Apple TV Plus’s “For All Mankind” returns with a splash that takes us to 2003. In this alternate history, the U.S. has joined forces with the Soviet Union and other allies to establish a successful colony on Mars and make plans to mine asteroids for self-sustainability.
However, personal drama also unfolds on the show, as key characters grapple with the aftermath of the devastating 1995 bombing at the Johnson Space Center that claimed the lives of Karen Baldwin and Molly Cobb. New storylines involve Kelly Baldwin’s space birth and Danny Stevens facing consequences for his actions on Mars.
With the introduction of the fourth season, “For All Mankind” seeks to immerse its audience in a richly detailed world that features events based on a shifted reality. Spanning a timeline of eight years, the opening narrative cleverly weaves together the series’ familiar faces while propelling them into a future where the space race continues to evolve in unexpected directions.
The show also introduces new characters and developments, such as the advancement of space tourism and the introduction of revolutionary new technology that significantly reduces travel time to Mars. Additionally, the series delves into political changes and the personal lives of returning characters, including the elderly Ed Baldwin and the trials faced by former astronaut Ellie Wilson as she navigates through her presidency.
The season premiere teases explorations that promise intrigue, including the fate of former NASA head Margo Madison, and family dynamics that will deeply impact the unfolding narrative. Features like an asteroid-mining mission and heartfelt emotional reckonings add a burst of compelling elements to the overall storyline that promises to captivate viewers throughout the season.
