The Astronauts (2020) s01e09 Episode Script

1
(ALERTS BLARING)
Velocity,
870 meters per second.
Altitude, 500 kilometers
and falling.
We're dropping
out of orbit!
870 meters already?
Firing thrusters again
to slow down!
We can't!
Still overheated!
(GROANS)
We're going down!
Velocity 950, altitude 350.
350?
Going with thrusters, then.
Doria, pitch the nose up
40 degrees.
All attitude thrusters
minus 90 degrees.
Wait, wait,
pitch up what?
40 degrees!
We're coming in too hot!
50 kilometers!
Oh, my god, this is it.
(ALERT BEEPS RAMPING UP)
(ALL SCREAMING)
(ERROR TONE BLARES)
AUTOMATED MALE VOICE:
Simulation failed.
Man, here we go again.
Another two hours
of Lind telling us
exactly
how stupid we are.
The surface of Venus
has been broken down
by acid and lightning, right?
SAMY: Yeah.
Those mountains
are totally fake!
Wow, dude,
that makes me feel
so much better!
It's like I suddenly forgot
how to count numbers.
I messed up
the orbital frame.
Counted us in way too late.
Will, which one of us
messed up worst?
Yeah, great,
ask the only guy
who's just a passenger.
Hey, it's not my fault
I drew the shortest straw.
Guys, guys!
That's enough.
Martin's right.
Will is the only one
just sitting there
watching how it goes down.
So, what do you think?
What?
No, no, I
I can't.
Oh, come on.
It's not like
we're gonna hate you.
But we need to know
what we're messing up on
in order to get better.
Yeah, and, you know,
not die?
In truth?
You guys have been running
these simulations
for eight days straight,
and so far you've crashed
and burned every single time,
and now we've gotta pull off
a slingshot maneuver
around Venus for real
in a little over, what,
16 hours?
Yeah
I'm pretty sure we're doomed.
(♪♪♪)
We've been improving.
Slowly, yeah,
but we're getting
the hang of it
It's impossible
without Matilda.
Come on, we thought
That mission control
would take over,
I know.
I'm not saying
it's anybody's fault, but
She was gonna drag us
all the way out to the asteroid!
It was our only chance
of getting home.
But if we don't pull off
this gravity thrust,
we're not gonna
make it home anyway.
It's our only hope,
and it's hopeless!
I know I know.
How are we gonna
to do this ourselves?
How are we going to drop
into Venus's orbit,
and slingshot ourselves
around it?
(PAD CHIMES)
If we're too far out
to drop into orbit,
we fly past Venus
And we go straight
into the sun.
(ERROR TONE BEEPS)
(THEY SIGH IN DESPAIR)
But if we come in
too close
(MIMICS EXPLOSION)
ELLIOT: Our problem
is our timing.
Oh, god, buckle up,
here it comes.
LIND: I think that's enough
practice for today.
Just get some shut-eye, yeah?
And bear in mind
that when you do drop
into Venusian orbit tomorrow,
it'll coincide
with the Kamohoali'i's
closest fly-by,
so we'll get some
pretty pictures at least.
Right?
Right, then, we'll hit it
again at 0600 sharp,
and run sims
until zero hour.
Mission Control, out.
That was brief?
(MIMICS LIND) "I'm not upset,
just very disappointed."
"You'll probably
bite the big one tomorrow,
but be sure to send home
snaps of the asteroid.
Pip, pip, cheerio!"
Do you really think
we're improving?
(SLAMS TABLE)
(MICROWAVE OVEN WHIRS)
(SIGHING)
Hi.
What are you doing up?
Oh, I just
woke up
with the munchies.
Fine.
I've been up all night
going over the sequence
again and again,
and I'm just totally
spinning out,
and I just had to get
out of the cabin,
so I thought,
you know, maybe
maybe a snack.
But now,
the thought of eating this
is totally makes me wanna hurl,
and I'm gonna waste it.
