Leviathan Wakes (S01E10)
Airdate: February 2nd 2016
Written by: Mark Fergus & Hawk Estby Directed by: Terry McDonough
Running Time: 40 minutes
The Expanse has long stood out among space operas for its unflinching embrace of darkness, both in its narrative tone and its thematic exploration of humanity’s capacity for cruelty. This grim sensibility is particularly evident in the first season, which culminates in a finale that borders on genocide. Leviathan Wakes, the episode that concludes this season, is a harrowing and intense chapter that underscores the series’ willingness to confront the bleakest aspects of its universe. Named after the first novel in James S. A. Corey’s series, the episode serves as the second part of a feature-length narrative, picking up precisely where the previous instalment left off. The protagonists find themselves in what appears to be an inescapable predicament, trapped on Eros, an asteroid colony that has become the site of a horrifying bioweapon experiment involving the protomolecule—a mysterious and malevolent substance that consumes and transforms everything it touches into a grotesque, blob-like entity.
For Miller and Holden, the situation is even more dire. Having been exposed to lethal levels of radiation, they are acutely aware that they have only hours to live. In a desperate bid to survive, they inject themselves with a cocktail of drugs intended to mitigate the symptoms of radiation poisoning and buy them precious time. During their frantic efforts to reach the Rocinante they encounter Dresden’s mercenaries, who are setting up equipment to document the unfolding catastrophe. The mercenaries, a mix of corporate enforcers and Belter thugs, are too preoccupied with their own internal conflicts to notice Miller and Holden, who exploit this discord to slip past them. Their path also crosses with Kenzo, a duplicitous character who pleads for their help. However, Holden, hardened by betrayal and the dire circumstances, coldly refuses, leaving Kenzo to his fate.
Meanwhile, Naomi, Alex, and Amos, having been separated from Holden and Miller, find themselves navigating the labyrinthine tunnels of Eros. These tunnels, historically used by the OPA for smuggling, become their lifeline as they attempt to reunite with the Rocinante. Along the way, they encounter a group of refugees, including a young girl named Shukri, portrayed by Madison Oldroyd. Naomi’s maternal instincts compel her to want to rescue the child, but this hope is dashed when they meet Shukri’s relative, Nalida, played by Ayesha Mansour. Nalida insists that the girl remain with the other refugees, who believe they are heading to a safer part of Eros. Reluctantly, the crew presses on without Shukri, eventually reaching the Rocinante. However, the absence of Holden and Miller creates palpable tension among the group. Setibamba, in particular, grows increasingly agitated, arguing for an immediate departure and even resorting to pulling a gun on Naomi. This confrontation is resolved in a characteristically abrupt and violent manner. When Holden and Miller finally arrive, they are visibly ill, but advanced medical care equipment aboard the Rocinante offers a glimmer of hope. As the ship departs Eros, the station is left to the ravages of the protomolecule.
On Earth, the political machinations that underpin the series’ broader narrative continue to unfold. Chrisjen Avasarala, portrayed with steely determination by Shohreh Aghdashloo, grows increasingly suspicious of Earth’s involvement in the conspiracy surrounding the protomolecule. Her instincts are validated when her superior, Einwright, meets with Jules-Pierre Mao, the wealthy and morally bankrupt tycoon orchestrating the genocidal experiment. This revelation not only implicates Earth in the conspiracy but also adds a layer of tragic irony, as Mao’s own daughter was among the protomolecule’s victims.
One of the episode’s notable limitations is its relatively short runtime, which leaves little room for extensive character development, world-building, or intricate plot twists. The script is functional, prioritising the immediate survival of the protagonists over deeper exploration of the story’s broader implications. This focus on action and survival, while effective in maintaining tension, occasionally comes at the expense of narrative depth. Additionally, the episode’s budget constraints are evident in its limited depiction of the mass horror unfolding on Eros. The dark cinematography, while atmospheric, serves to obscure some of the more gruesome details, making the horror more suggestive than explicit. This approach, while perhaps necessary for sensitive viewers, slightly diminishes the emotional impact of the catastrophe.
Despite these limitations, Leviathan Wakes manages to deliver compelling performances and well-executed action sequences. The episode also allows some of the character to settle some personal scores. Miller, for instance, avenges his partner’s impalement by killing the Belter thug responsible, a moment that underscores his transformation from a disillusioned detective to a man driven by purpose. Similarly, Holden’s decision to abandon Kenzo, culminating in the latter’s gruesome demise, reinforces his growing pragmatism and moral complexity.
Leviathan Wakes is a fittingly dark and intense conclusion to The Expanse’s first season. While its focus on survival and action occasionally comes at the expense of deeper storytelling, the episode excels in its portrayal of a universe teetering on the brink of chaos.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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