‘For All Mankind’ Recap: ‘Goldilocks’

12/8/2023

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Krys Marshall and Joel Kinnaman as Danielle Poole and Ed Baldwin in Episode 405 of ‘For All Mankind’ – ‘Goldilocks’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 405 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It really is quite amazing, how a singular discovery in life can change so much. Because more often than not, that discovery brings with it benefits. The kind that can alter fortunes and paths and the prospect of enjoying that… really does make everything else in life unimportant and secondary in nature, and changes our focus and course. If anything, the wonder of discovery is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display in the next episode of For All Mankind. For ‘Goldilocks’ was devoid of major follow-up regarding the geo-political tensions that threatened to upend peace and cooperation amongst the stars… courtesy of a powerhouse discovery.

In that, a rogue asteroid that could potentially create a technological revolution on Earth thanks to its incredible Iridium reserves, caught the eye of the M-7. With America of course pondering deeply upon grabbing hold of those reserves first, so that the nation could indeed enjoy a technological renaissance and get a head start on the 21st Century from an innovation standpoint and well… that meant everything changed. For NASA was immediately focused on how best to please the White House and get a mission to capture that rock rolling, post haste. Since President Gore more or less claimed the discovery to be American and really wanted this to be a cornerstone of his administration, and that sense of urgency spread throughout the American space industry.

After all, Dev saw this as Helios’ chance to shine and innovate. Which prompted him to transfer his flag to Mars, permanently, since he felt time amongst the stars was what he really needed to make an impact. Which meant that Kelly and Aleida were pressed into new roles in a short time frame, since Dev wanted Kelly to come with him and bring the bots to search for life while he worked on Asteroid mining, and Aleida would slide into a role that would give her facetime with diplomats. Which were moves that were met with resistance and skepticism and eventually, calm and requests. Since Kelly asked if her son could come with her to Mars, and was granted that wish, and Aleida rolled with the punches. All because… resources a plenty were waiting, and of course… even the Russians found a way to get in on the fun by demanding a seat at the table regarding how best to split up the asteroid’s gifts.

If anything, the chance for real tech revolution seemed to focus everyone really, even on Mars.
Because Poole was now laser focused on how to successfully capture the asteroid and wipe away the mistake that was the last asteroid mission, and that meant, making some tough calls to ensure success… such as demoting one Admiral Ed Baldwin. Because she came to learn in this episode that Ed had a medical problem, and he of course… was challenging her every step of the way to punish her for sending his love back to Earth to stand trial. Which meant, a decision had to be made and her decision was to do just that. So that Ed could no longer push his own agenda and undermine the Base Commander and truly… it will be interesting to see if Ed can understand that Poole made the call based on the mission over the man, or if this is the end of a decade’s long friendship.

All of which will of course, be revealed in time since this show leaves nothing on the table. But while we wait on that resolution, we can celebrate one smart tale. One that featured a lot of powerful human moments as well. Since we’d be remiss to not point out that the rift between Poole and Baldwin really started when Danny died back in the 1990s while everyone was stranded at Happy Valley and of course… Dev’s meeting with his mother was incredible and moving. And it added depth to a character that was needed, since it helped us to understand what drives Dev and why he’s so hellbent on being the best. But above all, this episode reminded us… that unity and driving toward something better is what matters most for humanity. Since it gives us focus, and direction, and it will be interesting to see if this unity can last or if nonsense will divide this alternate reality. Until next time.

Watch ‘For All Mankind’

0 Comments