The First

The First, a Hulu Original, is a riveting science-fiction drama series that premiered in 2018. The show, bolstered by its understated storytelling and exceptional cast, delves into the thrilling world of space exploration through the lens of interpersonal relationships, political maneuvering, and human perseverance against all odds. The series showcases how the quest for knowledge and discovery can be both unifying and divisive while dealing with compelling themes such as grief, ambition, and the ethical implications of colonizing a new planet.

At the heart of the series is the ambitious mission to send a crew of astronauts on the first manned expedition to Mars and the personal and professional struggles that they face throughout their journey. In a broader context, the series examines the impact of this significant leap for humankind, highlighting the reactions of the media, the public, the government, and the families of the crew.

Sean Penn, an Academy Award-winning actor, leads the cast of The First as Tom Hagerty, a complex and stoic veteran astronaut with a strained relationship with his daughter. His raw performance enables viewers to connect deeply with Tom, empathizing with his struggles and cheering for his triumphs. Natascha McElhone plays Laz Ingram, a driven and relentless CEO of the private space company on the forefront of the Mars mission. Her performance brings gravitas to the series, embodying the relentless pursuit of progress despite any human or physical obstacles.

The series sets itself apart from other sci-fi offerings in its commitment to representing an authentic depiction of the near-future. Its ambitious premise provides an opportunity to explore realistic technological challenges faced in space missions and the solutions that could potentially overcome them. Furthermore, the series elevates the space drama genre by balancing technical elements with an examination of relationships, moral dilemma, and personal sacrifice. In doing so, it communicates a deeper understanding of not just space exploration, but also the human condition in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds.

Created by Beau Willimon, best known for his work on House of Cards, The First brings his signature style of masterful storytelling, layered character development, and a keen insight into the power dynamics of ambitious set aims. Intricate interpersonal relationships among characters are deftly explored with nuanced writing and outstanding performances by the ensemble cast. The series is not so much a story of space and technology as it is a story about people, their dreams, their sacrifices, and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve the near-impossible.

The visual effects and production design of The First, from future technology and spacecrafts to the authentic recreation of mission control centers, add to the series' credibility. While being technologically advanced and futuristic, it never strays too far from the familiar, making the series relatable to the viewers. The atmospheric cinematography, coupled with a captivating soundtrack, enables the series to create an immersive viewing experience, simultaneously reflective and intriguing.

On a deeper societal level, The First offers a nuanced look into the ethical implications of mission Mars. It engages with the dilemmas around the virtue and morality of exploring and colonizing another planet, the toll it takes on individuals involved, and the ripple effects it has on the societal and geopolitical level. The series profoundly explores the dichotomy between the thrill of venturing into the unknown and the ethical question of whether we should.

The First, however, is not just constrained to the characters and technicalities of the mission. It emphasizes the role of the public and political stakeholders as they watch, comment, and affect the narrative. As the astronauts confront their vulnerabilities in space, people on earth grapple with their own place in the grander scheme of things, invoking a deep sense of empathy and introspection among viewers.

In a nutshell, The First is a thoughtful, powerful, and visually stunning series that transcends the boundaries of a typical sci-fi drama. It provides a remarkable blend of human emotions, world-class performances, and humbling revelations about our place in the universe. With its combination of realistic future forecasting and deep-reaching explorations into the human psyche, it is a series that lingers on long after you've watched the final episode.