From the Earth to the Moon (TV Mini Series) That's All There Is (1998) User Reviews

Look beyond the first level

[jpnturcotte · 9/10 · 6 April 2024]

I am in the process of rewatching this amazing series for the ... I don't know... 12th time maybe? And it was once again one of my favourite episode of the series.

I get that the portrayal of the astronauts may not have been as accurate as some would have liked but I believe it was necessary for the 2nd level theme to really hit home.

All the episodes, while providing an historical account of each missions at the 1st level, tell the stories from a different point of view at the 2nd level and the personal experience theme of this episode is beautifully drawn all the way to the conclusion and moral of the story which is that any experience, whether it is going to the moon, or partaking in your favourite hobby, is best experienced when shared with your kins, especially lived ones.

Beautiful message to take away. Well done!

One of the best of the bunch, thanks to Dave Foley

[Solnichka · 10/10 · 16 February 2016]

Dave Foley plays astronaut Alan Bean in this episode, probably one of the more anonymous moonwalkers prior to the release of this series in the late 1990s. This is both lighthearted and very profound look at the experience of landing on the moon, and Foley's voice-over narration as Bean highlights the episode. Best line: "In the end, what I have left from my walk in the Ocean of Storms are memories—almost like it was a trip to the seashore or a drive in the country. They mix together in a constant stream of thoughts and images that come and go, like all memories do. The most precious things I brought back with me were the same things I left with: my best friends. I realized when you go through any endeavor, any journey—whether across town or to the Moon and back—all that matters is that you share the experience with people that you love. That's what makes life special: Because, ultimately, that's all there is. That's really all there is." Apollo 12 is forgotten between the first successful landing and the disaster of Apollo 13, and this episode's focus on Bean, Conrad and Gordon really reminds us how fun it must have been to be an astronaut and why so many little kids growing up in the 1970s wanted to be one.

Not the best...

[pmike-11312 · 6/10 · 14 August 2022]

This episode was not the best of the mini-series. Though it did capture the comradery of this crew of long-time friends, the portrayal of Pete Conrad was WAY over the top. The incessant cackling and caterwualing was ridiculous. Peter Scolari portrayed Conrad in the first episode; why wasn't he cast here? His portrayal was far closer to the real man than this cackling buffoon. The portrayal of Al Bean wasn't much better. Meek and understated, it gives short-shrift to a guy who was actually quite confident and self-assured.

PG?!?!

[fyrecracker · 1/10 · 22 July 2019]

This isn't so much a review, it is more of a warning. This show is rated PG, but this episode is appalling! Please be mindful if you have children watching this show that the language is out of control and there is female frontal nudity! Don't make the same mistake I did! My son has always wanted to work for NASA, so naturally, we were loving this series... until NOW! I can't believe they could get away with all of that! So disappointed.