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 … 

~≈👾≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 8 — The Rightside Up — A Review

27th March, 2026.

“The Rightside Up”.

An Introduction.

Right … It’s officially Friday, again … !

Which means several things.

First … ?

I’ve backed some blurays up: and taken the things to an old friend.

Which reminds me — as ever — that I really need to write about HandBrake, and MakeMKV.

Or, at least, how to use that to turn those apps to copy optical discs, and turn them into the sort of digital files one can play on … 

Well … 

Devices … !

~≈🐙≈~

At any rate … it’s Friday?

And?

Tonight I’m going to be watching “The Rightside Up”, the last episode of Stranger Things, series five … and of Stranger Things, itself.

Hopefully … ?

And as of 18·30 on Friday, 27th March, 2026 … ?

This will be worth it.

But, as ever and always?

I’ll be letting you know what I thought, by this coming Tuesday.

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 7 — The Bridge — A Review

20th March, 2026.

“The Bridge”.

An Introduction.

Right then … it’s Friday, again … !

A day that sees me cooking the obligatory fish supper, revelling in the order I’ve put into Amazon — a box, remote controls, cables and some vitamins — and wondering at a phone call I had, this morning.

I reported a neighbour to the police, a while back: as they’d been behaving in a way that caused me some concern.

Let’s call them Kylie.

It was my attempt at a welfare check: as I was concerned Kylie was being cuckooed.

It was only this morning … that I had a separate call about the person: from someone calling from a Brentwood landline — 01277 381687 — claiming to be called ‘Richard’, and claiming to be from a small, hush-hush, police team, that specialised in ‘collecting information from knowledgable people’*: wanting to know if I could tell them more about Kylie.

Which I couldn’t.

They also told me I should put in another welfare check about this person, and another — let’s call them Fiona — who was a shared contact.

Very specifically on 101, the police non-emergency line.

Which I tried.

101 told me to phone 111: the NHS non-emergency line.

Who were happy to take Fiona’s details, and send someone along.

So … ?

I tried phoning the Brentwood number, the 01277 381687 number, again, to let them know what I’d been told.

Only to get a ‘Number Not Recognised’ message.

Fair enough: they didn’t want me speaking to them.

But … ?

Getting a ‘Number Not Recognised’ message, about a number that had been working a few hours before, seemed very strange … !

But enough of my day … you’re here because of TV shows.

Any least, I hope you are!

It’s Friday: so I’m going to be watching the penultimate episode of Stranger Things’ fifth series, tonight.

Then letting you know what I thought about it by Tuesday, 23rd March.

I’m looking forward to an hour’s worth of TV that makes more sense than my afternoon!

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 6 — Escape From Camazotz — A Review

13th March, 2026.

“Escape From Camazotz”.

An Introduction.

It’s Friday.

And, as I start this review?

I’ve got dinner cooking: as I’d rather start it sooner, than latter.

I have music, playing: Jarre’s Oxygène, in case you’re wondering.

And, once those are done with … ?

I’ll be watching “Escape From Camazotz”: the next episode of Stranger Things’ fifth series.

Remind me to look ‘Camazotz’ up by the end of this post.

~≈🐙≈~

As an ongoing thought, for those who’ve been following me for a while … ?

I’m in receipt of various welfare benefits: I get Universal Credit, and Personal Independence Payments if you’re curious.

Here in the UK, house-holders are liable to pay council tax: a tax on property, owed to the relevant local council, that pays for local services.

Last year, the first year I was on PIP?

I was pleasantly surprised: as I was getting that specific benefit, I was exempt from paying the tax.

My bill for this year has just come through: and confirmed I’m exempt from paying, this year.

I’m grateful: it’s one less thing to worry about.

~≈🐙≈~

To get back to my original point … ?

It’s Friday: which means it’s TV night.

So I’ll be watching “Escape From Camazotz”: then writing my review.

Hopefully?

You’ll be reading this by Tuesday, 17th March, 2026.

Hopefully, it’ll make sense!

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 5 — Shock Jock — A Review

6th March, 2026: “Shock Jock”.

An Introduction.

If I’m being completely honest?

I’ll admit to a certain amount of glumness.

I suffer with depression, so you know: and, usually, the fluoxetine I take is a big help.

But Wednesday, just gone, was my birthday: and it’s … … 

Well, getting older has bitten: and left me feeling miserable.

More so than usual.

No: before you ask.

It’s not bad enough to want to do anything stupid!

But?

I’m very aware of some things:

Playing some of the sillier games on my computer keeps me busy, and helps lift my mood.

Buying unhealthy snacks does likewise: although I’m equally aware that’s not a good option, as I struggle with my weight.

That I should possibly make another appointment with my GP: and talk about upping the dosage.

Heigh … ho!

~≈🐙≈~

Something else that should keep me busy?

Or, at least, has, recently?

Is simply watching TV.

As you’re aware, I’ve recently been watching the last series of Stranger Things fifth season.

Last week?

I caught “Sorcerer”.

Tonight?

