Episode 8 - A Beautiful and Poignant Tribute to an American Tragedy

Tonight's entire episode was poignant, touching and respectful to a horrific tragedy in American History. My tears started last week as Gus and Betty sat together in the yard for what we all knew was their last time and my tears kept falling until the credits rolled as Betty and Mrs. See drove off to take Betty's long belated honeymoon to Paris to honor her love with Gus.

Every moment in tonight's episode mattered. Each more meaningful than the moment before. Betty's visions of Gus, Betty falling to her knees upon hearing the cockpit recordings, Louise finding the strength to show her vulnerabilities as well as the strength to support Patricia White (something she was previously unable to do 6 years prior when Betty needed her strength as the second wife of a man in space). That was a very full circle moment for me. The bonds of the sisterhood these women shared was on full display.

However it was not just the women's bonds that were highlighted. The 6 Mercury astronauts standing side by side saluting Gus was beautiful but hearing Al and Deke lay the blame at everyone's feet, including their own was unexpected and truly choked me up. But the one moment that stuck with me was Betty realizing that the pin was meant for Deke and put it in his hand telling him he earned it.
In that moment, I saw that it was never about 7 Astronauts or about 7 wives. Their bonds were 14 people, 7 couples united on a journey in American History. They were ALL each others family and they stood strong for each other.

It has taken me a couple hours to compose myself after watching this well crafted episode. Job well done to all involved in the production and my hearts go out to everyone who paid the ultimate price during the space race -all nationalities- and to those they left behind. I hope we have earned the legacy they left behind and that we get back to completing what they started.