About For All Mankind
For All Mankind is an Apple TV series developed by Universal Studios Hollywood Hub. The show explores an alternate history where the space race never ended, and it has captivated audiences with its complex characters and interwoven storylines.
Returning to the Stevens Family
In Season 5, For All Mankind revisits the Stevens family, particularly through the introduction of their granddaughter, Avery 'A.J.' Jarrett (Ines Asserson). This return allows the show to explore the family legacy and the impact of Gordo and Tracy on their descendants.
A.J. Jarrett's Introduction
A.J. is the daughter of Danny Stevens, who tragically died on Mars. By bringing her into the narrative, the showrunners aim to highlight how the consequences of the parents' actions ripple through generations. Ben Nedivi, a showrunner, remarked, "It felt like an opportunity that only a show like this could offer ... where you're able not only to show the impact of Gordo and Tracy on their kids and what they went through, but on their grandkids."
Exploration of Family Legacy
The introduction of A.J. allows the series to tackle its recurring themes of legacy. As the show increasingly focuses on Mars, A.J. provides a unique perspective by being based on Earth. Nedivi explained that they wanted to avoid solely focusing on the Mars colonists: "We didn't want this to just be the story of the Marsies and their perspective." This approach ties A.J. to the rich history of the Stevens family while allowing her to grapple with her complex heritage.
Challenges in Casting A.J.
The casting process for A.J. was notably challenging. Matt Wolpert noted, "It's an exciting challenge to bring new life and new blood into the show, but it is something you obviously have to think about -- whether the actors will fit into the tone of the show." Nedivi added, "Casting that was one of the trickiest things we had to go through." Ultimately, the casting of Asserson proved serendipitous, as her performance captures the essence of her family history.