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 … !

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Series 3 Episode 10 — “New Life and New Civilizations” — A Review

11th September, 2025: “New Life and New Civilizations”.

The Introduction.

Right now, I’m not like George Orwell.

Right now, highly civilized human beings aren’t flying overhead: nor are they trying to kill me.

Instead of the Luftwaffe flying over my flat, I have alternating patches of cloud, and clear sky.

Clouds that darkened the sky, leaving the air drenched in torrential rain … 

Then, mere minutes later?

Clouds that have moved: chased east by pleasant sunshine, and bringing the smell of wet concrete.

That’s an attractive smell, I think: and one I can put up with, now the rain has stopped, however temporarily.

~≈🖖≈~

The weather is possibly not why you’re reading this: is it?

No.

You’ve — hopefully! — become so entranced by quizzes and written reviews, that you’ve bookmarked my blog: in an effort to keep up with what I’m doing.

So, I can tell you this.

• I’ve started cooking dinner.
• I’m wondering what the result of my next blood sugar test will be.
• I’m going to watch the last episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Yes: I’m going to be sitting down with “New Life and New Civilizations”: then letting you know what I thought by Sunday, 14th September.

Hopefully?

We’ll have have a big finale … !

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 5 Episode 10 — “Life, Itself” — A Review

30th May, 2024: the Introduction.

It’s official: it’s Thursday.

And … ?

Frankly, today is the day … where the last episode of Star Trek Discovery is broadcast.

Aired?

Streamed?

Whatever!

At any rate, I — and a few Jammie Dodgers — going to be watching that episode.

Then telling you about it, and the series it closes, tomorrow night.

I’ll see you then!

~≈🖖≈~

For All Mankind — Series 4 Episode 10 — “Perestroika” — A Review

15th January, 2024: the introduction!

Right then … 

As I type — write? create? — this post, I’ve got an air fryer cooking some potatoes behind me.

Ones that will go very well with the sausages and vegetables I’ve got doing.

You’d possibly guessed I’m cooking: especially if you’ve been following my For All Mankind posts for a while.

At any rate: I’m doing dinner.

Then … ?

I’ll be watching the tenth — and last — episode of For All Mankind’s fourth series.

I’ll have this post — and its video equivalent — published late tomorrow: 16th January.

I’d love to hear what you think: both about the series, and my reviews!

~≈👾≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds Episode 10 — “Hegemony” — A Review

11th August, 2023: the Intro.

Not that I’m trying to rush myself … 

But … ?

I’ve just turned down the oven!

Which possibly doesn’t make sense: unless you’re me!

At any rate … ?

And as you’ve possibly guessed, by now?

It’s a Friday: which means I’ll be having fish and chips for dinner.

Then watching the next — and last — episode of season two of Star Trek Strange New Worlds.

From the very little I’m reading?

“Hegemony” could well be interesting.

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 3 Episode 10 — The Last Generation — A Review

21st April,  2023: ‘The Last Generation’.

*Spoilers*

Right … it’s Friday, again: and I’m hoping like hell that my chips haven’t burnt.

I’m having fish and chips, again.

So you know.

Frankly?

I’m looking forward to it.

As … ?

Once I’ve eaten, I’ll be watching ‘The Last Generation’, the last episode of Star Trek Picard.

We’ll have to see how it goes!

~≈🖖≈~

For All Mankind — Series 3 Episode 10 — Stranger in a Strange Land — A Review.

9th April, April: ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’.

Yes: it’s officially Sunday night.

And?

Dinner has been eaten, painkillers taken … 

And TV will be watched.

Yes: it’s Easter Sunday.

And I’m going to be settling in with ‘Stranger in a Strange Land’: the last episode of this season of For All Mankind.

I’ll have my review up, tomorrow night.

Come back, then: you can find out what I thought … !

~≈🪐≈~

Star Trek Strange New Worlds — Episode 10 — A Quality of Mercy — A Review.

25th November, 2022

Is it me … or is it amazing how fast time goes?

It’s possibly not just me, is it?

After all, it only seems like last week that it was a Friday … and that I was telling I would be watching an episode of … 

Yeah: OK.

