America is obsessed with a lot of things: power, money, religion, democracy, etc.
And while these things have been used to exploit others for hundreds of years, there is a fundamental principle that was the bedrock for the country’s foundation that remains true to this day: freedom.
The concept might have gotten hijacked over the last few decades by various groups, but true freedom is something worth fighting for.
This desire has been seen throughout history, not just in America, so when Mars demands its freedom, that doesn’t seem far-fetched.
For All Mankind Season 5 Episode 5 “Svoboda” is what the show has been building towards this season.
It is the point of no return, where all the tensions and resentment that have been building through the years are released physically.
Mars and the M6 have not been in sync for a long time, and everything they have been doing to hide these fault lines has been a bandage for a wound that requires surgical intervention.
The interplanetary trips, peacekeepers, and curriculum have been used to hide the fact that both parties have a different vision for this planet.
And what happens in this episode is an important moment in this civilization’s history.
If they don’t get crushed, the residents will regale their descendants with tales of fighting for freedom, and it will be written in history books.
The episode is quite contained, with events taking place almost exclusively in the pods.
There are no major updates on Sojourner’s progress or how everything is going on Earth.
This hour is when Ed’s presence is felt most strongly, as the lessons he’d taught his grandson begin to need real-world application.
No one loved a little bit of chaos like Ed Baldwin, and when Alex sees the escalating situation, he wonders what Ed would do.
His desire to live like his grandfather could be a double-edged sword, either inspiring him to do great things or destroying his life.
But I’m confident that if Ed were present, he would be happy that Alex took a stand and saw it through.
Many people pay lip service to causes, but when push comes to shove, they’re nowhere to be seen.
Alex sacrifices his job at Helios, and even when his mother foreshadows trouble, he doesn’t retreat.
This is Alex’s hour to shine, and he made Ed proud. It remains to be seen if he keeps doing that once the consequences pile up.
Give Me Freedom or Give Me Death
“Svobodo” is a masterclass in tension.
You can just feel it escalating with every passing scene as truths come out about Alex’s actions at Helios or the real culprit in the murder that rocked Happy Valley.
Once again, capitalism has placed profits above everything else, and what didn’t work on Earth isn’t working here either.
At some point, lines have to be drawn, and Mars draws theirs.
The immediate response by the powers that be is to use draconian measures like curfews and anti-protest forces, and we’ve seen how this script plays out.
The crescendo peaks when the peacekeepers go to town on the protestors.
People will sit by and let you do whatever you want to them, but they won’t afford you the same courtesy when their loved ones are on the receiving end.
That’s how quickly peaceful protests can devolve into chaos. Miles’ decision to save his daughter is understandable and the most natural thing a parent can do.
At that moment, it’s not about peace or the protest but about Lily.
And then, as usual, armed forces make things worse by firing a gun.
I don’t think we’ve even seen a weapon go off on this planet, so this does feel like a major escalation — more like a defilement.
Mars does not carry the same innocence it did after several people have been shot dead. My jaw was gaping open when that gun went off because I never saw that coming.
That’s the inflection point.
If Mars residents were resisting, now they’re about to become radical.
The shootings are not the worst thing to happen; more is on the horizon, especially when corporations enter the picture, led by none other than Irina.
Her return cannot mean anything good.
And remember the Marines team from Episode 4? This is war.
Gut Check
“Svobodo” was a bit dull for the first three quarters, but then everything goes south and makes up for the soapy bits.
Even more importantly, we seem to be keeping forward momentum with the story.
That said, the season seems to be falling into the same trap Season 4 was in: uninteresting stakes.
I care about freedom, but I care more about extraterrestrial life.
Intrusive Thoughts
- Dev wants to build a city for people while also automating everything. Who will live in that city, genius?
- The governor and his wife repulse me. We get, you’re in love!
- So, Alex worked for what? One day and quit? The look on Dev’s face was well worth it, though.
Alright. Over to you, For All Mankind fanatics. What did you think of the story this hour? Is Alex’s shift to becoming Ed junior good for him? Has the narrative become too big for the show to do justice?
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.
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