The Expanse

The Expanse Main Cast

	Steven Strait as Jim Holden
	Dominique Tipper as Naomi Nagata
	Wes Chatham as Amos Burton
	Shohreh Aghdashloo as Chrisjen Avasarala
	Cas Anvar as Alex Kamal
	Frankie Adams as Roberta 'Bobbie' W. Draper
	Cara Gee as Camina Drummer
	Shawn Doyle as Sadavir Errinwright
	Thomas Jane as Joe Miller
	Florence Faivre as Julie Mao

The Expanse Merchandise

The Expanse Trailers and Clips

The Expanse - Synopsis

The Expanse is a science fiction television series that has captivated audiences with its intricate plot, complex characters, and a detailed portrayal of a future where humanity has colonized the solar system. Based on the novel series by James S.A. Corey, the pseudonym for authors Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck, the show originally aired on Syfy before being picked up by Amazon Prime Video for its later seasons. It spans a narrative that combines elements of political intrigue, mystery, and action, set against the backdrop of interplanetary tensions.

The story unfolds in a future where the solar system is divided among three primary powers: Earth, governed by the United Nations; Mars, a military powerhouse; and the Belt, where inhabitants known as Belters mine the asteroids for resources vital to the survival of both Earth and Mars. Despite the technological advancements that have allowed humanity to reach the far corners of the solar system, the series portrays a society rife with inequality, exploitation, and the brinkmanship of cold war-like tensions between Earth, Mars, and the Belt.

At the heart of The Expanse is the mystery of the protomolecule, an alien substance discovered on Phoebe, one of Saturn's moons. The protomolecule has the ability to radically alter organic and inorganic matter, and its discovery becomes a catalyst for conflict and a race for control over its potential. The series follows a diverse group of characters whose lives intersect with the unfolding mystery of the protomolecule. These characters include James Holden, the idealistic executive officer of the ice hauler Canterbury who becomes the captain of the salvaged Martian gunship Rocinante; Naomi Nagata, the ship's engineer and a Belter; Alex Kamal, the Martian pilot; and Amos Burton, the mechanic with a violent past.

The Expanse also delves into the political machinations of Earth, Mars, and the Belt, with key figures such as Chrisjen Avasarala, a UN executive with a talent for manipulation and strategy; Bobbie Draper, a Martian Marine caught in the crossfire of interplanetary politics; and Fred Johnson, a former UN Marine who becomes a leader among the Belters.

Throughout its seasons, The Expanse explores themes of power, colonization, identity, and the potential for humanity to either transcend its baser instincts or succumb to them. The presence of the protomolecule not only introduces a science fiction element of alien technology but also serves as a mirror reflecting human desires, fears, and the ethical dilemmas of using or controlling such power.

The series is praised for its realistic portrayal of space travel and life in space, including the effects of gravity, the challenges of interplanetary communication, and the cultural differences that emerge among the populations of Earth, Mars, and the Belt. It is this attention to detail, combined with the compelling narrative and character development, that has made "The Expanse" a standout in the science fiction genre. As the series progresses, it expands the scope of the story from the initial conflict over the protomolecule to include threats from beyond the known universe, ultimately exploring the fate of humanity itself in the face of the unknown.

The Expanse Show Details

• Created by: Daniel Abraham, Mark Fergus, Ty Franck
• Total number of seasons: 6
• Total number of episodes: 36 (so far)
• Date first episode aired: 23 November 2015
• Date final episode aired: 14 January 2022
• Show status: Ended

