[Warning: contains very minor spoilers for The Expanse Season 5, Episodes 1-3, but nothing that will spoil the story. Still…. Read on at your own risk.] Have you ever experienced an emotional event that, even though you knew it was coming, still punched you in the gut just the same? We’ll get ready, Inners and Beltalowda alike. The fifth season of The Expanse kicks off with that gut punch and the blows keep coming. From the opening moments of episode 1, Season 5 makes it known early that no one is safe, boundaries will be tested, and the solar system will never be the same.
When Season 4 ended, Marco Inaros had flung stealth-covered asteroids at Earth as a show of the Belters’ growing might. Inaros has what every sociopathic terrorist needs to succeed – charisma and resources. It’s almost difficult to decide which will hurts fans more: the death and destruction he seeks to wreak on earth, or that his son, the boy-turned-man Naomi is so desperate to find, may be an active participant in the mass murder. Making matters worse in Season 5 of The Expanse? The protomolecule still exists, and Inaros is hell-bent on finding it.
The Expanse Season 5 sends the Roci’s crew on their own, separate ways
Season 5 marks a major shift in The Expanse storytelling, leading to the heavy, dramatic tone we see in the early episodes. The crew of the Rocinate splits four ways, giving each the opportunity to showcase their own strengths and weaknesses. Naomi embarks on what could be inevitable journey of disappointment. Alex Kamal returns to Mars to try and reconcile with his wife and son, and Amos….
In episode 2, “The Churn,” we finally get the full Amos backstory as he returns to Baltimore to mourn the loss of his mother figure… and implied lover. It’s simultaneously enlightening and heartbreaking. For those wanting to more fully understand Amos, you’ll get the chance. But be warned – it will change you.
Holden, meanwhile, is left to his normal course of trying to save humanity. This time, however, he has to do it alone, enveloped in conspiracy and betrayal. All the while in Season 5 of The Expanse Inaros’ threat grows, a threat only Avasarala seems to truly recognize. With the help of disgraced Martian Marine Bobbie Draper, she works to uncover a plot that could completely break down what fragile peace remains between Earth, Mars and the Belt.
The Expanse Season 5 sets the bar high, early. By the end of episode 3 we already know that each of the Roci’s crew will face an individual, personal challenge that may keep them apart forever. At least they have seven more episodes to figure it all out.
The first three episodes of The Expanse Season 5 premiere tomorrow, December 16th. On Amazon Prime Video. Stay tuned here for more insight on Season 5; episodes air weekly.
