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(SeaPRwire) –   For years, a fictional astronaut has been venturing further into space. Ed Baldwin, portrayed by Joel Kinnaman, has been the central figure of *For All Mankind* since its inception. His past achievements include leading the establishment of the first Moonbase in Season 1, preventing a global conflict on the Pathfinder shuttle in Season 2, reaching Mars in Season 3, and acquiring an asteroid in Season 4. Now, at the beginning of Season 5, Ed’s journey appears to be concluding just three episodes in.

Inverse spoke with Joel Kinnaman to discuss a significant spoiler revealed in Season 5, Episode 3, titled “Home.” This is your final warning to stop reading if you have not yet seen this episode.

Spoilers follow.

Amidst rising tensions on Mars, the episode “Home” shows Ed drifting in and out of consciousness. During these moments, he recalls a mission from the Korean War, which occurred in the 1950s, prior to the series’ timeline. The episode illustrates Ed’s impact on the present, but as he succumbs to his cancer, Ed also flashes back to a Gemini mission in the 1960s with Gordo (Michael Dorman). Shantel VanSanten reprises her role as Karen Baldwin in this flashback, providing Ed with a poignant farewell as he passes away.

This episode serves as a culmination of five seasons and over 50 years of fictional history. Kinnaman shared with Inverse, “Even though this has always been an ensemble show that follows a lot of different characters, Ed has a little special place in the center of the show.”

To reflect on this pivotal moment, which appears to be Ed’s final episode, Inverse connected with Kinnaman to gather his thoughts on portraying Ed, his appreciation for the series, and the importance of optimistic narratives.

What was your reaction upon learning that Ed would die in Season 5? And were you relieved it wasn’t from old age?

The show was initially conceived with a five-season plan. Later, it was expanded to a seven-season arc before settling on six. Consequently, Ed was projected to be in his 80s or 90s. It was agreed that this season was the opportune time for his departure. The showrunners included me in the discussion, sharing their intentions. They did not want to begin a new season without Ed.

However, we also aimed to surprise the audience by having him die relatively early in the season. This approach allows for a smoother transition of the narrative baton and provides more time for the implications to resonate.

Concurrently with Ed’s farewell, we experience an extended flashback to a period predating the show’s start.

It was a very enjoyable experience. In a single episode, I had the opportunity to portray both the youngest and oldest versions of Ed! The Korean War episode has been a topic of discussion for three to four years. During Season 3, a writer proposed the idea, and he had been refining it. The concept of a separate episode centered on Ed’s crash landing in Korea had always been present. Attempts were made to include it in both Season 3 and Season 4, but it was rescheduled. I was therefore very pleased that it found a place, at least in these concluding moments.

The Artemis II mission is occurring simultaneously with the airing of Season 5 of *For All Mankind*. Given that the show began with a narrative focused on an accelerated moon program, did you reflect on the parallels between the fictional world of *For All Mankind* and the current resurgence of real-life space exploration?

It has been an exciting period. When the show premiered, it coincided with the growing interest in space exploration and the advancements made by SpaceX. Throughout the show’s run, we’ve witnessed achievements like rocket landings on platforms, mirroring the show’s narrative.

For me, this is of paramount importance. If humanity were to allocate its resources towards space exploration and becoming a multiplanetary species, rather than engaging in violence, the world would undoubtedly be a better place.

Ed is a remarkable character. Although you are currently 46, you have portrayed Ed from his late 30s through his 40s and 50s, and now into his 80s. If you were to describe this acting journey in one word, what would it be?

It has been profound. This show and the experience have truly inspired me to dream. I have cherished being a part of this narrative. I find great satisfaction in contributing to its storytelling because the core ethos of this show is optimism. I believe it is crucial to share such stories.

Without resorting to sentimentality, excessive gloss, or superficiality, but rather by embodying optimism and presenting an example of a superior way of life, not one devoid of challenges or flaws. The show’s [timeline] certainly has its drawbacks. What if we were to direct our resources toward constructive endeavors, adopt a slightly different focus, or elect leaders with greater foresight? Things could progress in a significantly more positive direction.

Why is optimism so vital in popular fiction?

It is quite easy for storytellers to gravitate towards the most negative outcomes, posing the question, “What is the worst that could happen?” We also appreciate such narratives. However, portraying this character and his various ages has brought my own mortality to the forefront of my consciousness.

I genuinely believe that an awareness of one’s own mortality and the finite nature of our time on Earth leads to a richer and more fulfilling life.

*For All Mankind* Season 5 is available for streaming on Apple TV.