Märtha Finds Her Voice at 'Atlantic Crossing' Midpoint

Atlantic Crossing’s midpoint opens with a scene of a crowd outside the White House protesting America’s involvement in the war after the introduction of the Lend-Lease Bill. Inside, Eleanor Roosevelt reminds her husband that many Americans are disappointed in his actions, and he points out that many people will be pleased with the jobs created by the bill. So, business as usual.

At Pook’s Hill, Märtha and Olav host a dinner party where Roosevelt, the Norwegian Ambassador, and members of Congress are invited to gain support for the Lend-Lease Bill. Olav reports to Märtha that things aren’t going so well, but she has a surprise for everyone. With guests seated, Märtha announces a special guest (not Roosevelt, this time, she says, to the President’s amusement) and introduces Alfred Isaksen, the injured sailor who was featured in the previous episode. Cleaned up, he still presents a stark contrast to the other well-heeled guests, and his brief statement is impassioned. Because of losing his legs, he admits he has been in a dark place — Roosevelt takes notice here. There’s silence, which Roosevelt breaks with applause.

Olav, as surprised as the other guests, is not impressed. He takes Märtha aside and refers to Alfred’s presence as “your little gimmick” and accuses her of taking risks. She is justifiably angry and tells Olav that until he moves in with the family, she is in charge and will make the decisions about what happens at her dinner parties