Holden once again goes against sanity. To save Marcos' son, he holds off destroying a menace that has killed thousands. We have some interesting uses of people as pawns in a huge game where life is meaningless to the powerful. We are told of tens of thousands of deaths, but we don't see details of any of them. Interesting episode which often makes no sense.
35 Reviews
Much better but Holden... dude...
namob-4367325 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I know Holden did not want his girl to see her son die, but damn that was some bad decision making. Could be the worst individual decision I have seen since Tony unnecessarily decided to kill himself in Endgame.
Otherwise this was a great episode and a big step forward in comparison to the messy filler episode form last week. Acting is great, and dialogue is amazing, and overarching story is just fantastic.
As per usual my complaint is twofold.
1) The Marco Filip gang are not as well acted and does not feel like the menacing pirates and murderers they should be. Nor can you understand and feel for them. One of the great things with the Expanse is that you can see all viewpoints, and even if you do not agree with some action taken you can understand them even if they are evil. Marco and Co have none of that.
2) There is now only 3 episodes left and although this little current story might end, there is a bigger one growing. They would not show that pointless girl with her pointless dinosaur creature and those alien warships etc otherwise right? I know there is a continuation in the books, but apparently we are not getting it here so how are they going to summerise and do the story justice in just 3 more episodes? They can't. And that bugs me.
Otherwise this was a great episode and a big step forward in comparison to the messy filler episode form last week. Acting is great, and dialogue is amazing, and overarching story is just fantastic.
As per usual my complaint is twofold.
1) The Marco Filip gang are not as well acted and does not feel like the menacing pirates and murderers they should be. Nor can you understand and feel for them. One of the great things with the Expanse is that you can see all viewpoints, and even if you do not agree with some action taken you can understand them even if they are evil. Marco and Co have none of that.
2) There is now only 3 episodes left and although this little current story might end, there is a bigger one growing. They would not show that pointless girl with her pointless dinosaur creature and those alien warships etc otherwise right? I know there is a continuation in the books, but apparently we are not getting it here so how are they going to summerise and do the story justice in just 3 more episodes? They can't. And that bugs me.
Thankfully back to the big story arc! But....
warren11281 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I was totally ticked off at the lame writing when Holden aborted the missle detonation. Still ticked...however, the writers totally redeemed themselves 30 seconds later when Philip confronted his dad. Bummer it's wrapping up this season when they are finally back to the larger story telling (Instead of the terrible Naomi/Philip/Marco family pukefest of last season). So far a total redemption from last season. Hope they find a way to keep it going.
This show has no equal.
Ashitaka13724 December 2021
They brought space warfare in entertainment to a whole other level! It's going to be difficult to return to lesser depictions after this show. Amazon Prime Video what are you doing! You need to promote this unique gem of a show much better.
The investment from Ep1 & 2 starts to pay off!
tim-Chinchen24 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was one of those Expanse episodes that has you gripped - it works to a formula - just as you worry it will get dull, they pull off a brilliant episode!
The final battle - had the right level of tension - a predictable action from Holden which is my only minor complaint, but again the Expanse delivers the best Sci-fi on TV currently BY A MILE!!!!
I just wonder who will pick up season 7 & beyond as it would be a travesty if there were only 3 episodes left ever after this ;-)
The final battle - had the right level of tension - a predictable action from Holden which is my only minor complaint, but again the Expanse delivers the best Sci-fi on TV currently BY A MILE!!!!
I just wonder who will pick up season 7 & beyond as it would be a travesty if there were only 3 episodes left ever after this ;-)
Great episode that shows off great music, tension, action and setup.
senecavolynets24 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The episode starts of slightly slow but the appearances of Prax, Anna and Kirino really added to the episode. The episode also was able to give me a few laughs which is not something the show does often. I thought the best part of the episode was the battle at the end. The VFX somehow managed to step up from the battles seen in previous episodes. The music, tension and the action itself was top notch and was an absolute treat to watch. Lastly I'd say the episode completes the setup being done in 601 and 602 and It looks like its about to be full steam ahead.
Overall amazing episode and I can't wait until we get more. (10/10)
Overall amazing episode and I can't wait until we get more. (10/10)
Excellent Episode
traffordbage24 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Really good episode. Someone's going to have to feel the consequences of their actions here, and I'm interested to see where it goes. That's two people who have saved marco.
I see people complaining about the spin, but I don't see the issue, surely it was just sped up for TV? Like how they cross the system in a few weeks but show it in 2 seconds? Surely, they didn't want to pad the runtime with long, boring action?
Thoroughly enjoyed.
I see people complaining about the spin, but I don't see the issue, surely it was just sped up for TV? Like how they cross the system in a few weeks but show it in 2 seconds? Surely, they didn't want to pad the runtime with long, boring action?
