Ep 6. In the Blind

The Astronaut Wives Club season 1 episode 6, titled "In the Blind," explores the relationship dynamics between the wives and their husbands as the space race heats up. Set in the 1960s, the episode focuses on the wives' fears and uncertainty as they watch their husbands go into space.

As the episode begins, one of the astronauts, Wally Schirra, is preparing for his upcoming mission, which is set to break the record for the longest time in space. Meanwhile, the women are struggling to cope with their anxiety and the demands of being in the spotlight. Rene Carpenter, one of the more outspoken of the wives, is particularly vocal about her concerns and fears.

As the wives gather for a dinner party, they discuss their husbands' upcoming missions and the pressure they feel to uphold their image as perfect wives. However, the conversation takes a turn when a reporter arrives, hoping to get an inside scoop on the astronauts' personal lives. The women are forced to confront the harsh reality of life in the public eye and the sacrifices they must make for their husbands' careers.

Elsewhere, Trudy Cooper finds herself at odds with her husband Gordo, who is struggling with his own demons. Trudy is determined to support her husband, but his erratic behavior and his refusal to open up about his struggles leave her feeling helpless.

Against the backdrop of the space race, tensions continue to rise between the wives. Betty Grissom and Jo Schirra clash over their differing views on feminism, while Louise Shepard struggles to cope with the demands of being a mother and a supportive wife.

In a particularly poignant moment, the wives gather to watch Wally Schirra's launch into space. As they watch their husbands embark on a dangerous mission, they are reminded of the sacrifices they have made and the toll it has taken on their relationships.

"In the Blind" is an emotional episode that delves deep into the struggles and sacrifices of the astronaut wives during the space race. As the women rally together to support each other through their shared trials, they prove that their strength and resilience was just as crucial to the success of the space program as their husbands' bravery.