The EXPANSE

[gmillerdrake]

For my money, The Expanse is the 'best' sci-fi themed show of the past decade. I am sooooooo happy this didn't die after season 3.

Yeah,  I'm a sci-fi geek and this show is in a class of its own. I liked the updated Battlestar Galactica a lot.....shows like Continuum and Travelers were cool. There are a few more that don't come to mind at the moment that I know I really liked but the Expanse is just the cream of the crop at the moment.

[WilliamMunny]

For my money, The Expanse is the 'best' sci-fi themed show of the past decade. I am sooooooo happy this didn't die after season 3.

Yeah,  I'm a sci-fi geek and this show is in a class of its own. I liked the updated Battlestar Galactica a lot.....shows like Continuum and Travelers were cool. There are a few more that don't come to mind at the moment that I know I really liked but the Expanse is just the cream of the crop at the moment.

The cancellation of Travelers was such a bummer. I am so frustrated with Netflix as a whole—they are just way too cancel-happy for my taste. It's gotten to the point where I am reluctant to check out new shows bc I know it's just a matter of time. Amazon, on the other hand, seems comitted to at least giving shows a chance to develop.

[SoundscapeMN]

I actually watched the 1st Season of The Expanse, enjoyed it overall, although was hardly blown away.

I began the 2nd season but got too busy and/or occupied by other shows and have yet to go back to it.

I had a similar experience with Sense8, which especially given the creators, I should have not want to stop watching until I binged it all.

It doesn't help me though that I am totally alone in watching these shows per my wife never has cared much for any Scifi other than a little Star Trek/DS9 probably given her mom often had/has Heroes & Icons on in the evening with it when we lived with her over a year ago.

I guess my question being, does The Expanse get *that* much better after Season 1 that it will be rewarding enough for me to try and make the time for it? A large part of not going on with it is lack of time (life happens, medical, pets, house/car related things, etc, and my wife and I do trivia or watch documentaries, music/dj streams and certain shows together in our free time).

[WilliamMunny]

I actually watched the 1st Season of The Expanse, enjoyed it overall, although was hardly blown away.

I began the 2nd season but got too busy and/or occupied by other shows and have yet to go back to it.

I had a similar experience with Sense8, which especially given the creators, I should have not want to stop watching until I binged it all.

It doesn't help me though that I am totally alone in watching these shows per my wife never has cared much for any Scifi other than a little Star Trek/DS9 probably given her mom often had/has Heroes & Icons on in the evening with it when we lived with her over a year ago.

I guess my question being, does The Expanse get *that* much better after Season 1 that it will be rewarding enough for me to try and make the time for it? A large part of not going on with it is lack of time (life happens, medical, pets, house/car related things, etc, and my wife and I do trivia or watch documentaries, music/dj streams and certain shows together in our free time).

In my opinion, the show really hits its stride in the second/third season. The fourth was amazing as well.

[gmillerdrake]

I actually watched the 1st Season of The Expanse, enjoyed it overall, although was hardly blown away.

I began the 2nd season but got too busy and/or occupied by other shows and have yet to go back to it.

I had a similar experience with Sense8, which especially given the creators, I should have not want to stop watching until I binged it all.

It doesn't help me though that I am totally alone in watching these shows per my wife never has cared much for any Scifi other than a little Star Trek/DS9 probably given her mom often had/has Heroes & Icons on in the evening with it when we lived with her over a year ago.

I guess my question being, does The Expanse get *that* much better after Season 1 that it will be rewarding enough for me to try and make the time for it? A large part of not going on with it is lack of time (life happens, medical, pets, house/car related things, etc, and my wife and I do trivia or watch documentaries, music/dj streams and certain shows together in our free time).

In my opinion, the show really hits its stride in the second/third season. The fourth was amazing as well.

I agree. It's a show that just seems to continually get better. The story/plot/character development is always progressing....nothing stays stagnate and is always evolving.

[gmillerdrake]

Expanse renewed for a 6th and FINAL season. I haven’t read the source material but it’s my understanding that the books are still ongoing?

Either way....with knowing there’s a last season I’m hopeful they have a plan.

[The Realm]

No doubt there is lots to love about The Expanse - mainly the world building and realisation of the world on the screen (great special effects etc) and the story. However, there are also some pretty big negatives that drag it down. Some of the acting is extremely average and cringeworthy - Bobby especially although I like the character. On the other hand I cannot stand the Naomi character - not sure if it is the actress or the character but I really don't buy into some of the character decisions and also there is absolutely zero chemistry between her and Holden. Their relationship is just not believable at all. The Belter accents are also really laughable at times. The plot can also be overly complex but anyway looking forward to season 5 and 6.

[ariich]

No doubt there is lots to love about The Expanse - mainly the world building and realisation of the world on the screen (great special effects etc) and the story. However, there are also some pretty big negatives that drag it down. Some of the acting is extremely average and cringeworthy - Bobby especially although I like the character. On the other hand I cannot stand the Naomi character - not sure if it is the actress or the character but I really don't buy into some of the character decisions and also there is absolutely zero chemistry between her and Holden. Their relationship is just not believable at all. The Belter accents are also really laughable at times. The plot can also be overly complex but anyway looking forward to season 5 and 6.

