Ep 12. Manhigh

In the season 1 finale episode of Masters of Sex, titled "Manhigh," Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson delve into the world of aviation medicine. The episode is set in the early 1960s, just as the US government is gearing up to send men into space. At the same time, Dr. Masters is trying to find a way to put his groundbreaking research into human sexuality into practice.

The episode begins with a scene of Dr. Masters and Virginia attending a party at the home of their boss, Dr. Langham. There they meet a group of men who are all involved in the space program, and who are asking them for advice on how to deal with the psychological and physiological effects of long-duration space flight. Dr. Masters sees an opportunity to apply his knowledge of human sexual response to help these men cope with the isolation and stress of space travel.

Meanwhile, Virginia is struggling with her own personal issues. She has just broken up with her boyfriend, and is feeling alone and vulnerable. She turns to Dr. Masters for comfort, but he is preoccupied with his research.

As the episode progresses, Dr. Masters begins to put his plan into action. He recruits a group of Air Force pilots to volunteer for a study on the effects of alcohol and marijuana on sexual performance. He also convinces the pilots to take part in an experiment that involves simulating the effects of high-altitude flight in a pressure chamber.

As the pilots undergo their various tests and experiments, Dr. Masters and Virginia grow closer. They acknowledge their feelings for each other, but are hesitant to act on them for fear of ruining their professional relationship.

The episode culminates with the pilots being sent on a high-altitude balloon flight to an altitude of over 100,000 feet. The mission, known as Manhigh, is designed to simulate the conditions of space flight, and to test the limits of human endurance.

As the pilots ascend into the stratosphere, Dr. Masters and Virginia watch nervously from the ground. They are worried about the effects of the extreme altitude on the men's physical and mental health.

In the end, the pilots return safely to Earth, but not without some unexpected consequences. Dr. Masters and Virginia are forced to confront their feelings for each other, and to deal with the fallout from their controversial research.

Overall, "Manhigh" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that explores the intersection of science, medicine, and human sexuality. It is a fitting end to a season that has tackled some of the most taboo subjects in modern society with sensitivity and intelligence.