Ep 5. Space Flag

In Space Force season 1 episode 5, titled "Space Flag," the newly formed Space Force is tasked with participating in a joint military exercise called Space Flag. The episode follows General Mark Naird, played by Steve Carell, as he navigates the complexities of the exercise and the strained relationships with the other branches of the military.

As the Space Force team prepares for Space Flag, Naird's team challenges the decision to participate, questioning the value of the exercise and the dangers of working with unfamiliar technology and untested procedures. Despite these concerns, Naird and his team soon learn that the stakes are higher than they initially thought when they discover that a foreign satellite is monitoring the exercise, adding an element of international intrigue.

As the exercise gets underway, tensions rise between Naird's team and the other branches of the military, particularly the Air Force and Navy, as they work to prove their worth and secure funding for future missions. Meanwhile, a surprise visit from Naird's wife (Lisa Kudrow) complicates his personal life, adding to the stress of the mission.

The episode is filled with comedic moments, including a mishap with a simulated missile launch that nearly causes a disastrous accident, as well as tension-filled scenes as the team works to complete the complex exercise in an effort to earn respect for the newly-created Space Force. The unexpected revelation of the foreign satellite monitoring the exercise adds another layer of intrigue to the episode, leaving audiences guessing at how it will impact the rest of Season 1.

Overall, "Space Flag" showcases the talents of the Space Force cast, including Carell's leading role as Naird and standout performances from John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, and Tawny Newsome. With a mix of humor, drama, and action, the episode delivers an entertaining and engaging addition to the Space Force series.