With each season of For All Mankind, there’s a leap in time. The first episode was set in 1969, the third season in the mid-90s, and now the fourth begins in 2003. It premieres on November 10 on Apple TV+.
As always, let’s quickly review what has transpired in the years. In the United States, same-sex marriage became legal, Ellen Wilson enjoyed a second term as president, and Al Gore succeeded her. A period of détente commenced between the USA and the Soviet Union with Mikhail Gorbachev. The Cold War era is over in For All Mankind, with Glasnost beginning years after it did in our reality – yet, the world from two decades ago looks more beautiful than ours today.
One of the series’ great strengths is the development of a plausible alternative history, showcasing not only technological but also sociocultural progress.
On Mars
In the third season, Mars was reached after a race involving NASA, Soviets, and the private corporation Helios, necessitating collaboration. A surprise unfolded – a North Korean was the first person on Mars, having arrived months earlier.
Since then, much has changed. Happy Valley on Mars has evolved into a small settlement. Soviets, Americans, and the private sector collaborate to divert an asteroid to Mars, as the resources within it are crucial for further development in Happy Valley.
Edward Baldwin (Joel Kinnaman) is still with Helios on Mars, while his daughter Kelly lives on Earth with her son. Margo Madison, who fled the USA on charges of treason, has been living in the USSR for years, though the promise of her consultative involvement in the space program was broken.
Danielle Poole is no longer with NASA but is rehired due to a leadership change on Mars after a devastating incident. Miles, a former worker on an oil drilling platform, is en route to Mars.
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