For All Mankind: Season Three
Steeped in space adventure and sci-fi colours, season three of For All Mankind begins with a quick documentary-style rundown of historical events that have happened in the decade after season two, helping catch viewers up to the current timeline and the changes from reality in this universe. Despite being set in 1994, there’s a very futuristic quality to the series, compared with the modern day, highlighting space and technological progress in this alternate world. The low contrast and use of neutral colours like grey, white and black aid in this regard.
There’s a very Titanic quality to the beginning of this season: the idea of being enclosed in a giant vehicle with no outside help, different groups separated and finding their own means of survival – it’s all very much along the same lines in terms of events and atmosphere. Asymmetry helps create this wave of frantic frenzy – the cinematography persists with not centring characters on-screen, leaving a lot of space for speculation, and a sense that something is going to pop up at any given moment. Furthermore, the score uses traditional instruments such as the piano and violin to add dramatic effect. All of these aspects combined make for something very unnerving and anxiety-inducing, creating just the right tone to really sell the chaos of it all.
For All Mankind has always tackled the treatment of minorities within specific job sectors, such as science and politics, and this season is no different. These discussions can come off as virtue-signalling and unnatural, as if almost an attempt to euphemise the reality of history. But a lot of that is just plain commentary on the time period itself. The writers manage to make it all work with well-crafted developments and character dynamics, showcasing the ideas through action rather than simply spoken word. They don’t shy away from the more difficult conversations that could arise in such topic exploration, weaving important conversations seamlessly into the personal struggles and conflicts of the different characters.
This third season retains traces of its predecessor in its style and themes, but also explores new shades within these parameters. The usual question of proving oneself and one’s capabilities is front-and-centre, along with debate surrounding identity politics, and trust and loyalty versus qualification. For All Mankind: Season Three tests character bonds against instinct through the questions asked and the choices made.
Mae Trumata
For All Mankind: Season Three is released on Apple TV+ on 10th June 2022.
Read our interview with Krys Marshall here.
Watch the trailer for For All Mankind: Season Three here:
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