Fans of For All Mankind are well aware that the season finales of this show are not to be taken lightly. These endings often bring unexpected twists, with beloved characters meeting untimely deaths, as the writers are not afraid to take bold, unpredictable steps in their storytelling.
While the astronauts’ bold actions on this show are commendable, the real surprises come from the decisions made by the writers. Season three’s finale may just be the most audacious of all. This time, however, the greatest dangers weren’t in space.
North Korea beats everyone to Mars but at what cost (Photo: For All Mankind/Sony Pictures Television and Tall Ship Productions)Instead, the lives of those on Earth are at the forefront of the danger, making it clear that it’s the people we meet here on our home planet who should be most concerned about their safety. How did it all come to this? What does this tragic finale signify for the upcoming season four?
And will Ed still be a heartthrob in 2003? There’s a lot to unpack, and I’m on the case. It’s me, your go-to expert!
For All Mankind Season 3 Finale Explained
The shock arrival of a North Korean astronaut last week leads episode 10 to explain how Lee Jung-Gil ended up on Mars. Of course, rockets were involved, but what’s fascinating is that North Korea managed to land on Mars before both America and Russia.
Lee is the first human to walk on Mars, and in a strange twist, he also becomes the first person to draw a smiley face on Martian soil, as his sanity begins to unravel following the death of his only crew member during landing. This marks the beginning of a series of tragic events that occur in the episode.
Just as Lee contemplates ending it all, his fate takes a turn when he encounters unexpected visitors, leading him to be tethered to their Mars rover for a one-way ride back to NASA’s base. Back on Earth, Ellen’s coming-out speech sets off waves of history-making, though it’s met with resistance.
The media is furious, and even her Vice President is unsupportive, going so far as to suggest she step down as President. But Ellen, and the viewers, aren’t having any of it.
The Struggles on Mars and Earth Continue
While back on Mars, things are spiraling when we learn that Kelly’s pregnancy is in jeopardy due to high blood pressure. Dimitri insists that the baby must be delivered prematurely to give them both a fighting chance.
The only problem is, that all the necessary equipment for such a procedure is on the Phoenix spacecraft in orbit. As expected, For All Mankind doesn’t hold back with its usual challenges. Kelly isn’t the only one in danger.
All season, Aleida has suspected her mentor, Margo, of betraying NASA to the Russians, which turns out to be true. But Margo’s betrayal was motivated by love. The FBI, however, won’t be so understanding, and Margo is warned she could face imprisonment unless she cooperates with the Russians.
When Aleida confronts Margo, revealing her betrayal, Margo isn’t upset. She comprehends why Aleida acted the way she did. However, with Kelly’s emergency, there’s no time for a deeper conversation. This unresolved tension is bound to cause issues down the line.
Meanwhile, Karen faces her challenge when she informs Dev that she is taking over the Helios company as CEO. Dev, recognizing his diminishing influence, accepts the situation with reluctance. This change will have far-reaching consequences, especially with the intense events yet to play out in this episode.
The Tension in Space Builds
Things begin to look up in space when the crew figures out a plan to assist Kelly by staying on Mars for an additional 18 months, ensuring the craft is light enough for the journey to Phoenix. Danny, driven by guilt, is the first to propose this idea. Later, when he offers to fly Kelly himself, Ed uncovers some startling truths.
“It was me, Ed… I didn’t relieve the pressure, not Nick. It was my fault the drill malfunctioned… I saw the numbers rising, but I didn’t act… I just turned off the comm. I was angry and a mess. I’m sorry.”
This revelation finally exposes Danny’s role in the deaths of several crewmembers, which could have been avoided had he acted differently. Ed, understandably furious, responds, “After everything you’ve just said, you think I’ll let you fly my daughter? She’s not your way to rid yourself of guilt.
When this is all over, there will be a reckoning, Danny.” Wait until Ed finds out about Danny’s affair with Karen while she is still married to him.
Space Ends on a Beautiful Note… Until It Doesn’t
In space, at least, things work out. Thanks to Molly’s guidance, Ed avoids a disastrous outcome and successfully delivers Kelly to Phoenix. Molly had warned Ed, “This is about as tricky as flying gets,” but Kelly and the baby make it in what is undoubtedly one of the show’s most moving moments.
The visual spectacle of it is breathtaking, and it’s a powerful, emotional scene. While we brace ourselves for disaster (as is often the case in these high-stakes space missions), this time, it seems like we’re finally in for a happy ending—well, for about ten seconds.
The Explosive Finale That Changes Everything
As Margo’s piano plays in the background, we witness Kelly’s rescue and another, far more tragic event. Jimmy, Danny’s younger brother, triggers a bomb that devastates the Johnson Space Center, resulting in the deaths of hundreds.
While Jimmy does experience a change of heart, it doesn’t absolve him of his role in the destruction. In a result, he discovers Karen trapped under rubble. Though he is unharmed, Karen, who saved him from the bomb he helped plant, dies as she gazes skyward towards her family.
It’s a heartbreaking moment, especially considering Karen had seemed like one of the few Baldwin family members who might survive this season. Molly, who had been helping Ed, survives the initial explosion but goes back to rescue more people trapped in the rubble. She never returns.
Molly’s final moments are shown only through photographs of the deceased, leaving her actions to resonate deeply with fans.
How For All Mankind Prepares for Season 4
The losses of Karen and Molly, who have been with the show from the start, will be deeply felt in future seasons. Ed’s response to their deaths encapsulates the profound impact their loss will have. The destruction caused by the bomb also forces Aleida to confront the grave situation at NASA.
A smiley face on Mars marks the beginning of a tragic journey (Photo: For All Mankind/Sony Pictures Television and Tall Ship Productions)As the building lies in ruins, it remains to be seen how this setback will affect the agency, especially with politicians already opposing the space program. The deaths of Karen and Molly could potentially unite the American public, sparking renewed interest in the space race.
As a result of the attack, Ed and Danielle decide to leave Danny alone at the Korean outpost on Mars. No one can stand to be around him after the truth about the drill malfunction comes to light.
“It’s what we all decided was for the best,” Danielle says alongside a visibly broken Ed. “Someone will bring you supplies every month.” Danny, though seemingly resigned to his fate, will likely face even greater challenges in isolation.
However, there’s a small light at the end of the tunnel. Lee Jung-Gil, after a long period of silence, finally reconnects with his wife via video call, a moment that seemed impossible when his communications first went down on Mars.
As for Ellen, while we don’t yet know the fate of her presidency, she seems to have found some happiness with Pam, her ex, who inspired her to come out in the first place. Ellen’s actions could potentially help accelerate LGBTQ+ legislation in this timeline, offering a glimpse of hope for a better future.
For All Mankind has certainly placed its stamp on this season, pushing the boundaries of storytelling in both personal and political realms. Sergei, the Russian spy who aided Margo, also finds some peace after escaping to America. But his relationship with Margo remains complicated.
A final flash-forward to 2003 reveals Margo now living in Russia, seemingly defecting to avoid prison. This sets up exciting new dynamics for the confirmed season four.