No way, Bobby is one of my favourites, and Naomi is great too.


Shame it'll be ending after 6 seasons but that's a good run still! I wonder if they'll be condensing down the remaining books into a more focused plot, or if they are just going to have a conclusion after the 6th and simply not adapt the final 3 books (which as I understand it are set 30 years after the end of book 6).

[ErHaO]

I think the actress of Bobbie isn't very good at acting compared to the rest on screen, one of my main qualms as well. But I do like her arc/character so it isn't a big issue for me, and I got used to her acting after season 2.

[WilliamMunny]

Expanse renewed for a 6th and FINAL season. I haven’t read the source material but it’s my understanding that the books are still ongoing?

Either way....with knowing there’s a last season I’m hopeful they have a plan.

This just made my day. I hate watching a show only to have the rug pulled out from under me (one of my main gripes with Netflix Originals and the way they just cancel content without warning).

Like, when doing a show like this, why not just greenlight it for 3 or 4 seasons from the get-go? How else do you expect a creative team to see through their vision? I get it...money, money, money, but shows like the Expanse are always playing to a niche audience anyways, so in this case, I'm happy that it was rescued after its first cancellation.

[ariich]

Given the last three books take place decades later, I do wonder if the show will end on season 6/book 6, but with a tentative intention to do a 3-season run in like 10, 15, even 20 years time.

[gmillerdrake]

Given the last three books take place decades later, I do wonder if the show will end on season 6/book 6, but with a tentative intention to do a 3-season run in like 10, 15, even 20 years time.

Interesting thought.

In your opinion knowing the source material can the show satisfyingly end with the end of S6 based off of end of Book 6? Or are those subsequent books/future years imperative to tell the full story?

[ariich]

Given the last three books take place decades later, I do wonder if the show will end on season 6/book 6, but with a tentative intention to do a 3-season run in like 10, 15, even 20 years time.

Interesting thought.

In your opinion knowing the source material can the show satisfyingly end with the end of S6 based off of end of Book 6? Or are those subsequent books/future years imperative to tell the full story?

Unfortunately I don't actually know the source material as I haven't read the books yet, I only know very big-picture overall-setting stuff. So honestly, I've no idea.

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

No doubt there is lots to love about The Expanse - mainly the world building and realisation of the world on the screen (great special effects etc) and the story. However, there are also some pretty big negatives that drag it down. Some of the acting is extremely average and cringeworthy - Bobby especially although I like the character. On the other hand I cannot stand the Naomi character - not sure if it is the actress or the character but I really don't buy into some of the character decisions and also there is absolutely zero chemistry between her and Holden. Their relationship is just not believable at all. The Belter accents are also really laughable at times. The plot can also be overly complex but anyway looking forward to season 5 and 6.

I like the show alot but I have to admit both Bobby and the belter accent has been annoying me for along time and I agree about Naomi.

[Podaar]

I've read all the books.

In your opinion knowing the source material can the show satisfyingly end with the end of S6 based off of end of Book 6?

Yes.

Or are those subsequent books/future years imperative to tell the full story?

No, not to the story that started in the first book. However, if your deeply invested in the characters/politics of the solar system it's pretty essential and interesting story.

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And y'all are crazy about disrespecting the actress who plays Bobbie. She's perfect in every way.

The Belter slang they present in the show is exactly like in the books. They're just staying true to the source material. I wouldn't say it's good or bad, it's just another texture to the story. A rather authentic feeling texture, or so it seems to me.

[ariich]

I've read all the books.

In your opinion knowing the source material can the show satisfyingly end with the end of S6 based off of end of Book 6?

Yes.

Or are those subsequent books/future years imperative to tell the full story?

No, not to the story that started in the first book. However, if your deeply invested in the characters/politics of the solar system it's pretty essential and interesting story.

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Interesting, well that sounds pretty encouraging then. Seems they could sensibly wrap up the show at that point, and then I guess it's up to them if they want to do a reboot later on to cover the final three books.

And y'all are crazy about disrespecting the actress who plays Bobbie. She's perfect in every way.

The Belter slang they present in the show is exactly like in the books. They're just staying true to the source material. I wouldn't say it's good or bad, it's just another texture to the story. A rather authentic feeling texture, or so it seems to me.

Completely agreed with all of this and I haven't even read the books yet. I think Bobbie is awesome, and I think the Belter accent and Creole language adds a really engaging element to this fictional solar system.

I'm honestly not accusing anyone of anything, but I do feel slightly uncomfortable when the only things that get any real criticism are 1. foreign-sounding accents and 2. women of colour.

[Podaar]

I'm honestly not accusing anyone of anything, but I do feel slightly uncomfortable when the only things that get any real criticism are 1. foreign-sounding accents and 2. women of colour.

No shit. Right?! I wasn't going to say it...

[WilliamMunny]

I'm honestly not accusing anyone of anything, but I do feel slightly uncomfortable when the only things that get any real criticism are 1. foreign-sounding accents and 2. women of colour.

No shit. Right?! I wasn't going to say it...

