Ep 1. Sierra Hotel

In The Right Stuff season 1 episode 1, titled "Sierra Hotel," viewers are transported back in time to the early days of the space race. The episode opens with a recreation of the historic 1961 flight of Alan Shepard, the first American to journey into space. Shepard's bravery and determination set the stage for the rest of the series, which explores the lives and careers of the men who worked to make America's space program a reality.

As the episode progresses, viewers get a sense of the political and social climate of the time. The space race was seen as a key battleground in the Cold War, and both the United States and the Soviet Union poured vast resources into their respective programs. Against this backdrop, a group of exceptional test pilots is brought together to form NASA's first astronaut corps.

Viewers meet several of the key players in this group, including John Glenn, a devout Christian who quickly becomes a favorite of the press, and Alan Shepard, a hotheaded risk-taker who refuses to let setbacks and obstacles stand in his way. The episode also introduces us to their families and colleagues, giving us a sense of the high stakes involved in the early days of space exploration. It's clear that these men are not just risking their own lives, but are also taking a serious gamble on the future of their country.

As the astronauts undergo training and testing, tensions and rivalries emerge. Glenn and Shepard, for example, clash over their differing approaches to leadership and their personal ambitions. This tension is only heightened by the knowledge that only one of them will be chosen to pilot America's first space mission.

Despite the pressure and uncertainty, however, the astronauts push forward with their work, driven by an unshakeable belief in their mission and a desire to make history. By the end of the episode, the stage is set for NASA's first manned space flight - but it's clear that the journey ahead will be anything but easy.

Overall, "Sierra Hotel" sets the stage for an exciting and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most important periods in American history. With its top-notch cast, stunning visuals, and gripping storytelling, The Right Stuff promises to be a must-watch for anyone interested in science, history, or the human spirit.