It’s Friday, again!   And, yet again, I’m going to be watching an episode of Star Trek Strange New Worlds: it’s A Quality of Mercy, the last one of the first series, so you know.

And, of course, I’ll be watching, once I’ve had dinner.

I’ll be posting my reviews, tomorrow night!

I’ll see you then!

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 2 Episode 10 — Farewell — A Review

26th August, 2022.

It’s a Friday evening: and … ?

I’m going to be having dinner: again!

Any minute now, in fact.

After that … ?

I’m going to do my usual thing: and watch another episode of Star Trek Picard.

It’s called Farewell: and it’ll be the last Picard episode I watch for a while, as it’s the last in the current series.

I’ll have my review up, tomorrow: and will see you then.

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 4 Episode 10 — The Galactic Barrier — A Review

27th May, 2022.

Yay!

It’s Friday!

Which means … ?

Well, frankly, I’d possibly be heading out … if I had the cash and somewhere to go.

It’s getting toward’s summer, after all.

However?   I’m happy to watch TV … with the curtains, and windows, open!

I can get some sunlight, and air, in: whilst eating dinner.

And watch the next episode — episode ten, The Galactic Barrier — of Star Trek Discovery’s fourth season.

~≈🚀≈~

Lovecraft Country — Series 1 Episode 10 — Full Circle: A Review

*Spoilers*

9th November, 2021.

Right … 

I have to admit, I’m off to bed.

It feels like I’ve had a longer day than I’ve actually had.

If that makes sense?

At any rate … ?

I think that really BIG portion of spaghetti sauce was … you know … a bit much.

So, an early night, after a heavy dinner, and watching — and doing the notes for — the last episode of Lovecraft Country, seems the thing.

As I write, it’s Tuesday.

I’ll tell you more about the episode, tomorrow.

~≈🐙≈~

For All Mankind — Series 2 Episode 10 — The Grey — A Review

8th June, 2021.

It’s officially official.

It’s getting late.

But I’ve just done two things, TV related, today.

First?   I managed to sell off my blu-ray copy of the Doctor Who Collection Season 10 box set to the Romford branch of CeX: and got what I believe to be a reasonable price for it.

That — effectively — reduces the price I paid for it.

So, no complaints, there, then.

The other bit of TV related stuff?

I’ve finally managed to catch the last episode of For All Mankind’s second season.   I’ll tell you more about that, tomorrow night.

~≈Á≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 3 Episode 10 — Terra Firma Pt 2 — A Review

9th January, 2021.

OK … 

It’s … 

As much as I’d say it’s late on a Saturday night?

It’s also possibly not.

It’s just gone 20:42.

Twenty to nine, if you want to put it that way.

Frankly?

I’m going to get an early night, I think.

I’m still reading Arthur Machen’s The White People and Other Weird Stories: and it’s getting to some of the interesting tales.

But … ?

I wanted to make sure I’d let you know one thing.

I’ve seen the tenth episode of Star Trek Discovery’s third series.

And wanted to get started on the post about it.

~≈🖖🏻≈~

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels — Series 1 Episode 10 — Day of The Dead — A Review

28th June, 2020.

Not that I’m feeling rushed or anything … but I’m not feeling rushed.

Which is possibly contradictory, I think.

I’m not feeling rushed … but am feeling tired … !

Cie la vie … !

At any rate … ?

I’ve not felt tired enough to not to watch TV.

Frankly?

The last episode of Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, Series 1, was calling.

And, my lord, that’s one hell of a finale.

~≈Ö≈~

Star Trek Picard — Series 1 Episode 10 — Et in Arcadia Ego, Part 2 — A Review

9th April, 2020.

You know, I think I’ve just got the Clap … 

I’m being very metaphorical, here, I should add!

For the past few weeks, the idea of clapping — at 8 o’clock on a Thursday evening — to show ones appreciation for the keyworkers of the National Health Service.

I have to admit to feeling a little bit uncomfortable about it, myself.

Yes: it’s a nice gesture: one that shows our support for a service that is Britain’s finest.

But I can’t help but think it’s exactly that: a gesture.

One we don’t do under normal circumstances, when, maybe, we should.

And a gesture that should be replaced.

By proper funding for their places of work, a more than generous pay-rise for still living staff, good pensions … 

And equally good arrangements for the families of NHS staff who’ve died as a result of Covid-19.

