Up, Up and…

Is ‘Away’ ready to deliver the message to the universe?

I’m always up for good Sci-Fi, so I was delighted to see that Netflix had introduced a new series called Away, starring Hillary Swank. I have always enjoyed her work as an actor. I believe she consistently delivers an honest performance.

Away is a ten-episode series involving an international effort to travel to Mars. The marvel that is cinema technology produces some of the most spectacular space scenes in filmmaking. The three-year journey for colonization of the red planet is an opportunity to develop in-depth character studies during the ride.

The show begins by introducing Swank as Commander Emma Green. Her husband, played by Josh Charles, is also an astronaut but we learn quickly that health concerns have kept him grounded. Their relationship sets the tone for Emma’s ability to cope with further story developments.

Episode one which is entitled ‘Go’, introduces us to the main protagonists of this journey to the stars. But, before I could reach the end of the first hour of the broadcast, I was already troubled by where this was going.

I can forgive Hollywood’s insatiable need to put an American in charge of the expedition. Sadly, the series probably wouldn’t have seen the light of day if they hadn’t. At least a woman was chosen for the leading role. What’s disturbing though, is the stereotypical characterization of Emma’s fellow passengers.

Commander Green is confronted with conflict almost immediately after launch. Her second in command, and by far the most experienced space traveler of the lot, is an older Russian male, a grim and surly malcontent bent on starting a mutiny among the crew.

As if this weren’t enough of a cliche, Away presents the mission’s science expert as a closed, calculating, stoic Chinese woman, who of course, must be onside with the Russian. Right from the onset, it is clear that this character has an ulterior agenda, and it wouldn’t be a stretch to imagine it has everything to do with political and philosophical differences.

Throw in a seemingly ineffectual Indian (as in India) medical officer, and an effeminate, young British botanist who happens to be a black man originally from Africa, and you have an inkling of what’s so wrong with this narrative.

Away immediately sets its storyline up for nationalist antagonism, rather than exploring the most important factor in a mission such as this, the bonds that bring people together.

It’s not difficult to figure out where this thing is going. I’m sure somewhere along the flight there will be this wonderful ‘Kumbaya’ moment, and every crew member will learn to trust each other. Everyone will learn teamwork and life in space will thrive under America’s tutelage. Cringe!

Fortunately for me, I won’t likely find out. I couldn’t get past the first episode. This narrative is as pedestrian as it is insulting. If and when humankind does venture to Mars and beyond, I have serious doubts whether any of these character types will be along for the ride. Astronauts from every part of the world to me, seem more global creatures, the kind that more of us should aspire to emulate.

Away only serves to perpetuate a jingoistic version of how exploration will unfold. How many more times do we need to have our faces slapped with this ‘gung-ho’ nonsense? I started to feel sorry for Hillary Swank until I noticed she was an Executive Producer on this project. Another bubble bursts.

C’mon folks! You got to be able to do better than this in 2020.

If Hollywood insists on continuing to pander to American preconceptions about other peoples than they can just leave me out.

The first episode of Away was aptly named Go.

Now it can just Go Away.

Thanks as always for taking the time. You can find more about my love for all things cinematic below.