I was thinking the exact same thing!

I think the accents/slang, and the female performances in general are brilliant. I LOVE how this show mines our own culture and then projects it into the future...not unlike the original Star Trek, the show serves as a brilliant analog for contemporary times, especially in regards to issues surrounding race and class.

I suspect how foreign the 'belter slang' sounds is directly proportional to how familiar one is with southern/Creole culture.

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

Really? Sorry guys but I found that to be a bit low. That's not at all what I implied, I really want that to be clear. I just found the accent to be annoying and a bit over the top and we're talking about in the realm of a tv-show about acting and character portrayal, that can be subjective right?

[ErHaO]

Okay, hold on, I can't speak for the other guy, but acting talent has nothing to do with being a person of color. I think the actress of Bobbie isn't that good, the rest is, which in this show includes a wide variety of skin tones. And again, I like Bobbie's character and arc a lot, so it is isn't a big deal to me.

[CrimsonSunrise]

Can't wait for season 5 to drop in a couple weeks!  Like mentioned, I see no problem with ending the series before the 30 yr jump, although I think they could pull it off.  I was just on the wiki page and saw an interesting stat.  I'm not a big Rotten Tomato guy, so I'm not sure how valid the ratings are.  Found the ratings pretty impressive though!

Rotten Tomato ratings

Season 1 - 77%
Season 2 - 95%
Season 4 - 100%
Season 4 - 100%

[ProfessorPeart]

Authors say this is a pause after Season 6 and not a cancellation. Sounds like they plan on finishing this some time in the future. They also state that the 6 season arc was always one of the options so we aren't going to miss anything regarding their vision for the series.

https://www.polygon.com/2020/12/10/22167489/the-expanse-season-6-canceled-or-season-7-beyond-plans

[hefdaddy42]

Authors say this is a pause after Season 6 and not a cancellation. Sounds like they plan on finishing this some time in the future. They also state that the 6 season arc was always one of the options so we aren't going to miss anything regarding their vision for the series.

https://www.polygon.com/2020/12/10/22167489/the-expanse-season-6-canceled-or-season-7-beyond-plans

That's great to hear!

[gmillerdrake]

Authors say this is a pause after Season 6 and not a cancellation. Sounds like they plan on finishing this some time in the future. They also state that the 6 season arc was always one of the options so we aren't going to miss anything regarding their vision for the series.

https://www.polygon.com/2020/12/10/22167489/the-expanse-season-6-canceled-or-season-7-beyond-plans

That's great to hear!

Yeah. That’s encouraging.

[faizoff]

Finished season 1 of this show and it was fantastic. Can't believe the production quality of the entire show, the sets, the whole future look of Earth, the ships and the entire solar system, so fantastic. I won't be able to catch up before season 5 starts but seeing as how they will go The Boys route with weekly episodes after the first 3 drop, might be a good thing to just wait until they all finish.

On to season 2!

[ProfessorPeart]

Just saw a tweet from the writers of The Expanse saying new episodes might have dropped early for the new season.

Oh, yep. First 3 episodes are live right now.

[Podaar]

We watched two episodes tonight! 

[CrimsonSunrise]

Damn!!!  I'm slackin!  Better get on it tonight!

[gmillerdrake]

If this season was released all at once I’d still be watching. Those first three episodes are great!

[Podaar]

If this season was released all at once I’d still be watching. Those first three episodes are great!

They really are, but because I know what's coming, I get impatient. Three episodes in and I can't help but feel like they're still winding up...pitch the fucking ball already!   

[ariich]

Pretty sure I say this every season but damn I love this show so much.

If this season was released all at once I’d still be watching. Those first three episodes are great!

They really are, but because I know what's coming, I get impatient. Three episodes in and I can't help but feel like they're still winding up...pitch the fucking ball already!   

For sure, but the way this show builds up big story arcs is one of the things I love about it. It's just compelling and engaging. I've not read the books yet so am not sure what's coming, but I can feel the tension growing and can't wait for the rest of the season.

[faizoff]

Finished season 1 of this show and it was fantastic. Can't believe the production quality of the entire show, the sets, the whole future look of Earth, the ships and the entire solar system, so fantastic. I won't be able to catch up before season 5 starts but seeing as how they will go The Boys route with weekly episodes after the first 3 drop, might be a good thing to just wait until they all finish.

On to season 2!

And... I'm all caught up. What. A. Show! So surprised I never gave it a shot before, it's so cruel to wait a week between episodes esp with how each episode ends on pretty much a cliffhanger. What a ride the entire series has been so far.

That 4th episode of S5 was just phenomenal.

[gmillerdrake]

Wow! Ep 4 was nuts! This show is awesome. I love how there is basically no wasted scene or dialogue......everything has it’s purpose and there is no ‘wasted’ screen time.

[MrBoom_shack-a-lack]

Goddamn, I love this show more than i'm aware of I think. It just clicks with me on so many levels. 

[ariich]

Completely the same with me, chaps. The only other shows I can think of that have completely immersed me so much on every level are Mr Robot and Battlestar Galactica.

And yeah, episode 4 was amazing. Completely gripping. And bummed that a certain character is dead.