Apple TV+ ventures into the cosmos with its latest series, Constellation, joining the ranks of space dramas like For All Mankind and Foundation. However, Constellation finds itself navigating a space not of celestial wonder but of stretched storytelling, overshadowing its potential.
Starring Noomi Rapace as astronaut Jo Ericsson, the series kicks off with a deadly collision at the International Space Station, leading to a harrowing escape back to Earth. Jo’s return, marked by disturbing visions and a fractured family dynamic, sets the stage for what could be an engaging mystery.
Unfortunately, creator and sole screenwriter Peter Harness takes these promising elements and spreads them thin across eight hours, diluting the narrative impact.
The initial two hours, reminiscent of Gravity, struggle to maintain the intensity of the space disaster. Jo’s reentry ordeal competes with the emotional aftermath as she reunites with her family, emphasizing the strain on relationships due to her year-long absence.
The show introduces a flash-forward narrative, attempting to build intrigue but often confusing the viewer with vague hints.
As Jo adjusts to life post-space mission, the series teases an unraveling reality. Rapace skillfully portrays Jo’s disorientation and bizarre discoveries, adding depth to an otherwise meandering plot.
However, the central performances of Rapace and Jonathan Banks, who plays NASA commander Henry “Bud” Caldera, lack interaction, leaving untapped potential.
Constellation neglects opportunities to explore the evolving landscape of space travel politics and the shift from government cooperation to private ventures like SpaceX. Instead, it leans into repetitive scenes, leaving viewers yearning for a more focused narrative. The series delays crucial revelations, and by the time clarity emerges, interest may wane.
With its extended runtime, Constellation struggles to justify the prolonged mystery, leaving audiences adrift in a vacuum of uncertainty.
Despite strong performances, the series fails to fulfill its celestial promise, reminding viewers that even star-studded casts can’t rescue a narrative lost in space. The first three episodes are available on Apple TV+, with subsequent episodes airing weekly on Wednesdays.
