I’ve noticed two ways that TV series occur. The most common is for each episode to be stand-alone, with character development and an overall story arc proceeding slowly. It makes sense for programmers to do it this way, since they can add audience along the way who won’t be too confused, wherever they start.
The other approach probably happens more when the series comes from one or more novels. The premier episode provides enough back story to get the audience involved, with sub-plots developing along the way. It can create a problem for those who join the program later in the season. This series, being based on the trilogy, The Expanse, is of this sort. In spite of that, person could miss Episode 1 and still get the gist of the major story arc.
We follow three story arcs. One, set on Earth, is minor, involving one of the highest officials in the government, who gravely pronounces that doom is immanent unless she takes drastic measures. For the general feeling, any moment of crisis during the Cold War, especially the 1950s is a good analogue. The two major plot lines support the feeling. Five people, commanded by James Holden are adrift in the space-going equivalent of a lifeboat. They are off the main traffic lanes, have lost communications, and are losing air. Holden is the guy who has spent a great deal of time and effort avoiding all opportunities to take any responsibility. It appears he’s going to have to take control or everyone will die. They are also going to need a lot of luck.
Meanwhile, back on Ceres, the security guy, Detective Miller, is searching for the missing heiress. He’s doing it in classic 50’s style to compliment his hat. Portions of his search reminded me of Soylent Green. It becomes increasingly clear that the girl he’s trying to find, Julie Mao, is in fact the girl from the prologue, and was on the Scopuli, which was dead in space when the Canterbury showed up. Does that mean the case is closed on his search?
This episode furnished some surprises, although it slowed a bit from the previous episode. There was several edge of the seat moments, with a combination stroke at the end for the crew in the lifeboat/shuttle. They survive, but whether their immediately salvation becomes an even worse fate becomes a question to hopefully be answered in the next episode.
Yeah, I signed on to review the series. If it turned out to be another Titanic, I’d be joining the rats at the next stop no matter what I promised. That is not a problem at this point, as there was more than enough in this episode to keep me around for Episode 3.
In the meantime, I have novels to complete, so I’m writing horseback toward The End. Do words hurt?
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