Episode 1 of "Last Days of the Space Age," enticingly titled "Only Kids Dream About Being Spacemen," commences with a jarring scene: Tony and Judy Bissett, a loving couple, are driving down the road when their serene ride is abruptly shattered by a brick hurtling through the windshield. Embedded with a menacing message aimed squarely at Judy, the projectile wounds her while Tony struggles to regain control of the swerving vehicle.
The narrative then shifts to a heartfelt conversation between Tilly, their daughter, and her teacher. Tilly, eyes sparkling with ambition, shares her unwavering dream of becoming an astronaut, a dream she cherishes alongside her friend Jono. However, Jono's enthusiasm lags behind Tilly's, clouded by doubts about the uncertain future. The teacher, with a pragmatic tone, steers them towards more realistic aspirations of mundane careers, leaving the children's faces etched with disappointment.
Meanwhile, Tony toils away at the power supply factory, where the air is thick with tension as layoffs loom large. Judy, a part-time worker at the same facility, shares the burden of uncertainty. Amidst a wave of strikes, Tony stands firm, rallying his colleagues to fight for job security, even as he grapples with the aftermath of the attack on Judy. He confronts Gazza, a trusted colleague, seeking answers and suspecting involvement from within their ranks.
Judy, reeling from the attack, confides in Fran, her coworker, expressing her desire to pick up extra shifts to make ends meet. Fran reveals that Wayne, their boss, has a managerial position opening up, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the storm.
As the sun sets on a hectic day, Tilly returns home, her thoughts consumed by homework, choosing solitude over bonding with her sister Mia. Under the cover of night, Judy seeks solace in conversation with her father, Bob, who posits that one of Tony's colleagues might be behind the attack. She laments the sacrifices she's made to safeguard Tony and his colleagues' jobs.
Tilly, determined to make amends, announces her intention to stargaze, a moment of escape from reality. However, Judy's concerns over her argument with Mia linger, prompting Tilly to promise to apologize to her younger sister. Just as she prepares to step out into the starlit night, a sudden power outage plunges the house into darkness, adding another layer of mystery to this already tumultuous day.
Outside in the crisp air, Tilly confides in Eileen about Jono's sudden withdrawal from their shared aspiration of becoming astronauts, her voice tinged with anxiety. She fears being stranded on her space endeavors, surrounded by nothing but solitude and the vastness of the cosmos. Eileen, sensing her friend's distress, rallies Tilly's spirits, urging her to hold fast to her dreams, undeterred.
The following dawn, Mia hits the waves with a vengeance, her surfing prowess an exhilarating display before the school bell tolls. Meanwhile, at Judy's abode, a luncheon gathers the neighborhood ladies, but instead of camaraderie, there's a chorus of snide remarks aimed at Judy. Eileen, a beacon of support, stands firm against the taunts, shielding her friend. Abruptly, the tranquility is shattered by the arrival of TV rental collectors, demanding payment from Judy's doorstep.
Elsewhere, Jono encounters his father at the bustling beachside food truck, his parents' concern palpable as they inquire about the source of his melancholy. As the sun sets, Bob and Eileen find solace in each other's embrace within his cozy caravan, Bob confessing the depthening significance of their connection.
Back at the Bissett residence, Judy's plate overflows with freelance tasks, from stitching debutante gowns to juggling family responsibilities. Mia, with a heart full of compassion, proposes quitting school to support the family through surfing competitions. Judy's emotions fray, insisting that Tony, not her children, shoulders the burden of providing, urging her daughters to remain innocent and carefree.
Tony, meanwhile, indulges in a drink with his brother Mick, who extends an offer to collaborate in the world of entertainment news. Tony scoffs at the proposition, his disdain for the job evident. Their conversation drifts to the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, Perth's upcoming glamorous event, and Tony requests a television set from Mick.
In a tender yet strained moment, Djinda, Eileen's daughter, and her son visit for the night, Djinda's demeanor cool towards her mother, announcing her intention to depart early the next morning. This revelation stirs a ripple of hurt within Eileen's heart.
The following day dawned with Fran and Judy occupying seats at the pivotal General Manager interview, accompanied by Wayne and the hopeful candidate, Brian. Judy's keen eye for detail shone brightly as she artfully pointed out Brian's missteps, leaving a profound impression on Wayne.
Meanwhile, Tilly's conversation with Jono weaved a tapestry of aspirations, as they each shared their heartfelt dreams. Jono, with a gentle nudge, encouraged Tilly to boldly pursue hers, revealing his own turn from the stars as he relinquished his astronaut ambitions.
Elsewhere, Eileen's heartfelt plea to Djinda resonated, as she entrusted the care of her son Bilya to him, hoping for a typical high school experience for the youngster. That evening, Tilly's heart sank as she watched the news, the delay in the space station's launch casting a shadow over her thoughts.
Judy, adept at navigating the tides of stress, found her own equilibrium amidst the chaos, while Bob's solitude deepened as Eileen's time was consumed by her grandson's joys. Mick, facing an unexpected confrontation, was assaulted by a man's prejudice towards his sexuality. Yet, he fought back with bravery, turning the tables on his aggressor. Tilly, unwittingly witnessing Mia's tender kiss with Jono, found herself inexplicably troubled.
At the factory's hallowed halls, a new era dawned as Wayne officially anointed Judy as the General Manager. With grace and determination, Judy addressed the union workers, led by the stalwart Tony, bringing Last Days of the Space Age Episode 1 to a thrilling close, teeming with anticipation for what lay ahead.
