Full spoilers follow for For All Mankind Season 5, Episode 5, which is currently streaming on Apple TV.

This For All Mankind Season 5, Episode 5 Review finds a series that seems to be struggling to maintain its momentum. Just as the show nears greatness, it frequently finds ways to undercut its own tension. Following the recent wildfire of news regarding the Mars automation agreement leak, the episode takes an unexpected turn.

A Stalled Momentum in our For All/All Mankind Season 5, Episode 5 Review

The episode opens with a heavy focus on Irina Morozova (Svetlana Efremova). The former Roscosmos boss and high-ranking KGB handler is shown being held in a Soviet labor/reeducation camp for 19 months. While reintroducing Irina is necessary—especially since she was slated to be part of the Kuragin delegation heading to Mars—the execution feels off.

This montage feels "stuffed" into the start of the episode, likely because there was no other logical placement for it. Unfortunately, this setup leads into an episode filled with major revelations that fail to land. Between rickety dialogue and wooden performances, the emotional weight of these moments often falls flat.

Whistleblowers and Growing Pains

Despite the structural issues, there are bright spots found in the defensive maneuvers of Alex (Sean Kaufman) and Lily (Ruby Cruz). Their recent whistleblowing has put them in a precarious position, yet their reactions offer some character depth:

  • Alex's Dissent: After being called the "actions of a fucking child" by Dev (Edi Gathegi), Alex quits Helios. He argues that Dev’s automation plans for Meru will create a community where "only a chosen few get to be a part of."
  • Lily's Naivety: Lily struggles to grasp the gravity of her actions, focusing more on losing her acceptance to Tulane than the legal reality. It isn't until her father warns her of a potential 20-year prison sentence that she realizes why Miles (Toby Kebbell) has been so strict.

While Alex’s decision to turn in his badge as a data-entry specialist is somewhat ineffectual, it remains perfectly in character for a 17-year-old trying to find meaning in his life.

Investigating the Conspiracy

The most disappointing element of this episode is the plot involving Celia Boyd (Mirely Enos). She has finally uncovered the truth regarding Yoon Tae-min’s murder and its connection to the automation plans. While it is a clever juxtaposition to have Boyd digging through the system from the inside while Alex and Lily act as outsiders, the payoff is lacking.

The pivotal confrontation between Boyd and her partner, Fred (Tyler Labine)—who is revealed to be Yoon’s murderer and Palmer’s puppet—lacks the necessary tension. There was no sense of betrayal or fear to make the revelation resonate with the audience.

As the episode concludes, the stakes shift toward physical conflict. The MPK has been deployed to enforce a new curfew on Happy Valley to suppress "Mars is ours" protesters. This presence only escalates the situation into full-blown violence as protesters attempt to storm the control center where Governor Polivanov (Costa Ronin) is stationed. The episode finally finds its motion in these final minutes, and we can only hope Episode 6 keeps that energy moving forward.