The Expanse

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Season 1
Season #: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.5

Universal acclaim- based on 640 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 566 out of 640
  2. Mixed: 34 out of 640
  3. Negative: 40 out of 640
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  1. rwfaught
    Feb 3, 2017
    8
    I'm not surprised that this show has a rating of 6.5 by critics and 8.3 by users on Metacritic at the time of this review. I admit that I’m one of those people who checks this site before I devote time to a show because far more often than not the reviews here parallel my personal opinions about any given show. This one somehow did not hit my radar until I happened to glance at aI'm not surprised that this show has a rating of 6.5 by critics and 8.3 by users on Metacritic at the time of this review. I admit that I’m one of those people who checks this site before I devote time to a show because far more often than not the reviews here parallel my personal opinions about any given show. This one somehow did not hit my radar until I happened to glance at a promotional post on reddit of all places. Normally a critical review of 6.5 isn’t high enough to prompt me to watch a show because, like I said normally the ratings parallel my views. But, I admit that I’m a fan of shows like Firefly, BSG, and Game of Thrones so I was intrigued by the ad which claimed that G.R.R.M had said that this (paraphrasing) was the show that fans of Firefly and BSG had been waiting for. And so the user ratings won me over. After binge watching the first season in one day I think that either I was not paying attention last year or the show was not properly marketed.

    I have not read the books, I have not heard of them before now, so I had no idea what I was getting into. From the very beginning I was intrigued and I throughout the series, which I binged watched from s01e01 to s01e10 finale I never lost interest. There are flaws here which I won’t discuss because surely the critics have that covered. But there are characters and ideas here that I can’t imagine a person not falling for and the story is pretty good. I have season two on record and I probably won’t miss an episode premier unless things just go south quickly. So far the show is exactly as G.R.R.M described it in that promotion. If you're a fan of Firefly and BSG you will love it. I am and I give the expanse an 8/10.    … Expand
  2. wiiy71
    Dec 26, 2017
    8
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  3. hallllloo
    Feb 22, 2018
    8
    Eine spannend Geschichte in die man einfach hineingeworfen wird und dies dadurch viel Spannung birgt, da man nie alles über die Charaktere wo man eigentlich denkt man kennt sie weiß. The Expanse ist keine übliche science-fiction-Serie wie man sie kennt, es gibt wenig action und dass eigentlich Starke an der Serie sind die Dialoge.Und dafür wurden die Rollen sehr gut besetzt, vor allemEine spannend Geschichte in die man einfach hineingeworfen wird und dies dadurch viel Spannung birgt, da man nie alles über die Charaktere wo man eigentlich denkt man kennt sie weiß. The Expanse ist keine übliche science-fiction-Serie wie man sie kennt, es gibt wenig action und dass eigentlich Starke an der Serie sind die Dialoge.Und dafür wurden die Rollen sehr gut besetzt, vor allem hervorzuheben ist Thomas Jane in der Rollen von Miller. Die alles untermalt nun noch einmal die schönen Bilder die diese Serie hat.… Expand
  4. GrantD243
    Jun 11, 2018
    8
    Wow. I was aware of The Expanse's existence long before the whole cancellation ordeal that ended with Amazon picking it up for a fourth season. But, I had never watched it, and I really didn't plan on watching it for quite a while longer. The hype around the revival peaked my interest, though, so I decided to start it. And, boy, I'm glad that I did. While it took me a few episodes toWow. I was aware of The Expanse's existence long before the whole cancellation ordeal that ended with Amazon picking it up for a fourth season. But, I had never watched it, and I really didn't plan on watching it for quite a while longer. The hype around the revival peaked my interest, though, so I decided to start it. And, boy, I'm glad that I did. While it took me a few episodes to finally become hooked, The Expanse is the sci-fi show I've been longing for for quite some time. I've always felt that sci-fi often fell short of its potential on the small screen (I'm looking at you Altered Carbon), but this one hits every note I want it to. There's mystery, space battles, plenty of futuristic tech, action, and a world that seems very deep. I do think there is potential for it to be better, but given that I still have two seasons to get through, I think that it will reach its true potential by the time I'm caught up.… Expand
  5. greenisgood
    Nov 18, 2020
    8
    TL;DR - Current Sci-Fi that was my staple for years like Doctor Who and Star Trek Universe has been targeted by the 'Woke Missiles' and are being shot to sh1t while I helplessly plead and hope that they survive. This also means I am starved for the good stuff and I am glad I finally got around to The Expanse. This first season worked like cannabis to my nerves immediately putting me in aTL;DR - Current Sci-Fi that was my staple for years like Doctor Who and Star Trek Universe has been targeted by the 'Woke Missiles' and are being shot to sh1t while I helplessly plead and hope that they survive. This also means I am starved for the good stuff and I am glad I finally got around to The Expanse. This first season worked like cannabis to my nerves immediately putting me in a state of relaxation of being at home in good sci-fi writing, great performances, great characterization and a nice slow burn plot supported by decent and adequate CGI for a show set mostly in Space.

