Ep 4. Love & Rockets

In the fourth episode of Vice's first season titled "Love & Rockets," the show explores the world of amateur rocket enthusiasts and their quest to send rockets high into the atmosphere. The episode begins by introducing viewers to Mark, an amateur rocket enthusiast who has invested years of his life and around $6,000 into his rockets, hoping to eventually send them into space.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a behind-the-scenes look at the intense and often dangerous process of launching a rocket. Mark, along with other rocket enthusiasts, are shown preparing their rockets, testing them and launching them, with varying levels of success. The show also delves into the difficulties this subculture faces, including dealing with strict government regulations and hostile public opinion.

Later in the episode, viewers are introduced to the story of Love, a transgender rocket enthusiast who is fighting for her right to participate in the hobby without discrimination. Love shares her experiences of being ostracized and alienated within the rocket community because of her transgender identity. She also shares stories of her attempts to launch a rocket, which ultimately ended in failure, but her determination to continue pursuing her passion.

For those unfamiliar with the world of amateur rocketry, Love & Rockets provides a fascinating insight into this niche subculture. The episode shows that the rocket enthusiast community is a place where people are fiercely passionate and committed to their hobby, despite the numerous obstacles they face. It's a world where people come together with a common goal of reaching the skies and beyond, regardless of their differences.

Overall, Vice's Love & Rockets is an intriguing and thought-provoking look into the world of amateur rocketry and the enthusiasts who are determined to push the limits of what's possible. The episode explores themes of perseverance, passion, and the fight for equality, making it an engaging and thought-provoking watch.