Star Trek Strange New Worlds — Series 5 Episode 1 — “Valles Marineris” — A Review

9th October, 2026: “Valles Marineris”.

The Introduction.

Well, finally: it’s Friday!

Or, at least, it wass a Friday … when I’ve started this post.

I’ve got some stuff done, today, I’ve got dinner on the go, and … ?

I’ve got time to sit in with “Valles Marineris”, the first episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds fourth series.

As you can imagine, I’ve been keeping well clear of social media: to avoid spoilers.

via GIPHY

Hopefully, I’ll be able to get through this series without — metaphorically — shooting myself in the foot.

And get both the written and video versions of this review done by Tuesday, 13th October.

~≈🖖≈~

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 … 

~≈👾≈~

Good Omens — Series 3 Episode 1 — “The Finale” — A Review

20th May, 2026: The Introduction.

It’s officially the case: that I’m starting to catch up with myself.

Or, at least, that I’ve got dinner on the go, caught up with the Teasers and released a video: about copying blu-rays discs.

Frankly?

I’m glad I found the ‘drop shadow’ feature in Final Cut Pro.

I don’t know if it does much for the opening titles … but at least the shadowing helps, I think.

At any rate … ?   And with that out of the way?

I can move on.

And catch up with a few things.

One thing I meant to catch up with?

Is a few TV shows.

So, tonight?

I’m going to eat dinner, wash up, boil the kettle … 

And watch the last ever episode of Good Omens.

Given this review will take a while … ?

I expect to have this written review done by Friday, 22d May, and expect to have the video done the same day.

I hope you’ll be sticking around for … “The Finale” … 

~≈🪽≈~

Nik Nak’s Daily Teaser — 15-5-206 — Shaffer and Shaffer (Six questions)

15th May, 2026: Shaffer and Shaffer.

Right … it’s PAY DAY!

Which means I can buy chocolate: I’ve been craving it for days.

Why … ?

I have no idea … !

~≈🍫≈~

It seems Kier Starmer, the UK’s Prime Minister, is facing problems: after bad results for Labour at this year’s local elections.

Problems that include leadership contender, Wes Streeting, resigning his ministerial post.

And fellow leadership contender, Andy Burnham, in a position to stand as an MP … and therefore challenge the PM as party leader.

I think any challenge is going to take a while.

If for no other reason than Andy Burnham would have to be elected to Parliament, before he could launch a challenge.

I can’t help but vaguely think a few things.

Think that Wes Streeting seems a little too fat, a little too sleek, too untrustworthy, for my tastes.

By contrast?

Andy Burnham has a huge advantage.

He’s presentable … and has a Scouse accent, a Liverpool accent.

In other words, has an accent that sounds honest.

Burnham’s probably no less a lying ragbag than any other politician.

And, frankly?

He’d have little chance of winning an election, if he stood here in Brentwood: Brentwood’s been a safe Tory seat for years, and one that’s likely to elect a Reform MP at the next General Election.

But if I lived in a left leaning constituency?

I’d be happy to vote Burnham.

Purely because he sounds honest … 

That’s one hell of an asset.

~≈🗳️≈~

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: Strange New Worlds — Series 3 - Episode 9 — “Terrarium” — A Review

4th September, 2025: “Terrarium”.

The Introduction.

Right, then.

It’s just coming up for half past four in the afternoon: and it’s almost time to start dinner.

What I’ll have … ?

Is not something I’ve made my mind up about, as yet.

I’m not necessarily in the mood for red meat: but not necessarily in the mood for chicken.

Or anything with gravy.

Or … well … anything fried … !

I suspect I’ll make my mind up … when I eventually open the ’fridge and see what’s there.

It might just have to be sausages … again … !

~≈🍽️≈~

At any rate … ?

You’ve possibly noticed the date at the top of the post, haven’t you … ?

It’s the fourth of September, 2025: and a Thursday.

Which means I’ll be watching “Terrarium”, the next episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, tonight.

And … ?

I’ll have my written, and video, review of the thing up by Sunday, 7th September.

Hopefully?

You’ll be impressed enough to leave me a comment … 

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds — Series 3 - Episode 8 — “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans” — A Review

28th August, 2025: “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans”.

