For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 10 — “This Land Is Our Land” — A Review

8th September, 2026.

“This Land Is Our Land”.

The Introduction.

It’s got to be said, there’s a certain amount of irony to when I’ve started this post.

Yes: it’s Star Trek Day: as mentioned in today’s Daily Teaser.

The irony?

Is simply in the one fact: that I’m going to be watching “This Land Is Our Land”, the tenth and last episode of For All Mankind’s fifth season, tonight.

And will start watching the fourth season of  Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, next week: at the earliest.

So, yeah … 

Irony … 

~≈🚀≈~

Irony, aside … ?

Irony, aside, it’s a Tuesday evening: so I’ll be having dinner, then watching “This Land Is Our Land”.

And … ?

Letting you know what I thought, by Saturday.

I can only hope, right now, it’s worth the wait!

~≈🚀≈~

9th September, 2026.

Part One.

The Summary.

Episode 10 — “This Land Is Our Land” — opens with scenes of confusion: as the people of Happy Valley try to organise their homes in the face of an M-6 invasion: as the colony’s leader, Miles Dale (Tony Kebbell) sends out a desperate message telling people where to go.

At his shoulder is Governor Leonid Polivanov (Costa Ronin): along side the rest of the Council that govern the base.

The group knows it will have to take drastic action: by taking out the M-6 forces in their improvised command centre.

They can only do that by flooding the place with extra oxygen, then setting it alight.

If they can find the place.

To do that?   The group needs some one who’s feeling quick, brave … and remarkably like a volunteer.

Governor Polivanov … is just the man … 

~≈🚀≈~

After the titles roll, the scene changes: to show us the Away One mission — Kelly, Walt and Elena (Cynthy Wu, Christopher Denham and Kristina Klebe) — are very aware they have good news, and bad news.

The good news?

Is that yes: there is life on Titan, and they have a sample to take home.

The bad news?

All three of them will have to walk to where they will be picked up by the ship that will take them home, as the vehicle that’s got them here is no longer working.

The really bad news … ?

The three of them will have to walk … despite the fact there’s only enough oxygen for two … 

~≈🚀≈~

Part Two.

About The Episode.

Now … what did I make of both “This Land Is Our Land”: and the series it’s the climax to?

Let’s start with the episode, shall we?

I mentioned how earlier episodes were tense: very tense in some cases.

“Brave New World”, in particular.

“This Land Is Our Land”?

Carries on that tradition.

The opening scene, for example,  shows us that the apparent defection of Governor Polivanov is a ruse: to get the Leonid into the M-6 command post, so it can be found and destroyed … then shows us what happens when the Governor tries to get out of post with an angry Ilya in tow!

Edge of the seat?

Oh, yes.

Then … ?

There’s the button … 

I’ve told you how Leonid has sneaked his way in to the M-6 command point: and how Leonid’s attempt’s to escape had me glued to my seat, with my eyes glued to the screen.

So did the immediate consequences.

Miles asks the relevant controller, Tim (James Michael McHale), to hit the button, the button that will set off a spark that will ignite the command post’s air, and kill every one in it.

Tim … ?   Refuses the order, as he doesn’t deaths on his conscience.

So Miles, after some hesitation … ?

Miles does the deed.

Yes: edge of the seat.

Very edge of the seat.

Then there’s Titan.

We see Kelly, Walt and Elena buoyed by the fact they’re finally discovered life … but deflated by one simple fact: getting the evidence home meant walking to the pickup point.

The tension?

Comes from a little thing: the pause, before the team realise that only two of them are going home … 

~≈🚀≈~

11th September, 2026.

Part Three.

A Quote.

There’s something I think I should mention: a quote.

I’ve only been including them in my Daily Teaser quizzes for a decade, after all.

It’s a relatively simple one, something Irina tells Miles, early in the cold open:

“War is simply politics by other means.”

It’s an old sentiment, one that dates back to Carl von Clausewitz:

“War is the continuation of policy with other means.”

It’s an clinical little phrase, isn’t it?

And one I’ve heard, before: usually attributed to the likes of Josef Stalin, or Mao Zedong.

