Review: ‘For All Mankind’ Season 4 Learns From Season 3’s Mistakes & Soars High

For All Mankind has been one of Apple TV+’s flagship series. Premiering literally on the same day as Apple TV+ (November 1, 2019), it’s a severely underrated show with an amazing cast and grand ideas. Never one to shy away from going bigger – this is the series that’s gone to the Moon and Mars – For All Mankind’s fourth season has improved on itself and has made for one of the best space-centered stories in modern-day.

This is How You Grow a Show

This space race show started by diverging from human history by making it the Russians that landed first on the Moon, not the United States. Since then, the show has both played close to real history while rewriting moments in time. Starting from the 1960s, the show has made significant jumps in time each season and now, we’re in the Y2K era. This is the first season that’s had a bit of a significant change in technology from real life, so season four delves into the Sci-Fi area more than previous seasons. However, this very much remains a space-focused show and the race is on yet again in season four.

While I’m a fan of this show regardless, season three had a lot of aspects about it that didn’t necessarily work. It’s always nice when you have writers involved in the show that listen to fans and they definitely improved on their shortcomings in season four. Storylines or characters that didn’t necessarily work in season three were all but written out of season four. You don’t hear me complaining!

Our Favs Have Returned!

The characters that do remain are amazing. Joel Kinnaman returns as Ed Baldwin, as well as Krys Marshall as Danielle Poole. While this season has brought in newcomers who certainly enrich the story, it’s nice having some of the OGs here. While they may look older due to makeup, this story very much still feels like theirs. It’s a little astonishing to think about where they came from and the groundwork they set down in season one, which got us to season four. In many ways, this feels like a different story, while feeling like the natural progression for this world.

The Standout

As stated before, it’s very nice to see a show get back on track with things. To return to feeling like a space race with consequences, where there could be dire ramifications for things. Series newcomer Toby Kebbell, who plays Miles Dale; is a standout from the rest. A veteran to Apple TV+ from his time on Servant, Kebbell really stole the spotlight and we’re not mad at him for doing so!

To Infinity and Beyond?

For All Mankind remains one of the best pieces of science fiction and it’s criminally underrated. While you may not hear anyone talking about this series around the water cooler at work, you’ll definitely see a plethora of people online singing its praises. And all for good reasons. Stylistically shot, cleverly written, and expertly acted, this space race show had humble beginnings and continues to reach for the sky [and beyond].