Well, a lot has certainly happened since we last left The Expanse. Episode 1 and 2 gave us not only a great setup for this season but plenty of questions to be answered as well but if you’ve been watching you already know this. What’s going to happen to Miller? What is the protomolecule really up to? Ok, enough talking, let’s find out.
Episode 3: “Static”
Miller’s solution to the Dresden problem was interesting in both its far reaching implications and the reactions from those around him. Dresden was powerful and surely has enough friends in high places to get him out of this tight spot however, did he deserve what happened to him? It also makes the viewer question what they would have done, which is never a bad thing.
It was great to see a little bit of the Mars perspective of what was going on through the eyes of the Martian military unit. Petty squabbling aside, their views about what is going on are crucial in the overall scheme of things and Draper seems like a capable leader, although with a sizeable chip on her shoulder.
The protomolecule continues to evolve into….something. The fact that so few, if any, know exactly what they are dealing with makes it incredibly dangerous and fascinating, in an overall race-to-stop-the-destruction-of-the-universe type of way. It is amazing to watch so many people want control of something they know so little about.
Maybe the most important development in this episode was seeing Avasarala work her diplomatic magic. Not only does she deal with all the different factions and the ever changing landscape with cool, calm efficiency but she recognizes what needs to be done, thus the reason for reaching out to Fred Johnson. It will be interesting to see how that all plays out.
As Earth, Mars and the Belters circle around each other, with little to no trust between them, it gives the protomolecule the chance and continue its march towards something that surely has the possibility to spell doom for them all.
Episode 4: “Godspeed”
As The Expanse continues to march on, impressing us in every way possible, “Godspeed” took us to another level this week with so many huge moral decisions and stories of sacrifice. Miller’s idea of what to do with the Mormon ship Nauvoo sounds crazy, but Fred Johnson buy’s it and then the two of them have to convince Holden and Naomi that they haven’t completely lost their mind. What they have in mind may sound radical but you’ll have to admit, with all the craziness going on and not knowing who they can trust, what other option do they have?
The CGI and special effects that we witnessed with the launch of the Nauvoo were truly awe inspiring. I can’t remember the last time I saw such high quality effects on a science fiction show on television. It was also a very smart decision to add the human element to his fantastic sight, which made the moment that much more relevant.
This episode allows Miller’s character to really shine, not just with how he fights his inner demons but the strange dynamics that surrounds his relationships with those around him. Naomi hits the nail square on the head when she confronts Miller with the fact that everything his is doing, that he wants to do, is for Julie Mao. I guess this is what makes jumping at what seems like dangerous or even suicidal mission that much easier for him. He also has a strange but fun back and forth with Diogo, a young and idealistic man that calls out Miller on his crap but also kind of idolizes the man as well. They are an oddball couple but have a great chemistry together as characters, making their time together loads of fun.
The back and forth between Avasarala and Errinwritght continues on Earth and is fascinating to watch. The Undersecretary is no fool but Avasarala is clearly one step ahead of him, as witnessed with her decision on what to do with the derelict stealth ship. Politics on any show can be a drag but more often than not the characters on The Expanse make it fascinating to watch, especially when it comes to trying to figure out who is screwing over who.
It can’t be an episode of The Expanse without Holden getting in the middle of it and sure enough, he is stuck with a huge moral dilemma on what to do with the crew of the Marasmus and the fact that they might be infected. When he does come to a decision, the rammifications hit home almost immediately in an unexpected consequence to further burden Holden with his decision.
The Expanse continues to push limits of characters, plot, action and visuals with no end in sight. The only question for me is how they will continue to top each week when every episode gets better and better.
Episode 5: “Home”
The tensions continue to build, tough choices are sacrifices are made and the landscape that makes up The Expanse continues to change on a weekly basis. Many shows would crumble underneath the political speak and multiple story lines, especially set in space, but this show just absorbs all of this potentially stress and simply put, uses it to help make this show one of the best on television right now.