~≈®≈~

All this happened of course, just as I was sitting down in front of the TV.

Gesture, or otherwise?

The least I could do was hold on for five minutes, whilst the applause was going on.

Before I watch the last episode of Star Trek Picard, series one … 

~≈®≈~

Doctor Who — Series 12: Episode 10 — The Timeless Children — A Review

1st March, 2020.

It’s a Sunday … 

You know this, already.

And, if you anything like me?

On a night when there’s nothing to do, you’ll end up doing a few things.

You’ll need up trying to keep yourself yourself occupied.

What do you do, out of interest?   Watch the big match?   Read a book?   Recreational somethings?

I’m pretty sure you can let me know.

Speaking personally?

I’d rather not spend my time with beer: I spent too many years as a barman.

I — occasionally — spend time with friends and family.

It’s my birthday, on Wednesday: so I got treated to a meal, and a session of ten pin bowling, with my sister and nephew.

Ruth won, with a total of ninety-seven points.   I came in second, Jude came in last.

I don’t think Jude was happy, either!

He’s healthily competitive.

At any rate … ?

Tonight is Sunday night.

Which, over the past few months … ?

Means I’m watching just the one TV show.

Yes: I’ve seen the final episode of Doctor Who, Series 12.

There’s a possibility of a meaningful look.

~≈¥≈~

For All Mankind — Series 1 Episode 10 — A City Upon a Hill — A Review

8th February, 2020.

You know, I think I’ve had a quiet day, today.

Really.

Well … bar the usual jobhunting, cleaning, weight watching … 

And wondering what the HELL the banging noises are, from upstairs.

One of these days?

I’ll go up there, and ask!

At any rate … ?

It’s been quiet enough that — frankly? — I’ve been bored.

And managed to more TV that I usually do.

Including The Body in the Pool, the documentary about the death of a young man called Stuart Lubbock: at the home of entertainer, Michael Barrymore.

Quite what happened, there?

I’m still not sure, either.

Although the statements made in the documentary tell us Lubbock was raped, then murdered.

I can believe that: as many of those statements came from the four pathologists.

Frankly?

We’ll never know.

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

That wasn’t necessarily the TV show I was going to watch.

Nope.

I was intent on finishing what I started … and watching the last episode of For All Mankind, Series 1.

Ahem!

~≈†≈~

Mr Robot — Series 4: Episodes 11 — eXit — A Review

16th December, 2019.

You know, being out of a job can be …  depressing, at times.

It can also have it’s upsides.

One very simple one … ?

Is that you get the occasional bit of help.

In my case?   I’ve been put on a course that’s supposed to help with CV writing and interview technique.

Whether it will?

Is something else.

The real upside?

Is that, with a little hard work, we should get to finish a day or two early.

Tomorrow, in other words.

Which certainly appeals.

At any rate, I had no actual homework, to do, tonight.

Which is good.

It meant I could actually watch some TV.

Yes: I’m almost done with Series 4 of Mr Robot

~≈†≈~

The Man in the High Castle — Series 4 Episodes 10: Episode 10 Fire from the Gods — A Review

14th December, 2019.

Yes: it’s officially Saturday night.

With little in the way of cash.

Which, unfortunately?   Is the perils of unemployment.

You have plenty of time to do whatever you want … 

But no actual cash to do it with.

Frankly?

That means a cheap night in, watching TV.

Yes: you’re right: I watched the last episode of The Man in the High Castle.

Hmmm … 

~≈¥≈~

Mr Robot — Series 4: Episodes 10 — 410 Gone — A review

10th December, 2019

Yes: it’s officially official.

I’ve actually watched a TV show, tonight.

But … 

I’m thankful for emails.

I’ve been on a course, today.

Part of the work?

Part of the work was to draw up a poster: stating our theoretical company’s diversity.

The version I did?

Was bloody awful: at least that’s what I felt.

So I did another, when I got home: that I felt was better.

OK, still not perfect … 

But better, I felt.

~≈†≈~

At any rate … ?

About TV … ?

Yes: I’ve been watching TV shows, again.

And if you hadn’t guessed?

Yes: I’ve seen another episode in Mr Robot’s fourth series.

~≈†≈~