You?
Oh
Me?
You know, just
woke up
with the munchies.
(CHUCKLING)
(LAUGHING)
(♪♪♪)
(MICROWAVE BEEPS)
They're
microwave.
I think I've figured
something out.
I sure hope so,
'cause I got nothing.
Come on.
So the maneuver's, like,
a thousand tiny steps, right?
When I study for tests
with, like, a ton of material,
I have to zoom out
and break it down into sections,
and it makes it
more manageable.
So, we've got
(PAD CHIMES)
One
trim the ship
by pulling in the outriggers.
Then two
(PAD CHIMES)
Turn the ship backwards
via thrusters.
Then three
burn primary engines,
so we can slow down
and track into orbit
Then, four
flip the ship back around
via thrusters.
That's it.
That's all the steps.
Yeah
Right, trim, turn, burn,
track, flip back
- It's a rhyme.
- Wait.
Trim, turn, burn
Track, flip back.
TOGETHER: Trim, turn, burn,
track, flip back!
(SHOUTING) Trim, turn, burn,
track, flip back!
Yes!
Oh, great.
You guys have finally lost it.
I thought it was just me.
(LAUGHING)
Ditto.
I'm losing my mind.
(MUFFLED MUSIC)
(DOOR OPENS, MUSIC BLASTING)
What?
(♪♪♪)
Well, none of us
are sleeping tonight.
(♪♪♪)
After you.
(♪♪♪)
Pilot ready.
All flight controls
and main engine thrust are go.
Co-pilot ready.
Radar, spacecraft systems,
ground sensors, go.
Engineer ready.
Monitoring
engine heat levels,
and spacecraft
trim operations, go.
Helmswoman ready.
Fine controls
via thrusters are go.
Passenger ready.
Big greazy go.
(♪♪♪)
Begin simulation.
ELLIOT: Uh, velocity
900 meters per second
and climbing
How long have they been at it?
LIND: They started in
a little after 0100 hours.
They've been doing it
for three hours.
I ordered them to stop,
and they cut my audio.
I can't believe that
they're still awake.
I mean,
they need to be
- Asleep.
- Right?
I know.
Can't we just talk them
through the sequence
step by step?
Ship's gotta be
in flight mode
for the maneuver.
Satellite dish retracted
and locked.
It's a full
communication blackout
till they come out
the other side of it.
They have to be able
to do this by themselves.
It's the only way.
We're plummeting!
Turn, Doria, turn!
- What are you doing?
- Okay, I got it!
Trim, turn, burn,
track, flip back.
Shut up,
I'm turning!
Now we're tumbling!
You do know that doesn't rhyme
with "burn," right?
Trim! Turn! Burn
ALL: Shut up!
Are you getting the warning
about the boosters?
I thought the boosters
were yours!
- Guys! -What?
- Check your tablets!
Doria, the instructions
are right there!
Guys, please!
I can't work like this
under pressure!
I need to focus!
AUTOMATED VOICE:
Simulation failed.
What just happened?
WILL: Engine heat
went critical.
We totally blew up!
Why didn't you say anything?
I tried!
You guys told me to shut up!
You shouldn't be getting mad
at him for that, Martin.
That's your job.
You're supposed to be
making sure
they don't get that hot.
Chill.
You know what,
you guys are hopeless!
What did I
It's not fair.
(CRYING IN FRUSTRATION)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
(PERSISTENT KNOCKING)
Yeah?
(DOOR OPENS)
You okay?
Yeah, sorry,
I just, uh
It's okay.
You don't have to
explain to me.
(CLOSES DOOR)
I know.
It's hard
being in charge
but you're doing great.
That's really funny.
I'm being serious.
You just have to
take it easy on Martin.
You're looking out
for Martin now?
That's a switch.
No, I'm always
looking out for Martin,
even if it's just by letting him
look out for me.
You know, that's
what we have to do sometimes.
Just
make people feel necessary.
Important.
