FOR ALL MANKIND

SEMPER'S UNSOLICITED OPINION: So, I'm watching that new streaming network that nobody seems to talk much about, APPLE TV+, and, so far, I'm impressed with the series "FOR ALL MANKIND," an alternate-universe depiction of the US space race as it might have unfolded if we had continued to expand it after reaching the moon. The stories are compelling, the production value is top-notch (kudos to technical advisers Michael Okuda and Denise Okuda for brilliant work, as always) and the cast is first-rate. I always enjoy watching JOEL KINNAMAN in anything and he's stellar (no pun intended) in this. The way the stories deftly weave fiction with real-life history is clever. Kudos also to show-runner Ronald D. Moore ("Battlestar Galactica" and "Outlander"), who never disappoints. This series is reminiscent of a forgotten 1959 syndicated TV series called MEN INTO SPACE. It also covers similar ground to the recent SEAN PENN series, THE FIRST. Make no mistake, this is no "Mandalorian," but if your interest in space is less directed toward X-wings and more toward lunar modules, then this might be the series for you. My only regret is that it's on that new streaming network that nobody seems to talk much about.