With Miller’s selfless act, billions were saved on Earth but while that is obviously a good thing, what is the protomolecule going to do now that it has a whole planet to itself? No one knows what to expect and really, what they should do next which only adds to the intrigue and fear surrounding what lies on the surface of Venus. You would think a threat like this would help unite the factions, allow Earth and Mars to play better together but so much distrust and unease, built up over such a long time will take time to heal, allowing the Belters and others to step in and have their voices heard.
Miller’s voyage to the middle of Eros was creepy as hell. Those voices, that atmosphere, made for a very long journey full of dread, not knowing what was waiting for him at any turn. What he did find was Julie, or what was left of her and led to a scene that was a bit over the top but emotional nonetheless. It is hard to imagine what was exactly going on inside Miller at that point but he did seem happy and at peace. He was always a man who quickly figured out not only what a particular problem was but how to solve said problem as well. When he found Julie, what to do next was the easiest decision he has ever made.
Now that the immediate problem of the protomolecule has been taken care of, Earth, Mars and everyone else are scrambling to figure out what to do next. No one wants to admit they knew something all along and at the same time, don’t want to admit when a so called rival has done the right thing. Avasarala continues to be a tower of strength, choosing to listen to the likes of Errinwright and Admiral Nguyen lash out and in some way, give away key bits of information that in turn Avasarala soaks up like a sponge and stores away for future use. Also, Fred Johnson and his actions with the missiles will definitely raise some eyebrows and cause more than a few people to get very, very nervous.
Another great episode that continues to impress in every category, The Expanse is sci-fi at its very best.
Episode 6: “Paradigm Shift”
Watching this show build over the first five episodes of this season, it occurred to me that if things keep going the way they are, how are they ever going to be able to deliver a truly satisfying finale? Enter “Paradigm Shift”, in which we take a detour with the story of Solomon Epstein, the inventor of ‘that’ drive system 137 years ago that basically made colonization possible in the solar system. His drive of using his drive to help Mars break free of Earth and the complete control it had on his planet. It was a great idea to intermix this story line with that of the protomolecule arc as they have interesting similarities.
It goes without saying that people are now scrambling to not only cover their own asses but ensure they are on the winning side. To that end, there was a very disturbing conversation between Holden and Fred about that very thing, and with Fred holding a collection of missiles he can choose to use or hang out there as a threat, when he says ‘pick a side’ it has a little more weight behind it than your average not so veiled threat.
Speaking of threats, how about the speech/verbal ass kicking Avasarala gave Errinwright? Wow. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that man as speechless as he was during the verbal barrage Avasarala leveled at him. If that wasn’t bad enough, her threats leveled at Mao’s family if he wasn’t brought in to help them with what was really going on with the protomolecule. If she wasn’t one of the most powerful and intimidating characters on the show before, she certainly is now.
I’m not sure what Naomi is up to with the hidden protomolecule sample they have, but lying to Holden about what she did, or what he thought she did is not going to end well. I’m sure she has some reason she’s doing what she’s doing but this is something that could tear the crew of the Rocinante apart. This point was only amplified with the head butting between Amos and Alex, showing that the conflict between Earth and Mars can stretch it’s ugly reach almost anywhere.
Continuing on that theme of mistrust, the Martian marines and the UN soldiers play a game of chicken while on an important mission. Before you can say boom, chaos erupts in the skies and on the ground, with a strange blue eyed creature standing above many bodies and the wounded Bobbie. This is definitely going to take the show in another strange direction but somehow I think it’s all going to come back full circle eventually.
So there you have it, a review of the last four episodes of The Expanse and now you’re up to date. As the halfway mark of the season approaches, it is safe to say the second half has a lot to live up to. Here’s hoping it can deliver the high quality television that this show has given us to this point and damn, it’s been entertaining.
Rating: Episodes 3-6 4.5/5
Movie Ratings Guide
1 Star = Unwatchable
2 Stars = Cannot Recommend
3 Stars = Would Watch Again
4 Stars = A Solid Movie
5 Stars = Must Own (DVD/Stream Download)
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