Thoroughly enjoyed.
A clean wrap up. Felt like an episode of a season finale.
ainsoff24 December 2021
Climactic yet there's so much plot build up going on. From forwarding the conflict of Earth & Mars vs. Free Navy, to building up Drummer's alliances, even developing Marco as a full-fledged antagonist...we've come full circle.
They managed to satisfyingly execute more than half of the reference material (Babylon's Ashes) already...and we still have three more episodes to go. Seems like we're in for a great finale after all.
They managed to satisfyingly execute more than half of the reference material (Babylon's Ashes) already...and we still have three more episodes to go. Seems like we're in for a great finale after all.
great episode with a great battle and a few realy good character moments
volkerspellenberg26 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I dont get the holden complaint. He always was an idealist who made stupid decisions in the other seasons and books. It is comepletely in character for him and it would be weird, if he would have let bobby shoot down the pella. Yes, its not the logical decision, he could end a war by destroying the pella but he didnt do that because its against what he thinks is right (i dont even think he thought much about what naomi would think of him if hes responsible for the death of filip).
The fight was awesome, and once again shows how good they are at making spacebattles incredible while still being realistic. They clearly established that it wasnt a good idea for marco to go after the roci and to unterestimate the railgun which later payed of, when one two of the ships had to break of and it was a one vs. One that the roci was able to win through a clever use of the railgun and pdc´s. Nothing about that felt constructed or like the roci had too much plotarmor. It just showed that marco was too cofident and didnt think things trough and because of that he lost.
Characters throughout felt well written like always and overall a slightly above average episode for the expanse standards.
Only complaint was how amos and clarissa survived the crazy fast spins of the roci by just holding on to the ship.
The fight was awesome, and once again shows how good they are at making spacebattles incredible while still being realistic. They clearly established that it wasnt a good idea for marco to go after the roci and to unterestimate the railgun which later payed of, when one two of the ships had to break of and it was a one vs. One that the roci was able to win through a clever use of the railgun and pdc´s. Nothing about that felt constructed or like the roci had too much plotarmor. It just showed that marco was too cofident and didnt think things trough and because of that he lost.
Characters throughout felt well written like always and overall a slightly above average episode for the expanse standards.
Only complaint was how amos and clarissa survived the crazy fast spins of the roci by just holding on to the ship.
Main problem.
abysz-2302010 January 2022
This series is focusing most of the screen time and plot on Marco-Filip-Naomi family melodrama.
The problem is they are probably the least interesting or well writen characters. Not to mention a lot of SCI FI vibes were lost to this boring generic space drama.
Its just way far from the promising first and second season. This is just almost nonsensical and hard to enjoy.
Plus: Some scenes with the cheapest CGI ive seen in a while, and one of the most stupid choices ive seen in a while (Yes, im talking with you, Holden)
See next.
The problem is they are probably the least interesting or well writen characters. Not to mention a lot of SCI FI vibes were lost to this boring generic space drama.
Its just way far from the promising first and second season. This is just almost nonsensical and hard to enjoy.
Plus: Some scenes with the cheapest CGI ive seen in a while, and one of the most stupid choices ive seen in a while (Yes, im talking with you, Holden)
See next.
Great episode. Will talk about something that other reviews neglected
marquessarthur24 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode has just a lot of great acting. I know that everyone will talk about a certain 360 spin, so I will take a different spin (pun intended)
Nadine Nicole as always has been delivering the best redemption arc. Every time that Clarissa talks, you are in for a good guilty trip.
Keon Alexander's after battle scene was just great. It shows so much vulnerability from someone that always "save face" in front of its crew. Besides, extra credit for Jasai Chase Owens acting and calling off his father in front of the entire command deck. I had just left a discussion with my father, in which I was in a similar spot to Filip, calling out my father's pride. This entire scene hit hard. I cannot say exactly what I felt, but this is art at its finest.
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As for the not so great things, I cannot related that much with Joanne Vannicola and her character, Nico Sanjrani. It's funny because Stuart Hughes has had a similar screen time with Liang Walker and he is already a favorite, but for Sanjrani, I don't know. It's not like the acting is wrong of anything, but rather, I just think that the writing is not putting too much emphasis on Sanjrani so the are not on par of other belters like Dawes or Rosenfeld.
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Looking forward to Space Dock analysis of the 360 spin battle. Is Rocci a beyblade?
Nadine Nicole as always has been delivering the best redemption arc. Every time that Clarissa talks, you are in for a good guilty trip.
Keon Alexander's after battle scene was just great. It shows so much vulnerability from someone that always "save face" in front of its crew. Besides, extra credit for Jasai Chase Owens acting and calling off his father in front of the entire command deck. I had just left a discussion with my father, in which I was in a similar spot to Filip, calling out my father's pride. This entire scene hit hard. I cannot say exactly what I felt, but this is art at its finest.
