‘Last Days of the Space Age’ (2024) Disney+ Series Review - An Insight into the 70s

Set against the backdrop of the late 70s in suburban Perth, “Last Days of the Space Age” blends historical events with intimate family drama as the Bissett family navigates personal and societal changes. With Skylab teetering overhead, the world is in flux—just like the lives of the show's characters.

At the heart of the series is the Bissett family. Teenager Tilly (Mackenzie Mazur) dreams of exploring the stars, believing her future lies in space. Her grounded best friend Johnno (Aidan Du Chiem), however, is content with staying earthbound. Meanwhile, her sister Mia (Emily Grant) has her own battles, trying to carve out space in a male-dominated surfing culture, and finding solace in the support of their free-spirited grandfather Bob (Iain Glenn).

Their parents, Tony (Jesse Spencer) and Judy (Rhada Mitchell), face more practical struggles. Both work at the local power plant, but with Tony on strike and Judy still reporting for work, tensions are high—both at home and in the community. A brick through Judy's windshield is only the beginning of the hostility, with the family’s financial stability hanging by a thread.

Beyond the Bissetts, “Last Days of the Space Age” weaves in subplots that enrich its world. Their neighbor Eileen Wilberforce (Deborah Mailman) takes in her rebellious grandson while embarking on a quiet romance with Bob. The looming Miss Universe pageant in Perth also brings in international glamor, along with cultural clashes and fresh opportunities.

While the stakes may not be life-or-death, the series thrives in its portrayal of ordinary lives set against extraordinary times. “Last Days of the Space Age” artfully marries personal ambitions with historical moments, but it’s clear from the start that some dreams, like Tilly’s hope of walking on the moon, are destined to remain out of reach. Yet, the series's charm lies in its warmth, nostalgia, and the hope that tomorrow, despite its uncertainties, will hold promise for the Bissetts and their world.

What’s even more impressive is how Last Days of the Space Age authentically captures the essence of the 1970s. The show doesn’t just nod to the era—it fully immerses the viewer in it. From the vibrant colors and retro fashion to the music and cultural attitudes of the time, the 1970s influence is woven seamlessly into every scene.

We get to see the decade’s optimism and its challenges play out in the characters' lives, whether it’s through the rebellious spirit of Mia on her surfboard, defying the boys who rule the waves, or through Tilly’s dreams of space exploration, reflecting the era's fascination with the cosmos. The looming Skylab disaster is a perfect metaphor for the uncertainty of the time, where the thrill of technological advances was often tempered by the fear of things falling apart. Overall with a fast pace, and good acting the show is a great watch.

Final Score- [7/10]
Reviewed by - Neerja Choudhuri
Follow @NeerjaCH on Twitter
Publisher at Midgard Times