For All Mankind Season 4 Review: Ensuring a Promising Future for the Alternative History Series

Article Overview

For All Mankind season 4 continues the alternative history timeline into the 21st century, exploring a post-9/11 world without the World Trade Center attack and Iraq war.

The season delves into the challenges faced by the working class on Mars, shedding light on the wealth gap and exploitative labor practices in the Happy Valley colony. It addresses pertinent political topics like worker's rights and the delicate balance between space exploration and monetary gain. Moreover, it offers an array of heartfelt character developments and satisfying resolutions.

Apple TV+'s alternative history drama For All Mankind returns for its fourth season, advancing its timeline into the 21st century. Created by Ben Nedivi, Matt Wolpert, and Ronald D. Moore, this science fiction series has spent three seasons exploring the profound changes in human history if Russia had beaten America to the Moon. Now, in season 4, For All Mankind dives into the post-9/11 world of 2003, where the absence of devastating events like the attack on the World Trade Center and the war in Iraq has led to a more united global community. Nevertheless, the compelling political drama and exhilarating action sequences that characterized the previous seasons remain present in For All Mankind season 4.

Taking place eight years after the joint mission to Mars and the Johnson Space Center bombing, humanity is filled with hope for the future. The Moon has become a source of employment, providing jobs for those impacted by the transition to green energy. Additionally, the international space program is on the cusp of a monumental achievement - landing the first man on an asteroid. The Happy Valley colony has now expanded, becoming a diverse and extensive installation. Known as the M-7 nations, these countries are collaborating to mine the mineral-rich asteroids that promise wealth and prosperity for humanity. However, political instability and tensions among the base's residents endanger the progress they have made, threatening to unravel everything they have achieved.

As the real world becomes increasingly dystopian, For All Mankind's alternative history often feels like a utopian science fiction. However, this show does not shy away from showcasing humanity's self-destructive nature, as seen in season 4. While the For All Mankind timeline recognizes gay marriage years earlier, there are also the nightmarish working conditions faced by the Helios workers in Happy Valley. Co-creator Ronald D. Moore, known for his work on 1990s Star Trek, embraces Gene Roddenberry's vision of a utopian society in space, often referred to as "socialism in space." Like Roddenberry's Star Trek, For All Mankind season 4 combines elements of a science fiction western and a social realist portrayal of the working class on the frontier. The Martian colony known as "Happy Valley" becomes a Wild West town at the center of a new gold rush.

The worker's struggle is portrayed through the perspective of Miles Dale (played by Toby Kebbell), a former rigger who moves to Mars for employment to support his family. However, he quickly realizes that the Martian colony, instead of being a promising new opportunity, is burdened with the same economic disparity as Earth. This draws clearer parallels between the fictional Helios and real-world corporations aiming to expand their businesses in space. In the fourth season of For All Mankind, a subplot involving an underground supply chain between Earth and Happy Valley underscores the central theme. Despite their vital contributions to the colony and asteroid mining operation, the workers are not adequately compensated, highlighting the story's focus on income inequality. This allegorical link between the Helios workers on Mars and the essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic becomes evident. The failure of Helios and governments worldwide to address the class divide and prioritize profit over the well-being of their workers showcases the neglect faced by individuals on the ground despite humanity's pursuit of space exploration for over three decades.

The fact that season 4 of For All Mankind takes place 34 years after the events of season 1 means that the regular cast members, such as Joel Kinnaman, Krys Marshall, and Wrenn Schmidt, portray their characters as older individuals using prosthetics and gray wigs. Although this can sometimes be distracting, the continuity in casting adds significant emotional depth to significant moments in season 4. One of the most impactful storylines involves Admiral Ed Baldwin's struggle to stay relevant as he ages. While Baldwin has evolved since season 1, his difficulties in adapting to new personnel dynamics in Happy Valley demonstrate his capacity for pettiness and cruelty. The narrative effectively showcases Baldwin's journey, benefitting from Joel Kinnaman's performance despite occasional physical inconsistencies. Kinnaman captures the emotional truth of an older Ed Baldwin, highlighting the losses suffered over the previous three seasons and providing insight into his reluctance to return to Earth.

The other original cast members also have captivating storylines. Margo Madison (played by Wrenn Schmidt) finds herself in the Soviet Union, living undercover due to President Gorbachev's Perestroika, which has ushered in a new era of peace and prosperity. However, experts in late 20th century Russian history may discover hints about the longevity of this era, creating tension in Margo's narrative in season 4. On the other hand, Danielle Poole (portrayed by Krys Marshall) carries a mysterious secret surrounding the events at Happy Valley after the season 3 finale. Although Dani's storyline doesn't unfold throughout the entire season, the eventual revelation of her haunting past remains deeply unsettling.

The fourth season of For All Mankind serves as a conclusive chapter for some of the show's long-standing characters, namely Margo, Dani, and Ed. These individuals find themselves confronting their personal legacies as humanity directs its focus towards the next phase of space exploration. Additionally, this season delves into political matters unlike before, featuring a captivating narrative about worker's rights that avoids preaching or condescension. One of the central issues addressed in season 4 revolves around whether the concept of "Buck Rogers without bucks," as aptly put by Kelly Baldwin (portrayed by Cynthy Wu), can actually exist. The magnitude of life on Mars and the exploration of the universe extends beyond trivial political games and financial gain, yet it is evident that society has yet to transcend the pursuit of profit. This timely storyline, coupled with the introduction of Miles played by Toby Kebbel and Samantha portrayed by Tyner Rushing, reassures audiences that the future of For All Mankind is in capable hands. Watch the weekly streaming of For All Mankind season 4 on Apple TV+ beginning November 10th.

Editor's P/S

As an enthusiastic fan of For All Mankind, I am thrilled to see the series continue to explore the captivating alternative history it has created. Season 4 takes us into the 21st century, presenting a world that is both familiar and陌生. The show delves into thought-provoking themes such as the wealth gap, worker's rights, and the balance between space exploration and monetary gain.

The writers have done an excellent job of weaving these complex issues into the narrative, without sacrificing the show's exciting and action-packed storytelling. The character development is also top-notch, with each character facing their own personal challenges and growth. Overall, I believe For All Mankind season 4 is a worthy successor to its predecessors, and I can't wait to see where the story goes next.