The reason I mention it?

Was simply this: it was a phrase, a sentiment, I recognised, one that applied to the situation … and something I learnt a little about, when I looked it up.

I think I owe the writers of this episode a vote of thanks: for telling me something I didn’t know.

~≈🚀≈~

Part Four.

Thoughts.

So … what did I make of this episode: of “This Land Is Our Land”?

There are times when a series finale is something of a let down.

“Fire from the Gods”, for example, the last episode of The Man in the High Castle.

Was distinctly underwhelming.

As was “The Real Monsters”, the last episode of Alien: Earth: as wonderful as most of the series was, as nasty as the Adrian Edmondson character was, the final episode of Alien: Earth, series one … 

Fell distinctly flat: especially the last five minutes or so.

By contrast, “This Land Is Our Land” is fantastic: from the cold opening, it pulled me into the story it was telling, told us of Kelly Baldwin’s sad end, showed us Alex’s coming of age … and showed us, at the end of the episode, shows us Miles being formally named as Happy Valley’s leader.

“This Land Is Our Land” may not be a superb episode, or a great series finale.

But it’s a very well made episode: and fills the role of finale, very well.

“This Land Is Our Land”

★★★☆

~≈🚀≈~

Part Five.

About the Series.

With that said … ?

What did I make of series five, as a whole?

What can I tell you … ?

I suspect there’s not a lot I can add to what I’ve already said.

But one thing I should mention is that word: tense.

Tense.

Series five has been tense.

All the way from Ed Baldwin’s cancer diagnoses in early episode, all the way to the final battle, and Alex’s hand delivered cease-fire orders in the last minutes of this climactic episode.

Series five of For All Mankind has been a dramatic thing to watch: and leaves me looking forward to season six, the show’s last series.

Roll on its release in 2027: it’s got a lot to live up to.

Episode 1    “First Light”    ★★★☆

Episode 2    “The Hard Six”    ★★★☆

Episode 3    “Home”    ★★★★

Episode 4    “Open Source”    ★★☆☆

Episode 5    “Svoboda”    ★★★☆

Episode 6    “No Sudden Moves”    ★★★★

Episode 7    “The Sirens of Titan”    ★★★★

Episode 8    “Brave New World”    ★★★★⁺

Episode 9    “Sons and Daughters”    ★★★☆

Episode 10    “This Land Is Our Land”    ★★★☆

~≈🚀≈~

Part Six.

And Finally.

That … ?

Is when I’m going to leave things for now.

I’m going to be reviewing the fourth season of Star Trek: Strange News Worlds, in the not too distant future: the puppet episode looks totally daft!

You, and I, have something to look forward to!

I’ll probably try and catch a movie, at some point: there’s a few doing the rounds I’d like see.

So … ?

I’m going to close this post, the same way I always do.

I’ll thank you for reading this.

I’m ask you to subscribe to my YouTube channel: you’ll see new content when I post it.

Feel free to try the Daily Teasers.

Feel free to tip: every penny helps.

And if you’ve enjoyed what I’m doing … ?

Come back, next time.

We’ll both find out what I’m doing … !

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 9 — “Sons and Daughters” — A Review

1st September, 2026.

“Sons and Daughters”.

The Introduction.

Right at the moment, I am desperately staving off earworms.

I’ve had the theme to vintage Australian soap, Sons and Daughters, earworming its way through my head for approximately a week, now.

Because … ?

Because, right now, I’m cremating a burger for dinner: and will be making home made chips to go with it, any minute now.

There might even be vegetables, as well.

The reason I say that … ?

Is that it’s Tuesday.

So I’m going watching the next episode of For All Mankind’s fifth series, after dinner.

And, given I’ve been aware the episode’s called “Sons and Daughters”, since last week?

I’ve had an earworm.

At any rate … ?

I’ll be watching “Sons and Daughters”, tonight.

And, hopefully?

Will have my review up by this coming Friday.

Assuming the burger isn’t too crispy!

~≈🪐≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 8 — “Brave New World” — A Review

25th August, 2026.

“Brave New World”.

