For All Mankind Review: Reaching For The Stars
America missing its chance as first to the moon, and the space race only just beginning, is as fascinating a jumping off point that For All Mankind can ask for.
The result is a series that Apple can be proud of, as series creators Ronald D. Moore, Matt Wolpert, and Ben Nedivi tackle the frustration, the drive, and the necessary progressiveness needed in a world that is straying ever slightly from our own timeline.
Though it may not be immediately apparent, this is a show dominated by women and is all the better for it. With an alternate history in its back pocket, For All Mankind pushes progressiveness and equality forward several decades early. By doing so, it manages to still comment on sexism and misogyny and a world struggling to change, but with the backdrop of women’s progress given the chance to shine.
The show holds onto boundless optimism close. Cynicism comes and goes, but the show is about the triumph of optimism and pushing forward despite setbacks.
It’s about lifting up those who have not been given the chance, and doing right by those deserving that chance. That is a wonderfully cheery message that not many shows have nowadays, and we could always use more of.
For All Mankind believes in the balance of work and family, and how both constantly shifting duties are off-balance. Commitment to loved ones and commitment to the job are at the heart of the show and what it strives for, how doing good can come in many forms and define a person.
It’s a curt show, despite the longer episode runtimes, cutting scenes to the bone so that there is not much fat left on them. But this is in service of getting its points across without overstaying its welcome, telling its story concisely and knowing exactly what it needs to say.
Though For All Mankind may prove too dry for some, it is a show, much like Mad Men, where feelings can certainly come to the surface; but this is a different era, everyone still mostly bottled up and lost within, despite the alternate history unfurling before us. It’s here, in the restraint of some characters or the long-gestating explosiveness of others, delivers character development full of wealth.
The show boasts a glossy sheen, a big-budget affair where costume design, hair and make-up, production design, and special effects all combine to create a picturesque era. It’s an expensive show, but uses the opportunity to its advantage. This is a large scale story, with a lot of moving parts.
The cast is an astronomically talented field, not a weak link among them. The writing makes sure to inform story through character.
It’s a true ensemble, where the focus shifts per episode to make sure everyone is given the proper chance to shine, and shine they do. While the focus initially belongs to Joel Kinnaman’s Ed and Michael Dorman’s Gordo, it’s when the show expands where everyone gets a chance.
Of the cast, it’s the women who gain the most advantage and makes the show far more compelling. One of the main standouts of the show is Sarah Jones, as her character, Tracy Stevens, finds a large impact on the show. Jones brings power to her performance, as Tracy goes down a surprising path that manages to speak volumes about women’s growth in a changing world.
But it’s an ensemble that proves time and again that the strength comes from each and every performer, elevating the show to more than an alternate history period drama.
For All Mankind, within all of its large ambitions, is mainly a series about hope, about the chase for what’s possible and shattering on through to push even farther.
It’s a shining beacon for Apple originals, a reminder that despite the flaws in all of us, never losing that inner drive can lead to greatness. For All Mankind is a great show and delivers on its promise: reaching for the stars.
What did you think of For All Mankind? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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For All Mankind airs Fridays on Apple TV+.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.