'CQB' is an acronym for Close Quarter Battle, a very fitting title as this episode was jam packed with action. The Expanse is the perfect show to binge watch because it is set in such a rich world and there are so many characters to explore that it will take time for it to get going. It seems Syfy realized this, which is most likely why the first four episodes have been available for viewing online. After last weeks slower, more character driven episode, 'CQB' really kicked this show up a notch while maintaining further development of our unlikely heroes.
We also got separate sequences involving Naomi, Shed, Alex and Amos. Focus was put on the growing chemistry between them as they worked together to survive in the confines of their cell. Sadly and shockingly, Shed met his demise in a brutal scene and it only brought the rest of the three closer as they worked to patch up the breach in the room. It was quite a touching moment to see Amos opening up to Naomi and thanking her for saving him.
In the book, Holden and his crew are locked up together and separating them was an interesting minor change in the adaptation. It worked for character sake as it helped put a microscope on the character of Holden - exploring who he is as an individual. Furthermore, Alex, Amos, and Naomi also got to work out their differences and depend on each other to survive without their leader. Through Holden's perspective we also got to meet some of the crew on the MRCN ship, including Lopez who gave a heartwarming speech about his longing to see the endless oceans on Earth and how humans on the planet don't truly realize and take for granted the riches they have. This scene really achieved highlighting the differences between Martians and Earthlings and it's great to see some of the lesser characters getting some personality.
The conclusion of 'CQB' sees a very awesome sequence. Holden and crew, along with Lopez, make their way to a corvette frigate to escape the soon to be exploding Donnager. This frigate will become a character in itself throughout the series, and it was great to see it finally come to life. Alex going bananas with the rail guns to take out the enemy and to create a hole to escape through was absolutely exhilarating. Afterwards, there were some nice touches with the camera work showing a wide shot of the frigate in space and then zooming in on it.
How Holden and everyone got to this ship took a little suspension of belief as there would be no way they would have been able to cross that open bridge without getting shot more than once. It seems the enemy has a bunch of Stormtroopers working for them. Nevertheless, it was an exciting sequence to top off an exciting episode.
Other things to note, apparently Havelock is alive, which I'm glad to see, there is more to explore with him. We didn't see much of Avarasala this episode, but we got one foreboding scene in which she expresses to her son how deeply worried she is by those who throw rocks. Miller continued his investigation into Julie Mao, and discovers a possible connection to the missing girl.
Overall, this was an exciting episode that required a little bit suspension of belief. The characters have really begun to grow into their own, especially Holden and his crew. Each week has truly been an improvement over the last.
9/10
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