The Introduction.

OK, it’s now officially Tuesday.

And … ?   The BBC’s weather page for my area is telling that’s going to be a thunderstorm early tomorrow morning.

I hope so!

We’ve had some sixty days of drought, hosepipe bans and the sort of relentless sunny weather one usually associates with idealised versions of 50’s America.

Rain would be welcome … !

~≈🪐≈~

At any rate, it’s Tuesday.

Giving the time I’m writing this?

That means I’m got some music on in the background, I’m assembling some videos in the background, and am excitingly cooking dinner.

Burger and home made chips, if you’re curious.

And … ?

And I’m listening to the sound of my tumble dryer, drying my pants.

Yes: I should put them on the washing line in the garden … but don’t have a garden!

With all that said … ?

I really need to watch TV!

Yes: that’s right.

I’ve got another episode of For All Mankind lined up: “Brave New World”.

I’ll have this review finished and up by Thursday … if the excitement hasn’t killed me … 

~≈🪐≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 7 — “The Sirens of Titan” — A Review

18th August, 2026.

“The Sirens of Titan”.

The Introduction.

It’s Tuesday.

And … ?

There’s a Genius playlist going on in the background.

One that includes Harold Faltermeyer’s “Axel F”, if you were curious.

To top things off … ?

There’s sausages cooking as well.

A body has to eat, you know: especially if it’s planning what I’m planning.

Yep: it’s Tuesday.

So, once I’ve eaten, I’m going to be watching “The Sirens of Titan”, the next episode of For All Mankind.

Hopefully?

It’s tell me exactly how last week’s cliffhanger is resolved!

~≈🪐≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 6 — “No Sudden Moves” — A Review

11th August, 2026.

“No Sudden Moves”.

The Introduction.

OK … music … 

It’s Tuesday: so, as I write this, I’ve got a Genius playlist playing in the background.

Complete with PIL’s “This Is Not A Love Song” at full pelt.

Which I’ve not listened to for a while: so it’s good to hear it, again.

It’s almost as good to hear Spandau Ballet’s “Chant №1”: the song that’s come up next.

All of that is beside the point.

It’s Tuesday.

So, after dinner, I’ll be watching the next episode of For All Mankind: then writing a review of it.

This post … ?

Will go live by Thursday: hopefully!

I’ll see you then … !

~≈🪐≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 5 — “Svoboda” — A Review

4th August, 2026.

“Svoboda”.

The Introduction.

At the moment … ?

It’s a Tuesday afternoon: and I’ve got a Pretenders’ tune, “Middle of the Road”, on in the background.

On repeat.

Because?   Because AppleTV are airing a version of Neuromancer in a few months time: a Pretenders tune is entirely appropriate, as Neuromancer’s writer based the look of one character on Pretenders lead singer, Chrissie Hynde.

I want the song repeated because it seems to be a good one to type to.

I’m also using it as I write the text you’re reading, a review of an episode of For All Mankind.

And as the song’s used in the sound track of series two?

Well … yeah … pressing Repeat seemed appropriate … 

~≈🪐≈~

At any rate: it’s Tuesday.

And … ?

I’m going to be having dinner, then watching “Svoboda”, the fifth episode of For All Mankind’s fifth series.

Once Chrissie stops singing … 

~≈🪐≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 4 — “Open Source” — A Review

27th July, 2026.

“Open Source”.

The Introduction.

OK: it’s Monday night … and … ?

I’m filling in time, in a way.

I’ve started For All Mankind’s fifth season, a few weeks ago: and enjoying it, so far.

But … ?

I’d like to get this review done by Wednesday … but very aware I’ll be looking after my nephew, that day … so I’m getting started early.

Hopefully?

I’ll have this done by Friday: and I can let you know what I though of the episode … 

~≈🪐≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 3 — “Home” — A Review

20th July, 2026.

“Home”.

The Introduction.

Right, then: it’s officially Monday, and dinner’s doing.

In point of fact, I’ve just heard my vegetables go ‘Bing’.

