New TV series 'Defying Gravity' explores space, human beings

(This article originally appeared on the Transcendent TV & Media site.)

When a new TV series blends human behavior, relationships, space travel and a mysterious undisclosed element, will we have a worthwhile show or something less?

Viewers may find out the answer when the ABC TV series "Defying Gravity" begins this Sunday, Aug. 2.

The story takes place in the year 2052 and follows eight astronauts, four women and four men, from five countries, on an eight-year mission to explore our solar system. We also meet their ground crew and other characters.

Although some reviews of the series have made fun of the romantic relationships on the spacecraft Antares, the fact is that human relationships are legitimate and important aspects of the field of space psychology.

In future years, when space missions may involve months and years, human behavior and relationships will continue to play a large role in space travel and activities.

When we see the characters and their ship in the context of viewing Earth from space, other psychological factors might come to mind involving people who are off-Earth and those of us on the planet. Real-life astronauts have frequently commented that viewing Earth from space is an experience that can give you a whole new perspective. Maybe viewers of "Defying Gravity" can also get a taste of this viewpoint.

And then there is the secret and anomalous aspect to the plot, which we currently know little about. It may have something to do with the astronauts' deep psychology and consciousness. It may involve something much larger than themselves and their apparent missions.

EXPANDING SPACE TRAVEL

In the early days of manned spaceflight, U.S. and Russian astronauts were typically former military pilots. In subsequent decades, especially during the Space Shuttle years, crews have become increasingly diverse. Now, with "space tourists," scientists and others heading into Earth orbit in the near future, the human element will probably become more complex.

These human dynamics are key factors in "Defying Gravity." The astronaut characters are explored as fully human beings, with normal relationships and needs, as well as sometimes difficult histories and life choices. In fact, viewers learn more about the characters through flashbacks that attempt to illuminate their humanity.

Can viewers put themselves in the shoes of these characters? Can we imagine ourselves departing Earth for space and facing the many stressors, joys and unknowns involved?

Before long, we may not need to rely on our imaginations and TV series like "Defying Gravity." Several private commercial aerospace companies in the U.S. and internationally are developing space planes, orbiting space station "habitats" and similar projects that will allow more people to have the off-Earth experience.

Other countries are also developing more robust space programs and may soon be conducting more of their own manned (and womanned) space activities.

For nations that lack the resources of the major powers, the private commercial companies involved could, someday soon, provide affordable opportunities for scientific research and other space experiences. Companies that want to go into Earth orbit may also soon be able to book flight time in private space planes and habitats.

When we consider the current and evolving realities of space travel, "Defying Gravity" might turn out to be a fun and reasonable dramatic examination of human beings in the unique and challenging environment of space.

HUMAN CONSCIOUSNESS

As to the mysterious aspect of the series that is hinted about, we also might wonder if there are elements of real space flight that might be unconventional or anomalous. There are tales and rumors that astronauts have encountered unusual phenomena.

And what about human consciousness in space, and on Earth? Are there interesting factors related to the human mind that are worthy of further exploration too? In this sense, space flight can be both an external and internal journey.

"Defying Gravity" might even delve into alternative human consciousness, or "anomalous cognition," which refers to using the full range of human perception and awareness. In fact, "complementary cognition" could be a term that better describes fuller human consciousness.

And, who knows, the crew of the Antares might run into any number of interesting and challenging encounters such as UFOs and extraterrestrials, other dimensions, time and space warps or some larger forces that entertain and enlighten viewers.

Based on real science, as well as exotic tales and rumors, the characters in this series could run into almost anything.

Assuming that U.S. space activities may be decades ahead of where we generally think they are, the creators and writers of "Defying Gravity" might not be able to imagine scenarios that are actually reality.

Can the rest of us also wrap our minds around what the possibilities and realities truly could be? "Defying Gravity" could be an opportunity to see how far our human consciousness can expand, while staying rooted in the down-to-Earth fundamentals of human relationships, passion and compassion.

NOTE TO READERS: For more information, please visit the Joint Recon Study Group and Transcendent TV & Media sites and have a look around.

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