Ep 1. Dry

Moonbase 8 is a sci-fi comedy series that follows the lives of three astronauts on NASA's latest mission to live and work on the moon. The first episode of season one, titled "Dry," sets the stage for what's to come.

Our three main characters are Skip, Rook, and Cap, played by Fred Armisen, Tim Heidecker, and John C. Reilly, respectively. They're stationed at Moonbase 8, a makeshift lunar habitat that serves as their home and workplace. They've been training for this mission for years and are excited to finally be on the moon.

The episode begins with the team going through their daily routines, which include exercise, testing equipment, and checking in with mission control back on Earth. It's all very routine and professional until Cap accidentally breaks one of their water recycling machines. Without water, the astronauts are in trouble.

The rest of the episode is spent with the team trying to come up with ways to survive without water until the next supply drop. They consider melting ice from the nearby crater, but that would be a dangerous mission. They also contemplate using their own urine as a source of hydration, but that's not exactly appealing.

As they work through their options, the team's different personalities begin to emerge. Skip is the nerdy one who's obsessed with science and doesn't always pick up on social cues. Rook is the slacker who's always looking for a way to cut corners. Cap is the experienced astronaut who's seen it all and takes everything in stride.

Their different approaches to the situation lead to some amusing moments, like when Skip tries to put together a makeshift water filtration system out of duct tape and zip ties. The tension also leads to some heated arguments, particularly between Rook and Skip.

Eventually, the team settles on a plan to ration their remaining water and focus on finding a way to repair the broken machine. In the meantime, they pass the time by playing ping-pong, watching old movies, and working on their hobbies (Skip has a pet worm, Rook is building a model airplane).

Throughout the episode, the show establishes a delightful mix of humor and heart. There are plenty of jokes and witty one-liners, but there's also a genuine sense of camaraderie between the characters. They may not always see eye-to-eye, but they rely on each other for survival and support.

The show's production design is also worth noting. Moonbase 8 looks like a cross between a high-tech research facility and a trailer park. It's a charmingly DIY aesthetic that reminds us that these characters are living on the moon with limited resources.

Overall, "Dry" sets a strong foundation for Moonbase 8. It introduces us to the main characters and establishes the show's unique blend of sci-fi and comedy. We're left wondering what other challenges the team will face during their time on the moon and how they'll continue to navigate their different personalities and dynamics.