Or, at least, heard the microwave go ‘Bing’

So dinner is almost ready to be eaten … 

~≈🪐≈~

Right … that’s dinner out of the way … !

I’m writing this on Monday night: the day before I’m intent on watching “Home”, the next episode For All Mankind series five.

And will be finish the subsequent written and video reviews by this coming Friday.

Right now … ?

I’m looking for to it.

Episode 2 ended on a cliffhanger … 

~≈🪐≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 2 — “The Hard Six” — A Review

14th July, 2026.

“The Hard Six”.

The Introduction.

It’s officially the case that a man in search of a wife … is possibly some kind of weird stalker.

Or trying to paraphrase Jane Austin.

Or getting mental images of some of the odder characters in The League of Gentlemen.

Which is possibly a whole other post.

At any rate?

It’s Tuesday.

Which means I’ll be watching “The Hard Six”, the next episode of For All Mankind, tonight.

When writing the bulk of this review: and releasing it, and the parallel video version, by this coming Friday.

I’m starting this post early … as I’m expecting my nephew this afternoon.

Fun — and possibly pizza — will be had … before the main event … 

Let’s move on …

~≈🪐≈~

For All Mankind — Series 5 Episode 1 — “First Light” — A Review

7th July, 2026.

“First Light”.

The Introduction.

It has to be said: there comes a time when tedium will only carry you so far.

Well, not tedium, per se.

But the awareness that there’s only so much on TV: and, therefore?

Only so much you want to talk about.

Of current TV shows?

I’ve binged Slow Horses, and found it entertaining.

I’ve caught the first series of The Blacklist, and found that equally entertaining.

I’ve seen the first episode of the new series of Silo: and been left intrigued.

But, with Dr Who, and Star Trek, off-air?

There’s few series I feel inclined to tell you about.

Or, at least, there hasn’t been, since March, and the last series of Stranger Things.

But … ?

There’s a something things I felt I should start watching: and tell you about.

Yes: the fifth and latest series of AppleTV’s For All Mankind.

I’m going to be watching the first episode, “First Light”, tonight: then posting my written and video review by this Friday.

I’ll see you … in a few days time … 

~≈👾≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 11-4-2026 — The Apple 1

11th April, 2026: the Apple 1.

Right, then: it’s officially official.

I’ve seen another episode of The Daleks’ Master Plan.

And I’m greatly saddened: that so many episodes of the thing are missing.

As wonderful as the remaining episodes are … ?

I’m very aware there’s huge gaps.

And dearly wishing Aunty would release the thing as an animated bluray!

I’d buy one!

~≈📀≈~

In other news … ?

The Artemis 2 mission has safely returned to Earth: with a crew that’s described as “happy and healthy”.

Good for them!

At this stage, the only minor concern is, I’m told, the heat sheilds: although they seemed to have worked, and worked well.

But … ?

I can still remember the Colombia Disaster, the accident that saw a space shuttle burn up on re-entry, because of a defective heat shield.

I can only hope NASA’s keeping an eye on those … 

~≈🚀≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 3rd January 2026

3rd January, 2026.

I took photos, earlier: just so I could show you something.

Yes: my street’s had official snow!

Which looked nice, but felt cold!

On the upside … ?

I — like others — have been officially told I’m to receive a twenty-five pound Cole Weather Payment: one that will take five working days to go through.

The sooner it does, the happier I’ll be … !

~≈🥶≈~

I’ve mentioned, over the past couple of days, the issues I’ve had with my Mac.

An issue with Spotlight seemed to be causing overheating: especially with any number of Pages documents, open.

I attempted to death with it by emptying the caches in the ~/Library/Metadata/Corespotlightfolder.

So far?

That seems to have worked: although I’ve not tried recording video with many Pages documents open.

The one remaining time I’ve had an issue?

Is when using Finder to access my external drives.

Although that only seemed to cause issues, once.

So far?

So good.

But I have a workaround, if needed: and a rough idea — moving my Pages documents from iCloud — of more things I could try.

If needed.

~≈📄≈~

On a related theme?

When diagnosing the corespotlightd issue, I had to restart my Mac in Safe Mode: the mode that turns off extraneous extensions, and disables third-party apps.