I’ll be settling in with Chapter five, “Shock Jock”: then finishing this review by this coming Monday, 9th March.

I hope you’ll be reading it!

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 4 — Sorcerer — A Review

2nd March, 2026: “Sorcerer”.

An Introduction.

It’s Friday.

Which means several things.

Mostly that I’ll be eating dinner, soon: it’s that time on a Friday.

I also have something of a confession.

I’ve downloaded Apple’s Creator Studio: as a cheap way to get hold of Final Cut Pro, Apple’s pro level video editing suite.

So, hopefully, I’ll be using it to edit and export my reviews.

The one thing that HAS surprised me?

Is that the suite comes with an app called Compressor, that lets you scale videos up or down.

Including up to 8k resolution.

I don’t think I’ll be using it on a regular basis: I’ve just upscaled a two and a half test video — dummy footage in a dummy project, that’s the basis of my Daily Teaser videos — and it’s taken some ten minutes … 

And left my sixteen gigabyte, M4 Mac mini hot enough to boil tea!

I’ll probably make more use of it … when I get a new machine, with more RAM … !

~≈🐙≈~

At any rate, it’s still Friday, and dinner is still cooking.

Once that’s done?

I’ll wash up: then watch the fourth episode of Stranger Things 5: “Sorcerer” will hopefully maintain the quality of the series, thus far.

And let us know what’s happening with Max!

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 3 — The Turnbow Trap — A Review

20th February, 2026.

“The Turnbow Trap”.

An Introduction.

Right at the moment … ?

I’m contemplating dinner.

I actually have enough to get a take out: and eat it in front of … 

Well, practically anything that’s on TV, to be honest.

My building’s communal aerial got fixed, this morning.

So watching TV’s something of a delight.

That said … ?

I’ll probably be watching something on YouTube, rather than the usual news channels.

There’s only so much about Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor a body can put up with … !

~≈🐙≈~

At any rate … ?

I’ve a busy weekend, this weekend: I’ve got my nephew, tomorrow, hopefully, and be having dinner at my mothers on Sunday … 

So … ?

I’ll be watching the next episode of Stranger Things 5, “The Turnbow Trap”, tonight: then … ?

Given some luck, patience and a halfway decent meal, I’ll have this review posted by Monday, 23rd February.

That’s we both of us will find out how good the episode was … 

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 2 — The Vanishing Of Holly Weaver — A Review

13th February, 2026.

“The Vanishing Of Holly Weaver”.

An Introduction.

Last week, I started watching series five of Stranger Things.

On Saturday night.

Just in case you were interested in either reading my written review, or watching the video version.

You’re still welcome to do both.

I’m also very aware that I said I’d be watching the next episode, “The Vanishing Of Holly Weaver”, tomorrow night, and have my written and video reviews up by Tuesday.

But … ?

I think I’m nephew-sitting, tomorrow: so I’m going to watch the episode, tonight … then have my reviews (hopefully) by Monday.

Keep your eyes peeled!

~≈🐙≈~

Just as a side-step … ?

If you’ve read today’s Daily Teaser quiz — or yesterday’s, come to that matter — will be aware of … the Toaster Situation … !

It’s a bit too complicated to go into, here: so let me just tell you I’ve got a new toaster, due.

One that turned up, today: and works!

Good gum drops!

~≈🐙≈~

Stranger Things — Series 5: Chapter 1 — The Crawl — A Review

7th February, 2026.

“The Crawl”.

An Introduction.

I’ve officially been putting things off for a while.

Yes: I’ve officially been doing things!

Things that meant finding time to do other things was tricky.

You know, now I see that written down, it occurs to me that it’s not the most informative thing I’ve ever put to paper!

Let me put it this way: I’ve been busy … 

No, that doesn’t work, either … 

Let me put it like this: I’ve not watched a TV show, nor reviewed it, since Christmas.

So … ?

I’m going to remedy that, tonight: by starting on Stranger Things 5: the five and last series of Stranger Things.

Once I’ve had dinner, obviously!

~≈🐙≈~

Just as a thought for newcomers to Nik Nak’s Old Peculiar, or my @MrCuddy2977 YouTube channel?

I’ve been writing this blog since 2008: and in all that time … ?

Done written reviews of the whole series.

But only done video reviews of the fourth one.

When I first got a webcam.

I’m might add more Stranger Things content: but there seems little point doing so respectively.

At any rate, I’ve started this review of “The Crawl” on Saturday, 7th February: and should have it finished by Monday, 9th February.

I’ll hopefully see you then … 

~≈🐙≈~

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!

~≈🖖≈~

Star Trek Discovery — Series 5 Episode 9 — “Lagrange Points” — A Review

23rd May, 2024: an announcement.

Right … Whilst dinner’s doing … ?

I’m going to do my usual thing.

Stare off, mournfully, into the middle distance … before I remind you that it’s Thursday.

Which means I’m going to be watching Star Trek Discovery’s latest episode, “Lagrange Points”, tonight.

Then … ?

Telling you about it, tomorrow night!

I’ll see you then.

~≈🖖≈~