Take Three: Space Force

Space Force: Season 1, Episode 3 “Mark and Mallory Go to Washington” (B)

I like that this show continues to highlight the positive elements of what Mark can do while showcasing the incredible stupidity that makes up for most of what he does. Returning to Washington to meet with the other branch heads meant more mockery of the Coast Guard, which apparently no one likes, and Noah Emmerich’s General Grabaston demonstrating his aggressive desires to resorb the Space Force back into the Air Force. His discussion of “ice bears” with Adrian was reflective of his inability to form intelligent thoughts, and the older congressman repeated his belief that the earth is flat multiple times. I had a feeling that Ginger Gonzaga’s young congresswoman was meant to be a parody of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and naming her Anabela Ysidro-Campos made sure there are no doubts of that. Interrogating Mark about the $10,000 orange was brutal, but he came through with his defense of American imperialism, and Adrian finally chiming in came at exactly the right point. Though it was indeed below her paygrade, Angela babysitting Erin was a great opportunity for the two characters to get to know each other and share their thoughts on what life is like for them. I enjoyed Angela’s unsuppressed reaction to learning that Erin was dating Bobby and the fact that she actually had some decent advice for her to consider. I thought I had recognized actor Owen Daniels, who plays the AI guy on “Upload,” in the first episode, and it turns out that he does play Obie, one of Erin’s tormentors who had to do quite the run to make up for his comments in front of Angela.