Ed's story for the episode is one of trying to wrestle back control after Patty's death on his watch. His feeling of responsibility is like a cloud over him, coming out through his anger upon his son learning to ride his bike and Molly for still struggling with the procedures. The push in Ed to be better, and for others to do better, comes out as perhaps sexist or chauvinistic, when really it becomes a need for everything to be perfect, as he learns what failure and loss feel like. It's what makes the conversation over dinner between Molly and Ed so interesting, as both are reading the other's signals wrong as their perspectives and past work are brought forward to prove their worth. But he does learn to put aside those faults and misreadings, allowing Molly to step forth as lead for the walk toward the launch pad. It's a moment of realization for him, that this is no longer his moment: it's Molly's moment, and for women everywhere as they see the possibility her going to space brings. It's really where Ed sees an equal rather than a rival, and is a major breakthrough for his character. Molly, as it turns out, is a far more fascinating character than simply being cocky and dismissive. Sonya Walger, along with the smart writing on the episode, both manage to bring some humanity and depth to her. The doubt she feels not only in herself but in others, as she always expects the rug to be pulled out from under her and for the chance to be taken away, shows the pressure this kind of life can bring. She's not wrong, with Deke battling both John Glenn and Nixon for continuing to keep the women involved. Molly is driven by the need to be taken seriously, where every difficulty and every mistake reflects back on her not as a lesson to be learned, but rather she sees it as an excuse to hold over her.
