This post will analyze the the Episode 8, titled “Rupture”, of the For All Mankind television series using the 5 Commandments of Storytelling and the Editor’s 6 Core Questions from the book The Story Grid by Shawn Coyne.
SPOILER ALERT!!!
Obviously, I will be discussing plot points from the television series For All Mankind. So, check it out before reading further.
Recap of Episode 7 “Hi Bob”:
- Gordo starts to get PTSD. Ed is left alone at Jamestown when Danielle purposely breaks her arm to give Gorda an excuse to return with honor.
- Ed’s son gets into an accident
Review of Episode 8 “Rupture”:
- Ed is stranded alone on the moon waiting for Apollo 24 to replace him
- Ed’s son is braindead from the accident last episode and NASA elects to lie and not tell him about the accident, resulting in the Russians saying they are sorry for his son’s accident which they learned from the press
- Gordo is seeing a civilian Psychologist
- Aleida earns a place for advanced study but will have to leave her friends
Inciting Incident:
Ed is stranded on the moon waiting relief from Apollo 24.
Turning Point:
Ed’s son is brain dead from the bike accident.
Crisis Question:
Does NASA tell Ed the truth or not?
If they do, will it afect his work on the moon?
If they don’t, will they betray his trust and how will that affect his future operations?
Climax:
NASA doesn’t tell Ed about his son.
Resolution:
Ed finds out about his son from the Russians who find out from the press. Ed does on a drinking spree and won’t talk with NASA.
Image from Apple TV+
Summary:
Two more episodes left and everyone is curious how Ed will react to this blow.
This episode was very emotional, not a lot of action, but a good thought provoking episode. It is similar to what US Soldiers face when they are fighting overseas and some tragedy happens to their family back home (of course, they are a little closer to home, but occasionally they are located in the middle of no where and they won’t be able to return home for a week or so). Obviously, NASA will try to get Ed home as fast as possible, but being alone with that knowledge is going to have a serious impact on him I’m sure.
More Story Analysis
If you want to see more applications of the Story Grid methodology, below are links to my analysis of various novels and television shows in blog posts and podcasts:
Story Grid Showrunners Podcast – Parul, Melanie, and I analyze hit TV series using the Story Grid methodology.
My blog posts analyzing other Television series – my personal take using the Story grid 5 Commandments to look at my favorite TV series – Jack Ryan, Batgirl, For All Mankind, Hanna, and more.
Novel analysis – I analyze some of my favorite books using the Story Grid 5 Commandments and 6 core questions – First Blood, Old Man’s War, Waylander, and more to come!