The team is not pleased about the idea of a "handshake in space" with the Soviets.
Tropes
- Artistic License – Music: Talking about celebrities for the "handshake," Ed cracks "maybe I can call up Madonna." The problem is that the episode is set in 1983 and it wasn't until her album "Like a Virgin" was released in 1984 that Madonna became a true music megastar. Of course, it's possible that among the Butterfly Effect of this timeline is Madonna started her career earlier.
- Both Sides Have a Point: Ed snaps that Tracy could have given Gordo a heads-up on her engagement before announcing it on national TV as "he deserved better." Tracy throws it back that she deserved better when Ed hid Gordo's scores of affairs from her back in the 1960s.
- Creator Cameo: Technical advisor and real-life astronaut Garrett Reisman appears as shuttle Columbia's commander. However, as the real-life Garrett Reisman was only 15 years old in 1983, this qualifies as
The Danza rather than As Himself. - Recycled Script:
- In-universe, when Ed is giving the new NASA recruits a speech, Tracy is in the back mouthing every single word verbatim, as it's almost the exact same speech Deke gave to the female ASCANs in "Nixon's Women" back in season 1.
- It's also revealed that Gordo goes on speaking tours where he tells of his time in space to events like Rotary Club meetings. Two scenes of two different events shows that he's pretty much got a routine down, with only minor trivial differences in how he presents his stories.
- Springtime for Hitler: The team isn't happy about Thomas talking of the "handshake" idea. Thomas tells them not to worry as the administration fully expects the Soviets to reject the offer of peace and so the U.S. comes out looking great and the Soviets the aggressors. Then the Soviets agree and thus NASA risks revealing secret technology to them.
- Vengeful Vending Machine: Margo purchases a Peanut Butter and Raspberry Jam Sandwich from a Vending Machine, only for it to get stuck. Margo manages to dislodge it by opening and closing the flap to apply negative pressure.
