Episode 2 of "Last Days of the Space Age," entitled "She's the Boss Now," unfolds with a kaleidoscope of pageant contestants converging on Perth, each representing a corner of the globe, in anticipation of the grand competition. Among them, Svetlana Kulkova, the USSR's elegant emissary, faces the unyielding tide of English-speaking rivals who seek to undermine her. Yet, Svetlana remains unfazed, her chin held high, her countermeasures laced with poise and dignity.
Mick, ever the opportunistic journalist, escorts his colleague to the airport, where he pulls strings and greases palms to secure exclusive footage of the contestants' grand entrance into the USA. Undeterred by the cries of feminist protesters advocating for equality, his lens is fixed solely on the dazzling Miss Universe hopefuls. Svetlana, mid-interview with the media, is suddenly assailed by a deluge of crimson paint, her composure visibly shaken. Mick, sensing her distress, promptly halts his cameraman's roll, his empathy momentarily overriding his journalistic drive.
At the Bissett abode, Judy's day begins in a whirlwind of domestic duties. She expertly wields a pair of scissors to give Eileen a fresh haircut, while simultaneously juggling the preparation of breakfast for Tilly, Mia, and Tony. Tony, for his part, offers little assistance, prompting Judy to attempt multitasking of the highest order – even attempting to iron his shirt amidst her own morning rush. As she prepares to face the police regarding the brick attack, Judy confides in Bob, her father, who can't help but tease Tony for failing to lend a helping hand. In a heart-to-heart, Judy gently urges Tony to draw a line between work and their personal life, and he acquiesces.
Elsewhere, Jono observes his mother's unusual demeanor, the shadow of worry casting a pall over their home. It's a somber day indeed, as it marks the birthday of his beloved brother Van, who remains elusive, trapped in a refugee camp far away in Malaysia.
Outside the factory's gritty facade, Gazza stirs up trouble, goading Tony into a fray by suggesting that Judy's clandestine assistance in procuring sensitive information could be their key to leverage. The air is thick with intrigue.
Meanwhile, Judy sits across from the police, recounting the harrowing brick incident. The officers, seeking to minimize the gravity of the situation, urge her to dismiss the attack as a mere trifle. The suggestion stings, and Judy departs, her emotions raw. Fran, ever the voice of reason, reminds Judy that this is but a facet of the job she's chosen to undertake.
Eileen escorts Bilya to the hallowed halls of the high school, intent on enrolling him amidst a sea of academic aspirations. To the astonishment of his grandmother, Bilya captivates the principal with his charm and poise, leaving an indelible impression.
Meanwhile, Mick braves the threshold of Svetlana's hotel suite, seeking the aid of her manager, Yvgeny, in arranging a crucial interview. Through Yvgeny's persuasive powers, Svetlana relents and agrees to grant Mick an audience.
Within the sanctity of the school library, Bilya's path crosses with Tilly's, and the two engage in a heartfelt catch-up. Bilya, ever the gentleman, offers to lend a hand in dispatching letters to Tilly's beloved astronauts, fostering a bond of camaraderie.
As the sun sets over the shimmering beach, Mia and Jono stroll, their conversation inevitably drifting towards the stolen kiss. Mia implores Jono to safeguard their secret from Tilly, who is engrossed in conversation with Bilya, unaware of the tumultuous emotions swirling around her.
Tragedy strikes Bilya when he falls victim to racial profiling at the hands of the police, a bitter reminder of societal prejudices. In a swift response, Tilly flees to Eileen, who arrives at the police station like a knight in shining armor, ready to defend Bilya's innocence. Eileen fiercely accuses the officer of unjustly targeting a young man based solely on his skin color, ultimately securing Bilya's freedom and escorting him home.
Elsewhere, Judy struggles to reconcile her loyalty to Wayne with the tenuous threads of her former friendships among colleagues. Her dedication to a cause isolates her, causing her to be detained at work and arrive late to the parent-teacher evening, where Tilly and Mia's achievements awaited celebration.
At the gathering, Tilly's teacher attempts to diminish her aspirations of becoming an astronaut, but Tony stands firm, shielding her dreams from doubt. In a parallel universe, Mick negotiates at the bar, offering a rare recording of Svetlana's humiliating ordeal as a bargaining chip for an interview. Amidst the chaos, Svetlana finds solace as fellow contestants rally around her, offering words of encouragement and camaraderie in the wake of her attack.
Inside the confines of the car, Tony and Judy's conversation swirled around Tilly's aspirations, painting a somber backdrop as Judy disclosed the grim news of the factory's downsizing. Her voice tinged with helplessness, she admitted that even her efforts couldn't shield Tony from the looming loss of his job. Urging pragmatism, she encouraged him to accept the severance package as a buffer, a lifeline to find new horizons.
But Tony's frustration boiled over, turning fiery against Judy for what he perceived as her inability to intervene. Judy's defenses rose, her words edged with truth as she spoke of her sacrifices, stretching her paycheck to its limits to keep a roof over their heads and provide for their family. Tony, however, lashed out, placing the blame squarely on her shoulders, accusing her of stealing his livelihood.
Meanwhile, under the expanse of stars, Bilya's heart skipped a beat as he joined Tilly in their stargazing session. The revelation that Poppy, the girl who captivated his heart, was the daughter of the very cop who had apprehended him, left him reeling. Yet, amidst this unexpected twist, a bond forged between Bilya and Tilly, ignited by their shared fascination with the mysteries of outer space.
On a separate note, Jono's mother's heart leapt at an urgent call from a refugee camp in Malaysia, mentioning Van's name. Her spirits soared with hope, only to be dampened by Jono's father's cautious voice, reminding her that the call might be a cruel hoax.
As the curtain fell on Episode 2 of "Last Days of the Space Age," Tilly's voice drifted softly, reading aloud one of her letters to a captivated Bilya, while Jono stood witness to his parents lighting fireworks, a poignant tribute to their beloved son lost too soon. Elsewhere, Mia tenderly waxed her surfboard, while Tony trudged home, his mind replaying the heated exchange with Judy, the weight of his future weighing heavily on his shoulders.
