The First season 1, episode 2 recap: ‘What’s Needed’
By Ariba Bhuvad
The First doesn’t quite stick the landing with a slow episode centered on getting funding for the next mission.
The First is rather disappointing and as much as the previews and trailers pitched a show about being in space, so far no one has actually gone up to it. Sure, we get glimpses of the beauty and wonder there and there but for the most part, the story remains on the ground.
The episode begins with Tom taking Ellen back to his and Mattie’s stomping grounds and it almost feels like something is going on between them. It might be too soon but I wouldn’t be surprised if they hook up at some point in the season.
During the Senate hearing, the lead engineer discusses why Providence failed which turns out is all because of a quarter that causes a cascade of disastrous events leading to the explosion. The point of the hearing is not only to discuss what went wrong but convince the panel to continue funding for the next mission.
One senator, in particular, is completely against the idea of infusing more taxpayer dollars into the program and would rather it be spent elsewhere. Plus, the Castillos are suing Vista for their son’s death and have a lot to say about another mission being funded.
THE FIRST — Sean Penn leads an ensemble cast in this near-future drama about a crew of astronauts attempting to become the first humans on Mars. Under the direction of visionary aerospace magnate Laz Ingram (Natascha McElhone), the crew contends with peril and personal sacrifice as they undertake the greatest pioneering feat in human history. Laz Ingram (Natascha McElhone) and Tom Hagerty (Sean Penn), shown. (Photo by: Paul Schrimaldi/Hulu)
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Out of options, Laz calls Tom to come in and testify because he knew the crew and knew what the mission stood for. But he didn’t exactly testify or support the mission but rather gave his condolences to the families. He has a different method he wants to use to appeal to the Castillos and asks Laz him to handle it his way.
I’m not entirely sure why, but the series is spending a lot of time on Tom’s daughter, Denise, and while it’s not necessarily a boring addition to the story, it just doesn’t make sense. There’s either the space stuff and the politics or Denise. So, I’m hoping that becomes more clear as the season progresses.
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By the end of the episode and after an awkward discussion with the President, the program gets their funding and thanks to Tom, the Castillos back down from their lawsuit. The biggest moment of the episode? Laz asking Tom to come back as lead commander and him considering as he returns home and tries to discuss it with Denise.
At some point, we’ll go to space, right?