The Introduction.

Right, then: it’s officially Thursday.

And … ?

I have a version of Strauss the Younger’s “The Blue Danube” playing in the background.

I’ve copied a 4k version of V for Vendetta: and I’m transcoding the copy with Handbrake, so I can stream it to my AppleTV, as and when.

One of these days, I’ll tell you how to do that.

I’m also struggling to make up my mind: about what to have for dinner.

It boils down to three things: sausages, burgers or chicken.

I think I’ll go for chicken: frankly, I’ve had sausages, and burgers, already!

This week, I should clarify!

“Gosh!” I hear you say, “that’s so exciting!”

It’s OK.

I’ll get to the interesting stuff, after dinner.

Yes, it’s that of week again.

Once I’ve had dinner, I’ll be watching “Four-and-a-Half Vulcans”: this week’s episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

It looks promising … 

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Series 3 Episode 7 — “What Is Starfleet?” — A Review

21st August, 2025: “What is Starfleet?”.

The Intro.

Right, then: once again, we reach a Thursday!

Which means … ?

Yes: you’re right.   I’m cooking dinner, again.

A burger, if you’re curious: with home made chips, and vegetables.

Once I’ve eaten … ?

I’ll be doing what I’ve done for the past few weeks, and watching the next few episodes of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, then telling you about it by Saturday, 23rd August.

If “What Is Starfleet?” is anything like last weeks episode?

There’s a possibility of time machines … 

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Series 3 Episode 6 — “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail” — A Review

14th August, 2025: “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail”.

The Intro.

Right: it’s officially Thursday.

And … ?

It’s a sweltering hot day: my thermostat’s telling me my flat’s at twenty-seven degrees, and there’s not a breath of air coming through the wide open windows.

Although the neighbours will possibly be enjoying the Communards cover of “Don’t Leave Me This Way”, blaring out at them.

His Reverence did one hell of a piano solo!

Nonetheless?

It’s hot: the temperature, that is.

So having the oven on, isn’t helping.

Well … temperature-wise, it isn’t helping.

Dinner-wise, it’s working well.

I’d rather not cook a burger on the pavement: however hot the concrete is.

However, once dinner’s done … ?

Once dinner’s done, I’m going to eat it … then watch TV.

Yep: it’s Thursday.

So it means I’ll watching “The Sehlat Who Ate Its Tail”, the next episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds … 

Then, hopefully, finishing this review by Saturday, 16th August.

Hopefully, you’ll be pleased with the results.

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Series 3 Episode 5 — “Through the Lens of Time” — A Review

*Spoilers.* 

7th August, 2025: “Through the Lens of Time”.

The Intro.

Gosh … but it’s early on a Thursday!

Actually, that’s something of a lie.

As I write this?

It’s a Thursday afternoon: and Numan’s The Pleasure Principle is on in the background.

Because … ?

The BBC’s news channel is boring me, and YouTube … ?

Has a lot I’d like to watch, but will find distracting while I’m writing.

So … ?

Getting an early start on a review of a new episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds … ?

Seems like a good idea … 

I’ll be watching “Through the Lens of Time” — the episode in question — tonight.

And should have my written and video reviews up, by Sunday, 10th August.

Hopefully?

You’ll be glued to them!

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Series 3 Episode 4 — “A Space Adventure Hour” — A Review

31st July, 2025: “A Space Adventure Hour” — The Intro.

It’s officially official.

It’s that time of week again.

The time when I sit myself down in front of a computer screen, and tell you two things.

One … ?

I’ve got a duet by Nena and Kim Wilde — “Anyplace, Anywhere, Anytime” — on in the background.

As the song plays?

I think to myself that Nena — in the video — looks a lot like Molly Millions: William Gibson’s iconic Neuromancer character.

As I always do.

Two?

The other thing I always tell you, is simply this.

That’s it’s Thursday, I’m doing dinner … and, once that’s eaten … ?

I’m going to be watching the next episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Then letting you know what I thought, by this Saturday.

Hopefully … ?

My banging on about 80s singers won’t have put you off … !

~≈🖖≈~