Summary
Episode 2 includes more inspirational dialogue and intriguing subplots, whilst developing Miles’ character further.
“Have a Nice Sol” is the second installment from Season 4 of For All Mankind. The Apple TV+ series continues to build upon its fascinating premiere, highlighting the differences in class between the astronauts and the maintenance workers at Happy Valley. This blatant inequality leads to serious unrest on Mars, whilst politics and financial strains have a similar effect back on Earth. Episode 2 includes more inspirational dialogue and intriguing subplots, whilst developing Miles’ character further.
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For All Mankind Season 4 Episode 2 Recap
For All Mankind Season 4 Episode 2 begins with Miles journeying to Mars. He is then shown around Happy Valley, which is now a fully functioning, proper little society. During his tour, Miles is shown the different levels and his new living quarters, and he is then handed his first assignment.
Miles thought he would be working on construction, but since the asteroid mission’s failure, he has been reassigned as a glorified maintenance repairman. Angered by this sudden change, Miles is then introduced to his crowded living quarters. He is given Parker’s old bed and makes acquaintances with Parker’s friend Samantha Massey.
Meanwhile, Danielle is being treated far better in Happy Valley, with a real hero’s welcome. She meets with Ed and is given a tour of the facilities as well. For her first meeting, Danielle addresses the low morale on Mars and the asteroid incident itself. She wants the team to work together, to learn from these mistakes, and to press forward. The staff are impressed with Danielle’s opening speech, although Lee seems to be keeping his distance.
Back on Earth, Aleida struggles to deal with her past traumas. She hasn’t been to work for months now and is found taking apart a TV in the middle of the night. Her husband is concerned and pressures her to go back to therapy. Aleida doesn’t want to return to NASA or therapy though.
Why is Kelly’s project delayed?
Kelly isn’t faring too well either. Her project to find life on Mars has been delayed due to financial issues. She spent eight years working on that project, but Eli has grounded it indefinitely due to the asteroid incident. That now takes priority, as Eli wants Happy Valley to be a self-sustainable community.
Tensions continue to rise at Happy Valley. We are shown a juxtaposing split screen, which highlights the differences in classes. We see Danielle enjoying her large, private quarters, where she has excellent bandwidth. She is respected and popular among the staff, whilst equipped with the best technology and the freshest food.
In complete contrast, Miles is squashed into a crowded living area. He works underground and struggles to watch his family’s videos, which keep on lagging. His bandwidth is terrible in comparison. The workers below ground are getting treated poorly, like second-class citizens.
This is the same with Grigor and Parker. Grigor has been hailed as a hero, but no one seems to care about poor Parker, who also died during the asteroid incident. This greatly upsets Samantha, who brings up the pay inequality too.
How does Danielle improve morale at Happy Valley?
Danielle and Ed discuss the low morale at dinner. Ed doesn’t sympathize with the workers one bit, stating that they are only in it for the money. But Danielle wants to improve living conditions. She starts by fixing the satellite signal so that all the workers can enjoy a much better bandwidth. This works wonders, inspiring and motivating the team.
Back on Earth, Kelly and Aleida cross paths at a Mexican restaurant. Aleida has just quit her job, overwhelmed by her trauma. And of course, Kelly is still bitter after her project was delayed indefinitely. These two bond over their unique dilemmas and drink tequila together.
The next morning, Aleida wakes early with a plan. She suggests that they acquire private funding to carry on Kelly’s research without NASA’s money or support. Kelly is unsure if she can turn her back on NASA, but Aleida is willing to help her with the project. She is hopeful for the first time in a while.
On Mars, Miles receives his first paycheck. He is astounded to discover that Helios has taken 30% of his wage to cover the cost of uniforms, food, and even toothpaste. Miles goes to complain to his superior. Ed overhears the conversation and butts in, ordering Miles to take some personal responsibility. This class divide just seems to be worsening once more.
With the satellite fixed, Miles is able to watch all of his home videos from his family. These videos cheer him up, but they are bittersweet. Miles is filled with regret at his life choices, feeling lonelier than ever before. He prepares a reply video, lying to his family about his thoughts on Helios and Happy Valley. Miles says that he is having an amazing time, although he struggles to complete the recording.
Why can’t Miles leave Happy Valley?
Samantha overhears Mile’s recording and takes her roommate out on an adventure to cheer him up. She shows him a hidden room, where workers drink alcohol, gamble, and socialize. Samantha admits that this place is the only thing that keeps her sane. She informs Miles that he cannot leave his 2-year assignment. Helios would fine him thousands and thousands of dollars if he was to leave. Miles is stuck there for the foreseeable future.
How does For All Mankind Season 4 Episode 2 end?
The episode concludes back on Earth. Margo goes about her daily routine in Russia, but something feels off. The TV only plays reruns and her phone line isn’t working. Outside, the streets are deserted. She finds a crowd gathering and witnesses an argument between the locals and the police. This turns into a fight and Margo is knocked over in the tussle.
What did you think of For All Mankind Season 4 Episode 2? Comment below.
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