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As for the not so great things, I cannot related that much with Joanne Vannicola and her character, Nico Sanjrani. It's funny because Stuart Hughes has had a similar screen time with Liang Walker and he is already a favorite, but for Sanjrani, I don't know. It's not like the acting is wrong of anything, but rather, I just think that the writing is not putting too much emphasis on Sanjrani so the are not on par of other belters like Dawes or Rosenfeld.
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Looking forward to Space Dock analysis of the 360 spin battle. Is Rocci a beyblade?
Getting back into the swing
mrdcarroll28 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Holden is still a screw-up, saving the life of the terrorist leader just to keep getting laid, because it would have killed Naomi's kid, what a terrible decision on his parr, he gets weaker as time progresses
The writing is starting to improve after the disaster of last season. Still feels rushed and very cookie cutter, like we have to cover these topics, check the box type
What is the purpose of the girl with the dinosaur dog creature, not really enough time to expand or explore it unless they are trying to tell us that they are the ring builders, which could be true since it does look a little like the construct that Det. Miller animated on the alien world a couple seasons ago Why resurrect Plax? With three episodes left not much his miracle yeast thing could do to save earth in general or humanity at large.
It's sad to see a once great production die a slow painful death, but at least I'll be able to bring myself to watch the last few episodes.
What is the purpose of the girl with the dinosaur dog creature, not really enough time to expand or explore it unless they are trying to tell us that they are the ring builders, which could be true since it does look a little like the construct that Det. Miller animated on the alien world a couple seasons ago Why resurrect Plax? With three episodes left not much his miracle yeast thing could do to save earth in general or humanity at large.
It's sad to see a once great production die a slow painful death, but at least I'll be able to bring myself to watch the last few episodes.
For f... sake
ohermanzzon6 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I love the show, yes it could've been better without all the soap opera stuff. But still the show is great overall. This episode made me too angry tho, Holden sparing Marco and his crew, who has killed MILLIONS of people and will continue to do so. All because of Filip (who has turned into even more of an unlikable pos than he was before this season). He's horrible and deserves to die just as much as Marco for everything he's done!? Honestly this show would be better off if Naomi and everyone in her miserable family just died so the show could focus on the real and interesting stuff going on. Such a waste.
Finale building episode
bradyfo25 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Quite a good episode. The main point I would have are: we need more Drummer action, we need more Avasarala, but overall the action was great, the CGI was still very good. It will be interesting to see what happens on Ceres with all of the explosives being detonated. For those saying "why did holden disarm the warhead," it's because he doesn't want to be a martyr like Inaros, and if he kills him, another extremist will take his place. Cut of the head of a snake and two more take its place.
7/10.
7/10.
I love the expanse!!!!!
hotmouthinca25 December 2021
360 Railgun Shot
sublimed-8615825 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The 360 railgun shots were just amazing during the battle. I've watched it three times already. The episode started off ok but just blew me away. I knew Holden wasn't going to evaporate Filip from reading the book but that sets up the rest of the series. Especially, with the new ship coming from Laconia. Can't wait for the next episodes but sad this will be it.
Compressed Season
trohe2624 December 2021
Have read a few of the reviews for this episode. The battle scene was pretty close to how it happened in the book. I would say this episode is more a 7.5. Was not as suspenseful as the previous episode. Initially didn't really like Filip's character but has grown on me. The build up to the season ending climax is not quite as engaging as seasons past...specifically season 3..the other shortened season. Majority of the episodes were thrilling..may not have had a ton of action but they kept you in the season and even the drama that fills in some of the time was good. Kinda makes sense if you read the book..this book was the least exciting...still had great dialogue though.
The best episode so far
dipu11125 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This show just keeps getting better. It has brought space warefare to a whole different level, all while maintaining the science.
Many people are complaining about why James Holden did not take the shot. I guess I know why. Killing Marco Inaros this way would be too good and easy. It will be proper to humiliate and imprison him for the rest of his live for all the harm he has done. I can't wait what the final fate this Inaros bastard will face.
Many people are complaining about why James Holden did not take the shot. I guess I know why. Killing Marco Inaros this way would be too good and easy. It will be proper to humiliate and imprison him for the rest of his live for all the harm he has done. I can't wait what the final fate this Inaros bastard will face.
Episodes and season are too short
jp-20626 December 2021
Honestly, the episodes and season six in general feels too damn short. Shining stars: Avasarala, Bobbie Draper, Amos, and Drummer. Hat tip to Peaches. The rest of it is fast forward worthy.