I'mma see you
back out there, okay?
Okay.
Doria
Thank you.
SAMY: Everybody ready?
MARTIN: Ready.
Ready.
WILL: Passenger ready.
Begin simulation.
(♪♪♪)
We're dropping
out of orbit!
Try to stabilize.
1,160.
Engage attitude thrusters.
- Thrusters are out of control!
- Engine 2 overheating!
- Simulation failed.
- We overheated.
Thrusters are unresponsive!
Velocity check!
Velocity 100 meters per second
and climbing.
Heat is spiking.
Simulation failed.
We're never gonna get this.
We just have to keep trying.
This is insane for them
to be trying to do this.
Simulation failed.
Begin simulation
Begin simulation.
Begin simulation.
(WHISPERING) Samy.
Samy.
Samy, wake up.
Who what?
What?
What happened?
(WHISPERING) You fell asleep
during the last sim.
During?
Oh, no, no, no,
that's unacceptable!
No, no, Samy, it's okay.
Come on.
Follow me.
Are you sure about this,
Elliot?
I'm telling you.
I really just don't
think this
Surprise!
A picnic?
Decided
if we were gonna eat,
we might as well do it
in a place that feels
most like home.
After you, Commander.
You guys know
what I just realized?
That I am actually
so hungry!
Yeah, I don't remember
the last time I ate.
What, two days ago?
I don't even remember
the last time
I felt like eating.
(LAUGHTER)
(SHOUTING AND CLAMORING)
(GROANS) Oh, man
(GROANS)
I eated too much candy.
I eated too much
everything.
(WET BURPING)
Oh, my god, Doria!
- (LAUGHTER)
- That was super disgusting.
You think?
Like you could
do better.
Oh, really?
Is that a challenge?
- Go ahead.
- All right.
BURPS:
(LAUGHING)
Okay, okay, okay, all right.
(LAUGHING)
What is going on?
(BURPING)
(LAUGHTER)
I could smell that one!
(RETCHING BURP)
Oh
Oh, I kinda barped.
Barped?
A barfy burp.
Ew!
Acid reflux.
Ugh, I just
swallowed it.
Sorry
and I'm also sorry
for being the world's worst
backseat driver.
Exactly.
The worst!
I know!
I'm sorry.
It's just like
when you've seen a movie
a hundred times,
and pretty soon you've memorized
every single line,
and you kinda can't help
but shout 'em out loud.
Oh, yeah, like that one guy
who totally wrecks movies?
(LAUGHING)
So
do you still think
we're doomed?
I don't know.
But if we are,
if I had the choice
between that
and never meeting you guys
no launch,
no sneaking on,
no Squeebee, no nothing?
I'd do it all over again.
Yeah.
I wouldn't wanna miss it
for anything.
Yeah.
Not a minute.
Absolutely.
Me too.
CHARLIE: Odyssey II
nearing final approach.
Communication link
is fluctuating.
I don't know
if I can handle this.
SAMY:
It's gonna be fine, Mom.
Don't worry.
We got this.
We know you do,
Samy-cheeks.
You always do.
Excuse me just a second.
I'll be right back.
She's, um
she's crying, isn't she?
Oh, yeah.
We haven't gotten it right
once in the sims.
Sims don't matter.
When it's for real,
you'll make it work.
How can you be so sure?
Well, I've been watching you,
and you instinctively have
what it takes to command.
Now, it has nothing to do
with commanding.
It has everything to do
with really listening.
To your heart, yeah,
but especially
to your crew.
Really listening.
Then doing.
Did I miss anything?
No, just
Shop talk.
Catch you
on the flip side, baby.
I love you guys.
We love you, too,
Samy-cheeks.
Trim, turn, burn
Come on, Samy.
like a movie you've seen
a hundred times,
and pretty soon you've
memorized every single line
that's what we have to do,
to make people feel necessary.
T-minus two minutes
to gravity thrust.