The Expanse Season 1 Episodes

1. Dulcinea - In the asteroid belt near Saturn, James Holden and the crew of the ice freighter Canterbury investigate a distress call from a mysterious derelict ship, leading to a tragic series of events.
2. The Big Empty - Survivors from the Canterbury's crew deal with the aftermath of their ship's destruction and uncover more about the attack, while on Ceres Station, Detective Miller begins his search for a missing heiress.
3. Remember the Cant - Tensions rise as news of the Canterbury's destruction spreads throughout the system; Holden and his crew are taken captive by the Martian Navy.
4. CQB - The crew of the Rocinante (formerly the Tachi) engages in a dangerous battle aboard a Martian ship, revealing the depth of the conspiracy they're entangled in.
5. Back to the Butcher - The backstory of Tycho Station's Fred Johnson, the "Butcher of Anderson Station," is revealed as Holden's crew seeks refuge and assistance.
6. Rock Bottom - Miller's investigation into Julie Mao intensifies, leading to a confrontation with the OPA, while Holden's crew deals with the aftermath of their actions against the Martians.
7. Windmills - As the Rocinante heads towards Eros, the crew encounters dangerous resistance and must confront secrets within their own ranks.
8. Salvage - Miller and Holden's paths finally cross on Eros, where they uncover a horrific secret related to the protomolecule.
9. Critical Mass - The situation on Eros escalates as the protomolecule's effects become more pronounced, leading to desperate measures by the crew of the Rocinante and Miller.
10. Leviathan Wakes - In the season finale, Miller and the Rocinante crew race against time and the outbreak on Eros to prevent a catastrophe that could threaten the entire solar system.

The Expanse Season 2 Episodes

1. Safe - Earth, Mars, and the Belt are on the brink of war, and the crew of the Rocinante discovers a derelict vessel with a dangerous secret.
2. Doors & Corners - Fred Johnson and the Rocinante crew lead an assault on a secret station in a bid to gain more information about the protomolecule.
3. Static - The aftermath of the raid complicates life on Tycho Station; Miller grapples with the consequences of his actions.
4. Godspeed - A daring plan is enacted to neutralize the protomolecule threat on Eros, involving a massive, coordinated effort from various factions.
5. Home - The Rocinante and Miller work to avert disaster as Eros hurtles towards Earth, leading to a dramatic and emotional conclusion.
6. Paradigm Shift - The solar system is forever changed in the wake of Eros's fate, and a flashback reveals Solomon Epstein's invention of the efficient fusion drive that enabled humanity's expansion into space.
7. The Seventh Man - Tensions escalate between Earth and Mars, and the Belt seeks to assert its place in the new world order following a catastrophic event.
8. Pyre - Betrayal and danger within the Belt threatens to undermine the fragile balance of power as the search for the protomolecule continues.
9. The Weeping Somnambulist - The Rocinante crew undertakes a humanitarian mission, leading to unexpected encounters and challenges.
10. Cascade - On Ganymede, Bobbie Draper seeks the truth behind the attack, while the Rocinante crew uncovers more about the protomolecule's spread.
11. Here There Be Dragons - The crew delves deeper into the mysteries of the protomolecule on Ganymede, and Bobbie makes a significant discovery.
12. The Monster and the Rocket - A desperate race for the protomolecule samples leads to difficult decisions and sacrifices for the Rocinante crew.
13. Caliban's War - In the season finale, a confrontation on Ganymede brings the various factions of the solar system to a turning point, setting the stage for future conflicts and alliances.

The Expanse Season 3 Episodes

1. Fight or Flight - The crew of the Rocinante deals with the fallout of the Ganymede conflict, rebranding the ship to escape pursuit as the system braces for war.
2. IFF - The Rocinante answers a distress signal that leads to an unexpected alliance, as tensions between Earth and Mars escalate into open conflict.
3. Assured Destruction - Earth and Mars continue their brinkmanship with devastating weapon deployments, while the Rocinante crew uncovers more about the protomolecule's purpose.
4. Reload - Stranded in space, the Rocinante seeks new alliances; Avasarala faces a deadly challenge aboard the UNN Agatha King.
5. Triple Point - The search for the protomolecule hybrid leads to a tense standoff on Io, with dire consequences for the solar system.
6. Immolation - The battle on Io reaches its climax, affecting the future of the protomolecule and the balance of power in the system.
7. Delta-V - A time jump introduces new dynamics in the solar system, with the Ring Gate opening new frontiers and threats.
8. It Reaches Out - An investigation into a missing ship near the Ring Gate reveals the protomolecule's influence and a mysterious figure's involvement.
9. Intransigence - The Rocinante's crew faces internal strife; the situation near the Ring Gate becomes more complicated with the arrival of a Martian ship.
10. Dandelion Sky - Holden ventures into the Ring Gate, confronting both the past and the protomolecule's vision for the future.
11. Fallen World - The aftermath of Holden's journey affects all ships near the Ring Gate, leading to a precarious ceasefire and a quest for survival.
12. Congregation - The trapped ships' crews unite to confront the mysteries of the Ring Gate and the threats it poses to humanity.
13. Abaddon's Gate - In the season finale, a decisive battle against the protomolecule entity unfolds, determining the fate of the Ring Gate and humanity's place in the universe.