To do that on an Apple Silicon Mac, you need to:

• Turn off your Mac.
• Press and hold the power button until the options screen comes up.
• Select your start up disc.
• Press Shift (⇧) to display the ‘Continue in Safe Mode’ button.

Bear in mind I have a Mac keyboard with two Shift keys, one at each end of the relevant row: and that I’m left-handed.

But, like everyone else, I use my off-hand to press Shift.

My right hand, in my case.

So … ?

Pressing the Shift key, the right Shift key, did nothing.

It wasn’t until I thought to try the left Shift key, that I got the ‘Continue in Safe Mode’ message, and was able to proceed.

I swore, a lot.

And am still a touch annoyed about that.

Yes: I know the regular, shorter, Mac keyboards have one Shift key, and that it’s placed on the left to make it accessible to the right handed majority.

But not everyone’s a north paw.

Apple could possibly re-think that bit of design: or update the Logic board!

~≈👎≈~

As I write … ?

Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, is being bombed.

No-one had said why: although CBS News tells us that the 47th President of the USA has ordered it.

It wouldn’t surprise me: given the actions the President has ordered on Venezuelan shipping.

There’s possibly a lot we can say, there.

For a start?

The President is a blatant, two-faced, hypocrite.

Taking military action, military action of possibly dubious legality, whilst trying to broker peace deals between Ukraine and Russia, and between Israel and Hamas.

I know we expect lies and hypocrisy from world leaders.

But … ?

The 47th President is pushing the boat out, along side dropping bombs.

~≈💣≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 2nd January 2025.

2nd January, 2026.

Right: I wrote, yesterday, that I was having issues with my Mac.

It was overheating, and freezing, when I had a lot of apps open: specifically, a lot of apps, when used with Pages, Apple’s word-processing software.

Or when I have a lot of Pages documents open, some thirty odd, when trying to record a QuickTime video: which normally isn’t an issue.

All I knew for sure … ?

Was Activity Monitor was telling me that processes called corespotlightd and kernel_task were going into overdrive: using up a lot of RAM, and CPU resources, in the processes.

I did a lot of asking around.

Apple’s support line wasn’t especially helpful.

Apple Communities were more useful.

They, and a confirmatory Google search, told me that corespotlightd is the part of Spotlight, the Mac’s onboard search software, that corespotlightd is part of that … 

And that, if the files in corespotlightd’s cache folders go bad … ?

You end up with a look of overheating.

There were — or are, I should say — several solutions.

Most of which involve getting Spotlight to re-index — re-organise — the hard drives.

In my particular case?

That involved opening up the relevant cache folder, ~/Library/Metadata/Corespotlight, then emptying the contents of the folders within it.

Then restarting my machine.

So far … ?

That seems to have solved the problem: although I’ve not used my machine at full pelt.

We’re going to have to see what happens, there.

~≈🍏≈~

The War Between the Land and the Sea — Episode 4 “The Witch of the Waterfall” — A Review

14th December, 2025: “The Witch of the Waterfall”.

An Introduction.

It’s not often I duplicate posts: at least, not often I use the opening of one post as the opening of another.

Except it’s something I did, last week: when writing my introduction to my reviews of the first two episodes of The War Between the Land and the Sea.

And it’s something I’ve repeated with this week’s episodes.

Sue me!

Additionally?

It’s not often I complain about Apple.

For those of you who don’t know, I’m something of a Mac fan: I’m writing this on a 2024 Mac mini, using macOS Tahoe 26.2, and Safari 26.2, to write this post.

I had problems, updating to the new versions, last Thursday: when, after the update to 26.2, my browser would not stay logged into my usual websites, after switching the thing on in the morning.

Then would sign me out when I switched it off.

As you can imagine?

It was very frustrating.

Contacting various people proved little help: including Apple’s community forums.

So?

I contacted Apple’s Support line.

Where an extremely helpful young person managed to diagnose the issue.

All I had to do, it seems, was make a small change to Safari’s preferences: turning off the cross-site tracking option in Safari>Settings>Privacy.

