So, the world’s ended, rats are everywhere, and you’re suddenly thinking about repopulating the planet. That’s the somewhat awkward predicament facing Ish in the second episode of MGM+’s “Earth Abides.” Titled “The Space Between,” this installment isn’t just about dodging disease-ridden rodents; it’s about the even trickier navigation of human connection in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.
In the premiere, we saw civilization crumble around Ish (played with a fitting mix of bewilderment and resilience). Now, as he wanders through the remnants of San Francisco, or what’s left of it after a plague wiped out most of humankind, he stumbles upon another survivor. And, surprise, there’s a spark. Is it genuine attraction, or simply the desperate yearning for companionship in a world stripped bare? “The Space Between” smartly plays with that ambiguity, forcing both Ish and the audience to wonder if love can truly bloom amidst so much decay.
Beyond the potential for a romantic subplot, the episode doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of survival. The infestation of rats in San Lupo, where Ish seeks refuge, isn’t just a convenient plot device; it’s a visceral reminder of the breakdown of order and the constant threat of disease. It’s also a surprisingly effective metaphor for the creeping sense of unease that permeates this new world, where even the smallest creatures can pose a significant danger.
But amidst the squalor and uncertainty, there’s a flicker of hope. Ish’s dreams of rebuilding society, while perhaps naive at this early stage, hint at the show’s larger ambition. “Earth Abides” seems less interested in simply showing the horrors of a post-apocalyptic world and more focused on the tricky, often contradictory impulses of those left behind. How do you start over when everything familiar is gone? How do you balance the primal need for survival with the equally powerful desire for connection, for love, for something resembling a future?
“The Space Between” airs Sunday, December 8th at 9 PM on MGM+.