The Expanse Season 4 Episodes

1. New Terra - The Rocinante crew arrives at Ilus/New Terra to investigate a protomolecule structure, encountering tensions between Earth settlers and a Belter refugee group.
2. Jetsam - Mysterious ruins on Ilus raise alarms; Avasarala faces political challenges on Earth as tensions over new habitable worlds grow.
3. Subduction - Clashes between the settlers and Belters on Ilus escalate, and the Rocinante crew uncovers more about the planet's protomolecule technology.
4. Retrograde - Mars undergoes significant changes, impacting Bobbie Draper's life; on Ilus, the situation deteriorates as the planet's secrets emerge.
5. Oppressor - The Rocinante mediates escalating conflicts on Ilus, while Avasarala's Earth reelection campaign faces new challenges.
6. Displacement - Natural disasters on Ilus threaten all inhabitants, forcing them to unite for survival amidst the ruins' dangers.
7. A Shot in The Dark - Survival becomes even more challenging on Ilus as the settlers and Belters face the planet's alien mechanisms.
8. The One-Eyed Man - Political intrigue on Earth intensifies; on Ilus, the Rocinante crew and settlers deal with the aftermath of the crisis.
9. Safer - Tensions on Ilus come to a head as the Rocinante crew strives to prevent further catastrophe and ensure the safety of all parties.
10. Cibola Burn - In the season finale, the fate of Ilus is decided as the Rocinante crew confronts the final threats and seeks to leave the planet safely.

The Expanse Season 5 Episodes

1. Exodus - The crew of the Rocinante deals with personal challenges as the solar system faces a new threat from Marco Inaros and the Free Navy.
2. Churn - Amos returns to Earth to confront his past, and the system begins to feel the impact of Marco Inaros's actions.
3. Mother - Naomi attempts to rescue her son from Marco's influence, while Avasarala struggles to respond to the growing crisis.
4. Gaugamela - A devastating attack changes the balance of power in the solar system, forcing the characters to make dire choices.
5. Down and Out - The aftermath of the attack sees the Rocinante crew and their allies facing survival in increasingly desperate conditions.
6. Tribes - Amos and Clarissa fight for survival on an Earth thrown into chaos, while Drummer grapples with her allegiance to Marco.
7. Oyedeng - Naomi takes drastic action to save her loved ones, revealing the depths of her resourcefulness and courage.
8. Hard Vacuum - The solar system reels from Marco's actions, with the Rocinante crew and their allies seeking ways to fight back.
9. Winnipesaukee - Escape plans are enacted, leading to tense confrontations and daring rescues amidst the system-wide turmoil.
10. Nemesis Games - In the season finale, the showdown with Marco Inaros comes to a head, setting new courses for the characters and the future of the solar system.

The Expanse Season 6 Episodes

1. Strange Dogs - A new threat looms over the solar system as Laconia emerges, while the Rocinante crew prepares to confront Marco Inaros and the Free Navy.
2. Azure Dragon - The Rocinante targets a Free Navy ship involved in the protomolecule project, escalating the conflict with Marco Inaros.
3. Force Projection - Tensions rise as Earth, Mars, and the Belt unite against the Free Navy, leading to strategic battles and political maneuvering.
4. Redoubt - The stakes increase on both personal and political levels, with the Rocinante crew and their allies facing critical challenges.
5. Why We Fight - As the conflict with the Free Navy reaches a climax, characters confront their motives and loyalties, shaping the future of the solar system.
6. Babylon's Ashes - In the series finale, the battle against Marco Inaros concludes, and the solar system faces a new era, with the Rocinante crew at the heart of the changes.