You guys ready
to do this for real?
Pumped. Yeah.
Yeah.
One last time.
Whatever happens.
Let's do it.
We got this.
Samy?
Stow your tablets.
Are you nuts?
Put 'em away.
That's an order.
- What?
- Will
go ahead
and shout out the steps.
But I
I don't think I can
You can, and you will.
You've seen the movie
a hundred times.
- Shout out the lines.
- What are you talking about?
The rest of you,
empty your heads.
Make Will's voice
the only voice.
But I don't
understand.
You heard the order.
Do it.
WILL: This is a bad idea,
this is a bad idea,
this is a bad idea
Right, Will, you're up.
Okay, um
Elliot, trajectory status.
Uh, 8,500 kilometers
from approach point.
Radar showing clear space.
T-minus five
four
three
two
one.
Doria, trim.
Copy that.
CHARLIE:
Approach trim is go.
Dish and solar panels
retracting.
That's it.
No communication
for 36 minutes, 23 seconds.
Here we go.
Elliot, position!
5,000 kilometers
from inverse point.
4,000
3,000
Doria, engage
starboard thrusters!
On Elliot's mark.
Mark!
Firing starboard
thrusters!
And turn!
We're in it now!
Coming about!
110 degrees
120
130
Fire port thrusters
on my mark!
And mark!
(SHIP RATTLING, KIDS GRUNT)
Trim, turn,
ready for the burn.
Samy?
On Elliot's mark.
Brace,
in three, two, one
Mark!
Engaging.
(BLASTERS ROAR)
(GROANING AND SCREAMING)
We're almost there.
We can do this, guys!
Engine two overheating.
Martin, count her down!
6.3 seconds!
And four, three, two, one!
Mark!
(RATTLING STOPS)
Speed and altitude?
Uh, velocity optimal.
Please be in orbit,
please
Are we?
Guys shh.
We tracked into orbit!
- (ALL CHEERING)
- Yes! Yes!
(LAUGHING AND CHEERING)
Will!
Will?
Are you okay?
Wow
What a ride!
Did we track?
(CHEERING) Yes! Yes!
(LAUGHING)
I guess we better flip back.
(ALL LAUGHING IN RELIEF)
ELLIOT: How did you know
it would work?
The instructions,
they were just
getting in the way.
We all knew
how to play our parts,
our lines, but
Will was the only one
who knew the whole movie.
And all we needed
was a director.
I am curious, though
how did you know I knew?
I didn't.
Guys! Guys,
check it out!
11:00!
Just above
the horizon.
It's a very large object.
Way out.
Locking and magnifying.
Maximum resolution.
Enhancing
What? What is it?
You guys seeing this?
What is that?
Guys, tell me!
Is it even real?
That can't be.
Yeah, it is.
Kamohoali'i.
That is definitely
no asteroid.
This changes everything.
(ALERTS BEEPING)
Guys!
We're inside
the orbital escape window.
Time to go home.
Trajectory
and altitude are go.
Velocity optimal
for escape thrust.
T-minus five
to exit orbit.
In three, two, one
Mark!
ELLIOT:
Fire engines.
Samy, escape thrust.
Come on, Samy,
we're gonna miss it!
MARTIN: Samy, come on!
DORIA: Now, Samy, now!
WILL: Earth to Samy!
(POWERING DOWN)
ELLIOT: What are you doing?
Guys?
We need to talk.
Five kids all amazed
by the wonders ♪
Of unexplainable factors
That go beyond the skies
We are the astronauts
On the voyage of a lifetime
With a mission far from Earth
And all we trust ♪
Oh, we are the astronauts
SINGER: You'll have to make
alternations to Matilda.
If you follow my instructions
Severing G-5!
SINGER: Your mom and her crew
will slingshot you around Venus
and have you home in no time.
SAMY: Mom,
nothing's happening.
LIND: Matilda is no longer
piloting the ship,
and neither are we.
Who's driving?
You are.