Summary
“Goldilocks” sets up the main storylines for the second half of the season, introducing the Goldilocks asteroid and many dramatic subplots.
As we reach the halfway point in For All Mankind Season 4, the writers lay the groundwork for the many intense storylines that are to follow in the second half of the season. The Apple TV+ series continues to impress with Episode 5. In “Goldilocks,” the Americans and the Russians fight over a valuable asteroid they find hurtling through space, whilst flashbacks explore exactly what happened to Danny Stevens on Mars.
This allows for plenty of drama and there is real heartache in both Danielle and Dev’s storylines. Edi Gathegi is just sublime in this episode’s most heart-wrenching moments.
For All Mankind Season 4 Episode 5 Recap
What is the Goldilocks asteroid?
The episode opens with the discovery of that valuable asteroid, known simply as 2003LC, which is soon to enter Mars’ orbit. The scientists analyze the data and conclude that this asteroid is rich with iridium, a rare metal. The asteroid’s contents are calculated to be worth 20 trillion dollars. It’s nicknamed the Goldilocks asteroid and is easily the discovery of the century.
The news outlets debate this asteroid, which is likely to beckon in a new space gold rush. A battle for the asteroid’s contents is sure to follow. This discovery could lead to a technological revolution or it could all end terribly with further wars and acts of terrorism. The news outlets speculate on all of these pros and cons.
Danielle discusses the discovery with her crew, they have ten weeks to design and launch their capture mission to retrieve the asteroid. As they prepare for the capture mission, Ed and Danielle argue with one another. After the icy end to the previous installment, Ed has been undermining all of Danielle’s decisions. Danielle asks for a truce, to work together for the greater good. They shake on this deal.
Ed goes back on the deal almost immediately though, undermining Danielle once again. He chooses his own crew for the mission and puts himself in charge as the commander. During a training exercise, Palmer notices Ed’s hand tremors. He reports his findings straight to Danielle.
Back on Earth, Dev decides to make the move to Mars himself, to keep a close eye on the asteroid mission. He puts Aleida in charge of his day-to-day responsibilities on Earth and asks Kelly to join him at Happy Valley so that she can continue her project and bring her new team up to speed whilst on the journey there. Kelly worries about leaving her son for a year and declines Dev’s offer right away.
How does President Gore upset the Russians?
President Gore takes full credit for finding the asteroid, which upsets the Soviets. Eli is tasked with calming the Russians and Irina, who are offended by Gore’s statement. Eli backtracks on Gore’s words and asks to work with the Russians. Irina proposes negotiating a new agreement, to see how the asteroid will be divided up. Eli agrees and is forced to let the negotiations take place in the Soviet Union. Aleida is informed that she will be heading to Russia for these frosty negotiations.
Meanwhile at Happy Valley, Miles is capitalizing on his latest business venture. With these profits he is able to buy his family a new house back on Earth. Miles asks Sam to join him with his illegal operation, but she refuses. She has just been offered a role on the capture mission. Ilya then discovers Miles’ secret operation.
On Earth, Dev says his final goodbyes to his mother, Malaika. Dev announces that he is never returning to Earth again. They argue over Dev’s crazy ambitions and his father’s downfall. Dev refuses to stay on Earth and help this dying world though, choosing to aid in creating a new one instead.
The emotional impact of this bitter goodbye is witnessed in a later scene. Kelly asks to bring her son with her to Mars. She states that she will not abandon him. Dev is overcome with emotion and agrees to Kelly’s terms.
The episode includes flashbacks to the early days on Mars when Danielle and her crew were stranded at Happy Valley. Danielle continued to take rations to Danny Stevens, who had been exiled and isolated from the rest of the crew after his mental breakdown.
What happened to Danny Stevens on Mars?
Danielle continued to feed Danny until the supplies were heavily depleted. Danny asked to return to the crew, but Danielle said no. Ed and Danielle then visited Danny together when the supplies had completely ran out. Together they found Danny sat in his space suit outside of his prison with a photograph of his wife. He had committed suicide, feeling rejected and isolated from his colleagues. These events weigh heavily on Danielle in the present.
How does For All Mankind Season 4 Episode 5 end?
“Goldilocks” concludes with Danielle and Ed arguing once again. Danielle asks Ed to step back from flight duties and to let a doctor examine his hand. Ed argues with Danielle, angered by her claims. Danielle is just as hurt, surprised that he would lie to her for all of this time.
Ed then makes an offhand comment about Danny’s exile. This tips Danielle over the edge and she lays into Ed, calling him a pathetic old man. Danielle says that Ed is officially removed from flight status and relieved of his duties. Ed says that she will regret this decision, but this time, Danielle is confident in her choices.
What did you think of For All Mankind Season 4 Episode 5? Comment below.
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