The Expanse finally reached the end of book one, Leviathan Wakes, and the result was equal parts heartbreaking, entertaining, and beautiful to watch from beginning to end.
The scene of course to talk about was the exchange between Miller and Julie. After a season and a half of buildup, the ageing detective finally encounters the woman of his dreams, the woman that had him flying out from the comfort of his home in Ceres to the farthest reaches of space.
Everything about this moment was so beautiful in the most heartbreaking way. From the stunning visual of the blue Protomolecule dancing around them to the melancholic music rising and soaring with the rhythm of their intimate conversation.
This scene shouldn't work because this is their first encounter ever and no chemistry had been built. Yet, knowing the depths that Miller went through to find her and protect her and then to see him tenderly consoling her, giving his life to be with her or at least what was left of her as the Protomolecule took over her body, made this scene so profoundly romantic. All this culminates with Eros crashing into Venus, as Miller embraces his love for the first and last time. This was a scene that exemplifies poetry on screen and it is one that sticks with you emotionally well after the airing of the episode.
Overshadowed by Miller's encounter with Julie, 'Home' also had another heartbreaking scene in Avasarala's conversation with Arjun on the moon. It was not necessary to show the awkward, time-delay as they unintentionally spoke over each other, but little detail like that gave the whole scene a sense of realism and urgency as they both rushed to get their own word in. It is not a common sight to see Avasarala so vulnerable and emotional, and when we see her tearing up as she says her last goodbye to Arjun, it hits hard.
Ultimately, the episode was about the sacrifices our characters are willing to make for the greater good. Both Miller and Avarasala decide to sacrifice their own lives, while in other scenes, Fred Johnson sacrifices his reputation to do the responsible thing. Meanwhile, we also see Holden putting his and the crew of the Rocinante's life on the line as they chase after Eros, pushing their ship to the brink of destruction.
'Home' is where season 1 should have ended, putting to a conclusion the arc of Miller and his search for redemption. The conclusion was as invigorating and emotionally fueled as the page-turning events unfolded in the book and really, this adaptation could not be anymore perfect. The Expanse continues to raise the bar week in, week out.
10/10