The actor portraying Filip is awful. The actor portraying Marcos has two modes: scream & look like Prince or whisper and wear a man bun. That's it. Not scary, not menacing, hardly a villain. Holden is sleep walking through every episode and Naomi is completely expendable.
I really, really want this series to impress me. Portions of each episode thus far do impress me namely the aforementioned Avasarala, Draper, Amos, Drummer, and Peaches. The rest? Find a new story and build around the actors that can actually act.
I don't know what's going on with Laconia. It feels like a back door spin off that's not really well done.
Season six thus far has felt like bonus material on a DVD. I hope it gets better. There's only three episodes left.
By the way, we all know the 9/10 or 10/10 episodes are either by paid shills or Amazon employees.
The actor portraying Filip is awful. The actor portraying Marcos has two modes: scream & look like Prince or whisper and wear a man bun. That's it. Not scary, not menacing, hardly a villain. Holden is sleep walking through every episode and Naomi is completely expendable.
I really, really want this series to impress me. Portions of each episode thus far do impress me namely the aforementioned Avasarala, Draper, Amos, Drummer, and Peaches. The rest? Find a new story and build around the actors that can actually act.
I don't know what's going on with Laconia. It feels like a back door spin off that's not really well done.
Season six thus far has felt like bonus material on a DVD. I hope it gets better. There's only three episodes left.
By the way, we all know the 9/10 or 10/10 episodes are either by paid shills or Amazon employees.
Intense!
gerardchalaux31 December 2021
Oh my god that pursue was intense! A reminder of why this show is still my favorite.
People getting mad because Holden didn't finish the job... come on, it's a TV show... they are not just gonna end the season at episode three.
Anyway you gotta admit this is much better than watching Naomi cry for a whole season.
People getting mad because Holden didn't finish the job... come on, it's a TV show... they are not just gonna end the season at episode three.
Anyway you gotta admit this is much better than watching Naomi cry for a whole season.
What?
timiark27 December 2021
Except for the part that Marco is still alive, everything is perfect.
I don't quite get the point of keeping him alive while there are only three more episodes to go, as well as for the entire series.
How could it be possible for them to properly end the series given the biggest villain is still alive? And things about Laconia are just starting.
I sincerely hope this season won't ruin the entire series since the story indeed goes to a natural endpoint according to the books and Amazon.
I don't quite get the point of keeping him alive while there are only three more episodes to go, as well as for the entire series.
How could it be possible for them to properly end the series given the biggest villain is still alive? And things about Laconia are just starting.
I sincerely hope this season won't ruin the entire series since the story indeed goes to a natural endpoint according to the books and Amazon.
Eight deadly words trope in spades
bgaiv31 December 2021
"I don't care what happens to these people."
The Marco Inaros story is just soapy family drama In Space, and not even decent soap. As another reviewer pointed out, the +10 seconds button is very useful and has been on this show since about the middle of the previous season.
And other than snippets of the little girl, the show is now ONLY the Marco story. At best, Marco comes across as a cheap Khan knock off.
The Marco Inaros story is just soapy family drama In Space, and not even decent soap. As another reviewer pointed out, the +10 seconds button is very useful and has been on this show since about the middle of the previous season.
And other than snippets of the little girl, the show is now ONLY the Marco story. At best, Marco comes across as a cheap Khan knock off.
Filler With 1 Fantastic Fight Scene
choiseburgerz25 December 2021
Halfway through the final season and the 30 minutes of (mostly) filler before a really great fight scene has me a bit worried the rest of season six might flop. Perhaps it's just because season 5 was so drawn out for me that I tend to notice multiple scenes of nothing but unnecessary dialogue in a row before something finally happens, but really most of this episode was filler. There is a lot of conflict that needs to be wrapped up and I'm not sure that can be done in the 120 minutes remaining.
There will always be people to complain when a great season comes to an end though, even if it's purely canonical. Everyone can't be satisfied.
One very important and deeply satisfying thing did happen in this episode. Marco secured his place as a terribly prideful and all around bad leader. His crew are starting to see that he will put them all at risk out of simple narcissism. He would rather die a martyr and hurt Naomi than save his crew and fight again and it was really great seeing Filip stand up to him in front of everyone and not be humiliated. The final battle was also fantastic like they always are on this great show.
There will always be people to complain when a great season comes to an end though, even if it's purely canonical. Everyone can't be satisfied.
One very important and deeply satisfying thing did happen in this episode. Marco secured his place as a terribly prideful and all around bad leader. His crew are starting to see that he will put them all at risk out of simple narcissism. He would rather die a martyr and hurt Naomi than save his crew and fight again and it was really great seeing Filip stand up to him in front of everyone and not be humiliated. The final battle was also fantastic like they always are on this great show.
See also
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