That seems to have solved the problem, for now: although I don’t know what long term issues may happen as a result.

I hope they’re minimal.

But I’m also aware I had that box checked for several years: with no problems.

Why it’s happened with this update?

I don’t know!

~≈🧜🏼‍♂️≈~

My problems aren’t why you’re here.

You’re possibly here out of curiosity, boredom, or a random social media post.

So, if you’re a newcomer to Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar, I’ll have to repeat what I’ve said in earlier posts.

In other words, say “Welcome aboard”, tell you I write the Daily Teaser quiz, and about films and TV shows I’ve watched.

One of those shows?   Is the Dr Who spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea.

I saw the first episodes, “Homo Aqua”, and “Plastic Apocalypse”, last week, and caught the third episode, “The Deep”, last Sunday.

This post?

Is about the fourth episode, “The Witch of the Waterfall”.

Yes: I’ve started this post, early.

But?

It’s Christmas.

It’s busy!

And the weather is acting up.

Let’s move onto the review, shall we … ?

~≈🧜🏼‍♂️≈~

The War Between the Land and the Sea — Episode 3 “The Deep” — A Review

*Spoilers* 

13th December, 2025: “The Deep”.

An Introduction.

It’s not often I duplicate posts: at least, not often I use the opening of one post as the opening of another.

Except it’s something I did, last week: when writing my introduction to my reviews of the first two episodes.

It’s not often I complain about Apple, either.

For those of you who don’t know, I’m something of a Mac fan: and writing this on a 2024 Mac mini, using macOS Tahoe 26.2, using Safari 26.2 to write this post.

I had problems, after updating to those versions, Thursday: when, after the update, my browser would not stay logged into my usual websites after a restart.

You can read more details, here: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/256210549

But, after contacting Apple’s Support line?

It seems all I had to do to correct the issue, was to make a small change to Safari’s preferences: turning off the cross-site tracking option in Safari>Settings>Privacy.

That seems to have solved the problem, for now: although I don’t know what long term problems may happen, as a result.

I can only hope those are minimal.

~≈🧜🏼‍♂️≈~

Me complaining isn’t why you’re here!

No.

So if you’re a newcomer to Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar, I’ll have to repeat what I’ve said in earlier posts.

Tell you I write the Daily Teaser quiz, about films I’ve seen and TV shows I’m watching.

Whether you’re an old timer, or new to this blog?

I started watching the Dr Who spin-off, The War Between the Land and the Sea, starting with the first episodes, “Homo Aqua”, and “Plastic Apocalypse”, last week.

I’ll be doing the same thing, for episodes three and four, this week: and something very similar for the last episode!

Yes: I’m starting this post early.

But?

It’s Christmas.

And I wanted to have a good bitch!

Let’s get on with the review, shall we … ?

~≈🧜🏼‍♂️≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 14th December 2025.

14th December, 2025.

Right … 

I think I know what’s going on.

I updated my operating system, a couple of days ago.

Ever since?

I’ve had issues signing into Blogger.com: and needed to sign into everything, every time I start Safari, after re-starting my machine in the morning.

It’s meant that when I start a post?   I can’t upload photos to it, without having to reset God knows what!

The workaround that I’m using for now … ?

Is simply that I log into the site with Firefox, upload photos, then switch back to Safari.

It’s a right royal pain … 

~≈🦊≈~

About the only thing I can say for certain, though … ?

Is that is the photo uploading problem only happens, only needs the work-around … when I’m adding the first photos!

The next ones, like the ones of the this morning’s gorgeous sunrises?

Aren’t causing issues … !

Why … ?

If I knew that, I possibly wouldn’t have an problem!

~≈📰≈~

14th December, 2025: 10:53

Just as a revision to this post … ?

I’ve contacted Apple’s Support people.

It seems all I had to do to correct the login issue was to make a small change to Safari’s preferences: turning off the ‘Cross-site tracking’ option in Safari>Settings>Privacy.

That seems to have solved the problem, for now: although I don’t know what long term problems may happen, as a result.

Here’s hoping those are minimal.

~≈✔️≈~