upsetting! I know therapy is STILL not a thing everyone is comfortable with, and it was even less available in the 1940s, but guys, you have to talk stuff like this out! Even worse, the early departure doesn’t even mean that Ragni and Nikolai can get back to London in time for their daughter’s wedding, which has everyone involved as distraught as you’d expect. At least they’ve deputized King Grandpa to go walk Ulla down the aisle, which isn’t the same, but is a nice touch. Thanks, I hate it! Look, based on what we’ve seen, Olav’s jealousy isn’t completely unfounded. But also, deal with it like a grownup and don’t make everyone else miserable, bud!
Later, in Scotland, Olav runs into our pal Military Guy, who is on his way to Canada. To run the aforementioned and adorably named “Little Norway” base? No, to do some other random ground force stuff which seems so poorly conceived that both Olav and Military Guy know what’s really going on: the cabinet is basically exiling him, despite Olav’s efforts. So all in all not a great episode for our princely pal. Back in the U.S., Martha has a heart-to-heart about her jealous husband. With Ragni? Eleanor? The random massage therapist who hangs out with them? NO, with FDR, the literal source of the jealous husband problem.
Martha: It’s like he’s a different person, and now I have no one to talk to.
FDR: Well, except for me! I’m gonna kiss you on the forehead now, and everyone at home can decide whether that’s romantic or paternal. Hooray!
You know who’s pretty sure it’s romantic? Missy, who happens to be walking by at the worst possible moment, and is so overcome that she legit passes out and has to be taken away in an ambulance. Martha, freaked out, and feeling bad about the situation, leaves, even as FDR tries to convince her that everything is ok and she should just stay. Yikes!
That summer, the Norwegian contingent heads to Long Island for a beach vacation. FDR has invited himself, and because it’s been a while since he visited, they couldn’t really say no. Ragni peels off for a bit to go hang out with Eliza the Massage Therapist, and Olav calls to say hi. The kids eagerly chat with him about their various sandcastle escapades, and accidentally spill the beans about FDR’s visit later. Like a total clown, he hangs up instead of staying on the line to talk to Martha as planned. Out on the walk, Ragni and Eliza the Massage Therapist gossip about their romantic exploits, with Eliza showing particular interest in one of the guards. But this isn't idle gossip: something weird is afoot! Eliza claims to head back to her car for cigarettes, but when FDR drives up she runs into the woods as if she’s hiding. It’s mighty suspicious!
Back at the house, FDR, fortified with a cigar, dives right into the necessary realtalk: Has Martha been avoiding him?
Martha: Pretty much, yeah. How’s Missy?
FDR: Oh, she’s fine!
Martha: Cut the crap — how is she really?
FDR: She’s partially paralyzed. She had a pretty severe stroke.
Martha: Will she recover?
Unclear, but it’s not looking good. Also not good? Eliza the Massage Therapist, who is at this very moment using her flashlight to send a coded message to a submarine on the beach. Now look, the whole “everyone who’s already been vetted is fine” approach from the top of the episode always seemed a bit short-sighted, but I for SURE didn’t have "Eliza the Massage Therapist is really Eliza the Spy" as a prediction. Ragni, who heads out to look for her friend, might just be in for a very nasty surprise. Back inside, the awkward necessary realtalk continues.
Martha: Look, I came out here because I needed some time to think.
FDR: Thinking is overrated. Just embrace your feelings, baby!
Martha: Feelings can get confusing. It’s important to keep a clear head.
FDR: What are you saying?
Before she can answer, Jones the security agent busts up the chat and starts sending everyone to safe areas, including Ragni and Eliza the Spy, who’s just returned from the woods. Martha and FDR are sent to the basement, and Jones tells them to lock the door and not open for anyone but him. Martha isn’t happy, because she’s been separated from the kids, but this might just be a good time to have that important conversation from a few minutes ago.
FDR: Take a deep breath. We don’t know what’s happening so we might as well just sit tight. Anyway, here’s a fun distraction: I had a weird dream last night, and I'm gonna tell you about it. I was helming a ship. An old school one. And there was a massive storm but I felt in complete control, and super alive.
Martha: Sounds like a great dream.
FDR: It was, but then I noticed that the ropes were starting to loosen, and when I called out for the crew, there wasn’t one. I was alone. The sails flew away. And when I turned around I saw a massive wave, and I knew it was game over. Without you, I’m adrift.
Well damn, that’s one hell of a pronouncement, and Martha seems just as floored by it as I am. Before we can find out how she responds, we head over to London, where Nikolai finally fills us in on what’s happening. The coast guard found the submarine, which was, as I’m sure we’ve all deduced, a German vessel. The whole family is safe and unharmed, but probably only because the president was there with the secret service. They also found a bunch of weapons buried on the beach by the house, so that’s real bad! Back in the U.S., Advisor Harry takes up the explanation. There are at least two groups of Nazi saboteurs operating in the U.S., and they’re armed with explosives. Why so close to Martha and the gang? Unclear! The other advisors think it may not even be connected. But we know better. How long will it take them to figure out that Eliza the Spy is working for the bad guys? No idea, so we’ll just have to watch the penultimate episode next week to find out!
Episode 1 Recap: Midnight Train to Hamar
Episode 2 Recap: The British Are Going
Episode 3 Recap: Happy Days Are Here Again?
Episode 4 Recap: All I Want For Christmas Is You (To Pass the Lend-Lease Act)
Episode 5 Recap: Elocution Solution
