The Astronauts - COUNTDOWN (S1E1)
The spacecraft Odyssey II is set to embark on a mission to retrieve a foreign object that could potentially save mankind, but the plan quickly goes awry when five untrained kids sneak aboard and are unable to stop the launch sequence.
| Runtime (min) | 24 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2020-11-13 |
| Genres | Family, Sci-Fi & Fantasy |
| TV Rating | TV-PG |
| Network(s) | Nickelodeon |
Storyline
In this series premiere, the spacecraft Odyssey II sits on the launch pad, prepared for a critical mission to retrieve a mysterious foreign object that scientists believe could be vital to humanity's future. The mission is designed to be remotely piloted, with no crew aboard. However, five young people—children of the mission's ground crew and personnel—manage to sneak onto the spacecraft during final preparations, driven by curiosity and a desire to see the ship up close before launch.
Their unauthorized exploration takes a catastrophic turn when they accidentally trigger the launch sequence. With no training and no way to abort the countdown, the kids find themselves trapped aboard as Odyssey II lifts off into space. Now hurtling away from Earth with no adults to guide them, the five must quickly come to terms with their situation and figure out how to survive in an environment for which they are completely unprepared. The episode establishes the central premise: untrained children alone in space, facing both the mission's original objective and the immediate challenge of keeping themselves alive.
What kids learn
This episode introduces children to the concept of consequences stemming from impulsive decisions. The five kids' choice to sneak aboard the spacecraft without permission leads to a life-threatening situation that affects not only themselves but also the adults who care about them and the mission itself. Young viewers see how a moment of curiosity, when not tempered with caution and respect for rules, can escalate into serious danger.
The episode also touches on themes of responsibility and teamwork under pressure. Once the launch sequence begins, the children cannot simply undo their mistake or call for immediate rescue. They must face the reality of their situation and begin working together despite their fear and lack of preparation. This introduces the idea that when mistakes happen, the next step is to focus on problem-solving rather than panic.
Additionally, the premise offers a gateway into discussions about space exploration, the complexity of spacecraft systems, and the extensive training real astronauts undergo. Children learn that space travel requires careful planning, expertise, and respect for the dangers involved, reinforcing the importance of preparation and knowledge in high-stakes situations.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the scenario of kids accidentally launching a spacecraft realistic? | The premise is highly fictionalized for dramatic effect. Real spacecraft have multiple safeguards, authorization protocols, and fail-safes that would prevent an accidental launch, especially by untrained individuals. The show uses this scenario as a storytelling device to create tension and adventure. Parents can use this as an opportunity to discuss how real space missions involve extensive safety measures and trained professionals at every step. |
| How scared will my child be by the kids being trapped in space? | The episode does create suspense as the children realize they cannot stop the launch and are heading into space alone. However, the tone is more adventurous than horror-focused, and the kids are shown beginning to cope rather than remaining in pure panic. Sensitive children might feel anxious about the characters' predicament, so parents should gauge their child's comfort with perilous situations and be ready to reassure them that the show will focus on the kids' resourcefulness. |
| What should I say about the kids sneaking onto the spacecraft? | This is a clear example of disobedience leading to serious consequences, making it a strong teaching moment. Parents can discuss how the children's curiosity, while natural, was not paired with good judgment or respect for safety rules. Emphasize that rules around dangerous equipment and restricted areas exist to protect people, and breaking them can endanger lives. Ask your child what the kids could have done differently to satisfy their curiosity safely. |
| Are there any frightening images or intense moments in this episode? | The launch sequence itself is intense, with shaking, loud noises, and the kids visibly frightened as they're pressed into their seats by g-forces. There are no graphic injuries or gore, but the emotional intensity of children in danger and the visual spectacle of a rocket launch may be overwhelming for very young or sensitive viewers. The episode maintains a family-adventure tone rather than veering into true terror. |
| Does the episode resolve, or does it end on a cliffhanger? | The episode ends with the immediate crisis—the uncontrolled launch—complete, but the larger situation unresolved. The kids are now in space, and the episode sets up the ongoing challenge of survival and the mission ahead. It's structured as the beginning of a serialized story rather than a standalone adventure, so expect your child to have questions about what happens next and a desire to continue watching. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | The spacecraft Odyssey II is set to embark on a mission to retrieve a foreign object that could potentially save mankind, but the plan quickly goes awry when five untrained kids sneak aboard and are unable to stop the launch sequence. |
| 1 | 2 | Five untrained kids are accidentally sent into orbit when an AI-controlled spacecraft launches prematurely. The group must take control of the ship, and work as astronauts when they face a harrowing emergency onboard. |
| 1 | 3 | Tension on the ship rises as Elliott plants seeds of distrust about Will, whom Elliott suspects is collecting mission information for his reporter mother. Meanwhile, Samy works with Matilda’s inventor to probe the AI’s role in the accidental launch. |
| 1 | 4 | A small toy clogging the toilet leaves only one working bathroom as the kids work together to dislodge it. On Earth, tempers flare between the parents while Matilda's inventor devises a bold plan to hijack the AI. |
| 1 | 5 | Mission Control uploads a virus onto the Odyssey in an attempt to take control. Matilda fights back by shutting everything down, and the true vulnerabilities of the kids comes to light. |
| 1 | 6 | A small hole in the ship threatening the oxygen supply can only be repaired from the outside, forcing Martin to become the first kid to ever attempt a spacewalk. |
| 1 | 7 | With morale at an all-time low, Elliot takes it upon himself to rally the group with a team-building exercise involving using a high-tech camera to make a movie: a space movie. |
| 1 | 8 | Day 76: Mission Control implements a new plan of attack: unplugging Matilda from avionic control and transferring it to the ground. In the middle of this task, Samy has to undergo emergency surgery without the aid of a medical professional onboard. |
| 1 | 9 | Mission Control failed to transfer control to the ground, which means the kids are now driving the space craft. With only one day of training, the kids must steer a spacecraft into Venus's orbit without it burning up in the planet's atmosphere. |
| 1 | 10 | An unexpected development prompts doubts among the kids about returning home, and an unknown threat attempts to destroy the Odyssey before the astronauts can make their next move. |
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