For anyone who has read Leviathan Wakes, the first book in The Expanse series, it is no surprise how much ambition was put into the Syfy adaptation. The novels involve quite an expansive world full of rich characters and in order to do it justice Syfy went all out to adapt it. The time and the money put into the first season of this riveting space opera paid off, The Expanse turned out to be the best science fiction drama to air on Syfy since Battlestar Galatica and one of the most immersive experiences on television last year.
Unfortunately, the show suffered declining ratings and the network had to resort to a recap featuring cats in hopes they would draw more viewers to season 2. Part of the problem with season 1 was the dense exposition, necessary in order to understand the rich world of The Expanse and the many characters that inhabit it. The Expanse required patience for those who do not want to think too much when watching television and for viewers who did stick around, they were greatly rewarded.
This evening season 2 arrives and I can say resoundingly that the show not only maintains its quality, but it exceeds expectations. Now that we are familiar with the Expanse universe and our protagonists, there is less exposition holding the narrative back. What the premiere results to is an absolutely captivating and exciting two hour premiere.
Fans of the book, as we already know, will finally get to see Bobbi Draper on our screens. She will make herself known right off the bat in the first minutes of the premiere and she is as just as badass and awesome as she is in the novel. The character will also bring a Martian perspective to the series, that of which was not explored much in the first season, and it helps make the narrative feel more diversified.
One of the highlights of the premiere to look forward to is Miller on the Rocinante. In season one the detective separates from most of the crew soon after he meets them, and in these two hours we see some fabulous interactions between him and Amos, as well as with Naomi. As the first episode progresses, you will begin to feel the family like bond growing between these disparate heroes.
Lastly, viewers will finally have a better understanding coming out of this premiere what the heck this protomolecule is and who really is behind the unleashing of it on Eros. There will especially be some important context as to where it originated from adding plenty of intrigue for episodes to come.
The big plus is that, as expected with such a large budget, the visuals and special effects are top notch, giving us some absolutely breathtaking space battles. I never really knew what a 'nerdgasm' was until the ending of this premiere. Amidst it all is some very profound character drama as our protagonists explore the moral gray area that exists between evil and good, and as they work together as a family. Watching The Expanse felt more like an experience than anything, and one that will hopefully continue past this season.
The Expanse season 2 airs this evening, February 1, at 10pm ET. Please, let's keep this show going!
