‘For All Mankind’ Recap: ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 305 of ‘For All Mankind’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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We like to believe, that historical moments are quite beautiful and noble in nature. As though those involved in the biggest moments of our time, are aware of the significance of what’s about to happen, and how it will reverberate through time. But the fact of the matter is, that’s likely not the case at all. Because historical moments are just moments when they happen… the kind that we put weight behind after they come to an end, are they are likely filled with human flaws and worry and concern that simply isn’t discussed or examined because something bigger happened. If anything, the raw reality of humanity and how it relates to our finest hours is top of mind today, because it was put on full display in the next episode of For All Mankind on Apple TV+.
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A feat that ‘Seven Minutes of Terror’ accomplished, by allowing for history to play out. For after weeks of deep space travel, Phoenix and Sojourner 1 finally arrived in Mars Orbit. An act that put the heat on both crews to get to Mars post haste to see who would enjoy the honor of making history by being the first humans to stand on Mars. But alas, any sense of awe and nobility was buried beneath moments full of our flaws. For instance, Danny spent the last leg of the trip, pining over Karen and toying with Ed regarding his brief affair with her, and the combined crews of Roscosmos and NASA, bickered a bit and dealt with cultural divides instead of seeing the significance of what was about to happen. Adding a real sense of realism here, one that was extended to some of the folks back on Earth.

For Roscosmos representatives arrived as JSC to work with NASA and ask for more of their help in their own scientific studies. An act that brought Sergei to the same facility and featured a reckoning for Margo. Because while she and the team were making final preparations for the landing, Aleida made quite the discovery. In that, the rocket design she assembled for NASA’s lander, was an exact match for the one on MARS-94, and the cosmonaut that was working with her to operate the engines of Sojourner 1, spoke to the specs from the 1992 design. Making it clear that someone fed the designs to the Russians. Information that she of course, brought to Margo, which gave her pause, and it was just fascinating to see this kind of realistic drama take place as the Mars landing awaited.

Speaking of that… well that was likely the only moment that might have had some gravity for those involved. Since reaching it first meant all kinds of bragging rights, and that of course… brought about an intense push to make it to the surface when the time was right. But that’s where the epic nature of the moment disappeared. Instead replaced with the humanity of the moment. Since Ed panicked when he was in a spot where he couldn’t see the surface. Motivating him to abort the mission, which in turn allowed for the NASA and Roscosmos crews to be the first to land on Mars and even then, the wonder of the moment was lost on both parties. Since Danielle and the Russian Commander physically lobbied to be first on Mars, which led to joint steps onto the Martian surface from both nations.

If anything, it was just fascinating to see such a big moment be presented in such a realistic light. Since it really hammered home the theme of the episode and made for some powerful moments for certain, the kind that will have a lasting impact. Since not making it down there first, will undoubtedly haunt Ed and may hamper his ability to lead. And of course, ego and standing will likely be forgotten down the line, since a simple act of kindness… may have managed to forge a better tomorrow for the U.S.S.R. and the U.S.A., since a joint mission is a big deal, one that could force two nations to ponder deeply on their divide. But what matters most, is that mankind has set foot on another planet and what comes next from that incredible moment… is anyone’s guess. Until next time.  ​

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