Ep 4. Nixon's Women

In episode 4 of For All Mankind season 1, titled Nixon's Women, the show delves into the personal and political lives of the astronauts and their families. With NASA's Apollo program having just landed astronauts on the moon, President Nixon is eager to celebrate this victory and use it to boost his own image.

However, not everything is rosy for the astronauts. Ed Baldwin, for one, is dealing with the fallout of his affair with a fellow astronaut's wife. This leads to tensions between him and his wife, who also happens to be an astronaut. Meanwhile, Gordo Stevens is struggling with his own insecurities as an astronaut and a husband. He finds himself increasingly attracted to one of his wives' friends, which causes him to question his priorities.

On the political front, the episode explores the relationship between President Nixon and his female advisers. The president's chief of staff, Bob Haldeman, is eager to see more women in high-ranking positions in the White House. He sees an opportunity to impress the president with a group of accomplished women, including an astronaut's wife. However, this move backfires when one of the women makes a misstep that puts her job in jeopardy.

The episode also touches on the wider cultural moment of the 1970s, as women's rights and feminism become increasingly prominent. One astronaut's wife, who is contemplating divorce, meets with a group of women who are pushing for more opportunities and recognition in the workplace. This conversation leads her to question her own life choices and seek out new opportunities.

Overall, Nixon's Women is a thought-provoking episode that delves into the complex personal and political lives of its characters. It explores themes of infidelity, insecurity, and gender roles, all set against the backdrop of the space race and the Nixon presidency. Fans of the show will find plenty to discuss and contemplate in this episode.