With “For All Mankind”, (currently streaming on Apple TV) – an alternate history drama where the space race never ended, the characters are what make it work. That’s almost a cliche but it’s so apt. Karen is a deeper version of a typical 1950’s housewife, it’s the late 60’s but alot of the ‘wives’ didn’t get the memo. And with the politics of the time, (only just laws passing for equality, and still no gay rights) – though this is probably accurate, things feel very 10yrs-old.
Fear of communism tied to fear of homosexuality, democracy and liberalism, especially in the system i.e. laws/political sensibilities/career ascension and those who do the hiring and firing. It’s so unfair it’s almost criminal, but we’re told that’s just how it was. It took a few brave people to stand up and not take their shit, “all systems are corrupt” to change things.
The way things change and stay the same introduces so many shades of grey into the political landscape penetrating the surface of the stories, that allows the characters and the performances to have so much more depth than if the show played it straight as a docudrama with only the excitement of space travel.
The drama on the ground is almost more interesting than the glacial achievements of the space-chasing heroes which pretty much succeed in stopping wars, changing governments etc.
Putting a woman in Space was initially a publicity stunt because the ‘commies’ did it first. But the overseeing and integrity and hard ass management of the process made it a true thing – Deke wasn’t going to put these women into space, wasn’t going to have them succeed the program if they hadn’t earned it and weren’t ready.
The domestic difficulties are fascinating but there could have been more. Which is where one might recognise that there is no real violence in this series. It’s a show with depth of character, truisms and complexity – but is far from gritty if that’s what you’re looking for.
Wayne Cobb (husband of first American woman on the moon) and Karen are from different worlds, but they have more in common with each other than either could have imagined.
Perhaps the heroes of the story would be unlikeable if there was domestic violence. But it’s okay to have Gordo cheat on his wife. And she not leave him – for the deciding reasons, which only she knew. Suggested reasons include: she loves him, for the kids, and survival – without him what happens to her and the kids, as a space wife?; the publicity, the shame, how would she survive on her own?
Liaison is a completely different style of show (also streaming currently on Apple TV.)
There are a couple of Syrian hackers who get into trouble while resisting the ‘evil’ system but they discover some files which they decide to report to the authorities. But first they need to get out of Syria and be granted asylum. Just knowing the information puts them under immediate and deadly threat.
In France, corrupt politicians and a private security agent negotiate each other to handle the situation.
In London, there is a cyberattack, a warning of what is coming.
The French private agent – Gabriel (Vincent Cassell) and the London government agent – Allison Rowdy, were lovers at a time when something terrible happened – to be revealed later.
The reveals and the way the action and intrigue is plotted, are probably the best thing about the show. Domestic drama on the surface, love and sex on the surface, but a mystery waiting to be unwoven is the heart of this story.
Top tier writing on this show and the performances, though not particularly varied, are fierce. As long as you don’t mind subtitles.
Liaison 2 stars
For all Mankind 1 star
A note on my rating system; if I give anything 3 stars or more, that’s a recommend and you have to watch it at least once. 2-2.5 stars is good. 1 star is decent. 0 stars is crap.
the joy of eating and the folly of thinking 