Ep 3. Prime Crew

"For All Mankind" is an alternative history drama series that explores what would have happened if the Soviet Union had won the race to the moon. The show follows the lives of NASA astronauts and their families during the Cold War era.

In season 1 episode 3, titled "Prime Crew," tensions rise as NASA prepares to announce the prime crew for the Apollo 10 mission. The prime crew is the group of astronauts who will actually fly the mission, while the backup crew will train alongside them in case anything goes wrong.

The episode begins with the NASA team gathered in a meeting room, anxiously waiting for the announcement of the prime crew. Everyone is on edge, especially the astronauts who are hoping to be chosen. The tension is palpable as they wait for their names to be called.

Finally, the announcement is made. The prime crew for Apollo 10 will be Ed Baldwin, Gordo Stevens, and Danielle Poole. All three of them are thrilled to have been chosen and excited to begin training for the mission.

However, not everyone is happy with the selection. Molly, the wife of astronaut Tracy Stevens, is angry and frustrated that her husband was passed over for the prime crew. She confronts Deke Slayton, the head of NASA's astronaut office, and accuses him of playing favorites.

Meanwhile, the wives of the prime crew members are trying to cope with the news in their own way. Karen Baldwin, Ed's wife, is thrilled for her husband but also worried about the dangers of the mission. Margo Madison, Gordo's wife, is excited for her husband but sad that she won't be able to accompany him on the mission.

As the episode progresses, we see the prime crew start their training. They go through simulations and preparations for the mission, all while dealing with the pressure and scrutiny that comes with being the chosen few.

One particular scene shows Ed Baldwin struggling with the simulator, trying to get it to land correctly. He becomes increasingly frustrated, but his fellow astronauts encourage him to keep trying. It's a small moment, but it shows the close-knit bond that develops between the prime crew members.

Meanwhile, Tracy Stevens and his backup crew are training alongside the prime crew. Tracy is still bitter about not being chosen, but he tries to put on a brave face and support his friend Gordo.

As the episode comes to a close, we see the prime crew preparing to leave for the mission. They say goodbye to their families, knowing that they may never see them again. It's a poignant moment that highlights the sacrifices that these astronauts and their families have to make in order to achieve their dreams.

Overall, "Prime Crew" is a tense and emotional episode that showcases the highs and lows of the astronaut lifestyle. We see the thrill of being chosen for a mission, but also the pressure and fear that comes with it. It's a captivating look at the world of space exploration during a tumultuous period in history.