Apple’s Major Sci-Fi Series Paves the Way for a Heartbreaking Finale

(SeaPRwire) –   Throughout the first three seasons of For All Mankind, the relationship between the Baldwin and Stevens families shaped the narrative. Spanning from the close bond between Ed Baldwin (Joel Kinnaman) and Gordo Stevens (Michael Dorman) to the complex friendship between Tracy Stevens (Sarah Jones) and Karen Baldwin (Shantel VanSanten), and the sorrowful ties involving Ed and Danny Stevens (Casey W. Johnson) or the fall of Jimmy Stevens (David Chandler), these two clans have defined the show’s generational arc. Yet, during Season 4, the Stevens family was largely absent, allowing the Baldwins to take the lead in interplanetary exploration, both literally and figuratively. However, Season 5 brings the Baldwin-Stevens dynamic back into the spotlight. In the penultimate episode, “Sons and Daughters,” For All Mankind utilizes dramatic irony by pairing the grandchildren of Ed and Gordo in an unexpected yet perfect alliance. Spoilers ahead.

Avery and Alex Unite

Although Avery Stevens’ (Ines Asserson) storyline has been gradual this season, Episode 9 establishes her as perhaps the most crucial character, rivaling Alex Baldwin (Sean Kaufman). Her significance lies in her role as the embodiment of the Stevens dynasty’s return to the main plot. Following Ed’s death in Episode 4, we witnessed Avery confiding in Danielle Poole (Krys Marshall), grappling with her family’s complicated legacy. Her grandparents, as established, died as heroes on the Moon in the Season 2 finale. Conversely, her father was a traitor in Season 3, and her uncle was a de facto bomber. Echoing the Skywalker lineage in Star Wars, Avery fears a curse attached to her surname. Meanwhile, Alex’s journey this season has focused on living up to the perceived heroism and bravery of his grandfather Ed and mother, Kelly Baldwin (Cynthy Wu). While the audience knows Ed and Kelly weren’t perfect, Alex has less to worry about regarding his family’s reputation compared to Danny Stevens. Consequently, when Avery and Alex are thrust together in Episode 9, the show seems to be engaging in a dialogue about the two families and their overwhelming impact on this timeline.

Episode 9 Ending Twist is Full of Irony

When Marines are deployed to retake Happy Valley from Marsie revolutionaries, Alex accidentally shoots his high school friend, Marcus Haskell (Barrett Carnahan). This act involves his best friend, who is serving as a soldier in their shared home on Mars. The audience is aware that Haskell was one of the few Marines to treat Avery with decency without judging her family history. Upon Haskell’s wounding, Alex and Avery bring him to Dev’s (Edi Gathegi) compound on Mars, unaware that their grandparents were once very close. Alex has no idea who Avery is; she uses the surname of her stepfather, Jarrett, and has never left Mars. The fact that Alex accidentally injures his sole friend, who is part of the opposing force, is a stunning twist, potentially the season’s most surprising moment. However, having Avery as his sole ally in the effort to save Haskell is the brilliant stroke.

In the final moments of Episode 9, it is just Avery and Alex, demanding medical care for Haskell from Dev. Will Dev agree? Will Avery and Alex discover their shared history? And, most crucially, will the Baldwins and Stevens succeed in saving the day again by the season finale?

For All Mankind streams on Apple TV. The Season 5 finale airs on Friday, May 29, 2026.