Attention: Spoilers ahead for the first four episodes of Constellation.
Constellation's complex exploration of different realities can be just as puzzling for the characters as it is for the viewers. Apple's latest sci-fi series demands full concentration to follow the intricate storyline. Despite the constant introduction of new dimensions, keen-eyed viewers may catch subtle hints of a pivotal universe that was actually introduced earlier than expected. One of the most satisfying aspects of Constellation is uncovering a payoff that originated in a previous episode.
Alice's Vision At The End Of Constellation Episode 4 Is A Glimpse Into Jo's Original Universe
Certain members of the Constellation cast have a challenging task. In addition to portraying their characters, they must also adjust their performances for each alternate universe in Constellation. The subtle differences between realities in Constellation make it easy to overlook. However, there are certain personality traits and other factors that can indicate when a character has shifted between worlds, although it may not be immediately obvious.
Jo's funeral isn't necessarily this universe's on-screen debut
Alice looking nervous in Constellation - Jo's funeral isn't necessarily this universe's on-screen debut - Alice's Vision At The End Of Constellation Episode 4 Is A Glimpse Into Jo's Original Universe
In the ending of Constellation episode 4, "The Left Hand of God," Alice unexpectedly shows the ability to see into other universes. Through Alice's eyes, it is revealed that Jo is dead, possibly on her way back from the International Space Station. This unfamiliar reality might actually be Jo's original Earth. In the version witnessed by Alice at the end of the episode, it seems like Jo never returned from her ISS mission and tragically met her end during reentry into Earth's atmosphere.
Jo's sense of not fitting in, even in her own home, is validated in this scenario. The Jo followed by Constellation came from the universe seen by Alice in "The Left Hand of God," while another version of herself did not survive the ISS shuttle journey. Therefore, the distressing vision for Jo's daughter is not from a random universe, but from the one where Jo did not make it safely back home - a universe without the fractured family dynamic seen in her current life.
Jo's First Reality Is Shown In Constellation's First Episode
The ISS scenes could be set in the same universe as Jo's funeral
Noomi Rapace as Jo on the International Space station smiling at an iPad in Constellation - The ISS scenes could be set in the same universe as Jo's funeral - Jo's First Reality Is Shown In Constellation's First Episode
Alice's vision may appear to be a new world on screen, but it could actually be the same universe from Constellation's first episode. Jo is in her original universe, as seen in scenes aboard the International Space Station. A major hint is Jo speaking fluent Swedish to Alice early on, even though Alice doesn't understand her mother's native language on Earth.
If the universe where Alice speaks Swedish is followed in a linear path, then Jo would die on her way back to Earth. However, a big Alice mystery in Constellation is how she can see into another world at all, as she hasn't been into space. Therefore, although one sequence is shot on the ISS and the funeral is shot in Jo's family home in Germany, both scenes are highly likely to occur within the same reality - Jo's native universe. The funeral that's witnessed by the alternate Alice would take place in their home later.
How Jo's Current Reality Differs From Her Original Life
Noomi Rapace's character is left confused by the alterations to her everyday life
Noomi Rapace as Jo looking confused in a space suit in Constellation - Noomi Rapace's character is left confused by the alterations to her everyday life - How Jo's Current Reality Differs From Her Original Life
Jo's first reality and her new one have various differences, some small and some significant. Jo tends to overlook the minor changes, attributing them to the PTSD she's dealing with, as advised by her therapist. For example, she notices that the items in the cupboards have been rearranged, leading to confusion about the placement of cups and other things in both realities. On a more significant note, Jo is convinced that the family car used to be red, but in her current universe, it is actually blue.
Jo is surprised to find out that the medication prescribed for her "PTSD" is actually the same substance she has been secretly taking in the form of "vitamins."
The differences in personalities between Jo and her alternate self begin to have an impact on her new life. Even though Jo never learned how to play the piano, she is able to tap into the other Jo's skills and play with great talent. Additionally, the other Jo's affair with an ESA colleague has left her marriage in turmoil. Although the "main" Jo did not have such an affair, she accepts it as memory loss due to the lack of any other explanation.
Jo's Original Universe Could Be Where Bud Is Too
In the same way, Magnus began dating while his wife was not cheating on him, a situation that may not have occurred in Jo's original universe. Jo's description suggests that the marital problems faced by her alternate self were not something she personally experienced. Therefore, Magnus' short-lived romance with another woman appears to be specific to Jo's new reality.
Bad Caldera could be occupying Jo's native reality
Jonathon Banks smiling as Bud Caldera in Constellation - Bad Caldera could be occupying Jo's native reality - Jo's Original Universe Could Be Where Bud Is Too
In Jo's current universe, Jonathon Banks' character is known as Henry Caldera. However, in another reality, Banks also portrays a character named Bud. Bud and Henry share a similar background, but they have distinct differences in their personalities. Although Bud's universe has not been explored much, the character mentions a tragic loss on the ISS during a panel discussion at a cruise ship convention. In the third episode of Constellation titled "Somewhere in Space Hangs My Heart", Bud defends his fellow space travelers by mentioning, "We just lost someone up there. An Astronaut." It is suggested that the lost astronaut could be Jo or Paul Lancaster.
If Bud is indeed referring to Jo as the lost astronaut, then it is possible that the funeral scene in "The Left Hand of God" also takes place in Bud's universe. This could mean that the destinies of Paul and Jo were switched, with Paul surviving in Bud's reality. Furthermore, Bud also mentions, "We just lost the whole international space station." While this statement may be metaphorical, it leaves room for the interpretation that the station was actually destroyed after Jo's departure. The mysteries surrounding these events in Constellation are yet to be fully unraveled.
Constellation season 1 is currently being released weekly, with a new episode arriving on AppleTV+ every Wednesday.
Editor's P/S:
The article on Constellation's complex exploration of different realities is a fascinating read that highlights the intricate and thought-provoking nature of the show. The subtle hints and clues woven throughout the episodes reward attentive viewers with satisfying payoffs, such as the connection between Alice's vision in episode 4 and Jo's original universe. The idea that the funeral scene and the ISS scenes may occur in the same reality is particularly intriguing and adds depth to the characters' journeys.
Overall, the article provides an insightful analysis of the show's multiverse concept and explores how it impacts the characters and their relationships. It raises questions about the nature of reality, fate, and the consequences of our choices, leaving viewers eager to delve deeper into the mysteries that Constellation holds.