Tensions develop further on Ilus (New Terra) between the established Belters and the new Earther arrivals, with the Rocinante crew trying to remain neutral and focus on any potential proto-molecule threat. Avasarala heads to Mars for talks, while Bobbie is trying to get by, despite Martian authorities barely tolerating her. Meanwhile, Drummer and Ashford look into an event that could upset the tentative balance between the Inners and Belters in and around the ring gates…

This episode continues the now established main threads of what this series will seemingly cover, namely that of Ilus and the Roci crew and Chrisjen Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo) and the ongoing politics of Earth. Also, Bobbie Draper (Frankie Adams) and her difficulties now that she has been dishonourably discharged from the Mars Marines, and Camina Drummer (Cara Gee) and Klaes Ashford (David Strathairn) and their quest to try to maintain the diplomatic accord struck between the OPA, Earth and Mars.

This is a slow episode compared to much of what has gone before, although the pacing is understandable given the very different times the characters now find themselves in. However, the plot constantly moves forwards, and more pieces of the puzzle, such as evidence that the explosion that happened in the previous episode was deliberately set up by people already on the planet, are presented, though each apparent revelation is as likely to prompt more questions for characters and viewers alike.

A standout moment occurs when Avasarala and Bobbie meet for the first time since their excellent partnership in the early episodes of series three. The build-up to this moment isexcellently done and fits well with Bobbie’s arc so far. Her emotional outburst feels understandable and it’s a great bit of acting by Adams. Bobbie’s future storyline will surely be a fascinating contrast to the rest of the more geo-political and grander arcs followed by the rest of the characters: hers seems to be a much more personal character arc, and a deeper and welcome look into the culture and society of Mars, a place the series has not really presented with any detail until now.

The other standout performance of this episode comes from Dominique Tipper, who sensitively shows Naomi’s continuing struggle with her physical limitations as she grapples with being planetside for the first time in her life. The struggle she goes through pulls at your heartstrings and Tipper’s performance feels intimate and honest.

As things stand, the question so often at the heart of The Expanse remains. Despite myriad differences and dividing lines, can people truly work together, or will cooperation always descend into violence?

Verdict: A good continuation from the previous episode. Some excellent character progression and acting balances the slow progression of the plot. 7/10

Emily Day