For All Mankind star reacts to season 5’s game-changing moment: "It’s the turning point of everything"

Warning: Major spoilers ahead for For All Mankind season 5 episode 3.

The moment we've all been expecting has finally come in For All Mankind season 5. After being the grounding force in the show since season 1, Joel Kinnaman's Ed Baldwin is no more.

The latest episode of the alt-history space epic saw the character in a hospice, saying his final goodbyes to his family before taking his last breath.

Of course, with Ed being 80 in the latest season, suffering health problems and disobeying his doctor's orders, it's not going to come as the biggest surprise to fans. But it still packs a huge emotional punch - and will change the show for good - including placing more of a focus on the younger generation.

Speaking exclusively to Radio Times about how this impacts everything, Sean Kaufman, who plays Baldwin's grandson Alex, said: "I think it's the turning point of everything. As much as it's an ensemble show, it is Ed and Margo [Madison, played by Wrenn Schmidt]'s show to me. And I think that episode 3 is a real passing of the guard.

"It's this older generation that had their time and did so much... [Ed] got humanity and civilisation to Mars and to eventually look past Mars and go for the rest of the stars. And to think that that's just over, and now there's a new generation coming in and taking over, it was surreal to really think about."

Kaufman added of actor Kinnaman: "Joel is amazing and this show has meant a lot to him.

"I remember on the last day - I'm not gonna tell his story for him - but he was very emotional. This is a chapter of his life that I think he cares a lot about. On the last day, we had a nice chat and we talked about handing the show over, and it was very nice of him and very beautiful of him to, to say stuff like that.

"It was a very emotional day, and I just felt so lucky to be there."

Perhaps at some point, Ed could return in flashbacks, particularly with upcoming spin-off Star City set to go back in time - but, for now at least, the show will have to survive without him.

For All Mankind season 5 is streaming now on Apple TV - sign up now with a 7-day free trial.

Add For All Mankind to your watchlist on the Radio Times: What to Watch app – download now for daily TV recommendations, features and more.

Check out more of our Sci-fi coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.