    The Good
    Even though I generally dislike heavy politicized shows especially in Sci Fi, here the execution and it's role in the plot works well making The Belters, The OPA, Mars and Earth important parts of the story. Even though it mirrors our own civilization, it is intriguing albeit a little disheartening that even after we conquer the stars The Expanse paints a close picture of what our reality might just be.
    Thomas Jane is one of those actors who I feel have just not gotten the right role yet but has consistently been giving great performances whenever I see him, Det. Miller is a good fit for him. We see his journey from a Star Helix Officer to the Cop who is like a dog with a bone picking at the plot sideways only to tumble straight into it. Jane pulls of an effortless performance in this gritty but still better off than others Ceres Station Setting.
    Shohreh close to 75 pulls off an amazing performance as an experienced, intelligent and jaded but still trying Earth politician doing her level best to keep things from spilling into an all out war. Her no nonsense, cut the bullcrap characterization was very refreshing because of how she plays it always adorned in beautiful and elegant costumes still looking like the belle of the ball.
    Steven Strait was the stand out for me in Sky High and in the so bad it's good Covenant 2006, it feels like his performance though similar to the aforementioned silent but strong portrayal has evolved nonetheless as he plays the character that written well for the actor.
    Dominique and Wes come onscreen as a duo pulling of the male strength and the female intuition/tempered thinking you would expect from a far flung future. And surprise-surprise, all this without shoving an agenda driven message down out throats, I am happy actual character writing still exists for the Strong Woman.
    Cas Anvar pulls of a slightly uneven performance from moment to moment going from could not care less to intense to man with hidden past, it may just be that his character is a tad bit overwritten but it woks well as a whole with the Rocinante crew.
    Jared Harris has grown o be one of my favorite actors in the last five years from Moriarty to Legasov in Chernoby and Crozier in the Terror he pulls off amazing character performances and sadly his role is small but I am hoping he will return back in the coming seasons.

    The special effects a quite good for a TV show nowhere near the best but the future tech, space travel and space living is pulled of well with amazing help from the costume and art department that amalgamate together into a believable and lived in Future Space. The plot is a great slow burn but doles out information at a good pace making sure to keep viewers engaged in the mystery unless you are a self induced ADD-Twitterholic wreck who cant keep an attention span for more than 280 letters/characters. most normal people will be engaged in the mystery to solve why 'Remember the Cant' is important and maybe all is not as straightforward as it seems.
    Dialogue writing is great and believable as characters communicate to each other in an amalgamation of accents with the Lang-Belta and it's creole/various influence being a particularly great addition to the show.

    The Bad
    I only had one issue which by the end was pretty redundant, Det. Miller's character falling in love with Julie Mao without even seeing her. It is not outright stated but hinted of his infatuation. It is Julie as an Earther fighting for Belters while Miller himself a belter labeled as a traitor for working as a Star Helix officer this is motivation as to why Miller takes an interest in her, but it is hinted by other characters and not outright confirmed that Miller is in Love with Mao. Even so this asinine character motivation is pretty redundant by the end as there are other more serious reasons as to why Miller needs to be a part of whatever is happening.

    The Expanse is a labor of love clearly adapted well from the original book by Daniel Abraham since he is clearly being consulted while writing the show. This is a very satisfying watch for Sci Fi lovers and Mystery lovers and though it might not be the most accessible show to for the masses the good score tells me otherwise.    … Expand
  6. SimboTheKing
    Jan 3, 2022
    8
    I'm doing a big rewatch of the Expanse as it has been one of my favourite TV shows of the last few years. I feel like the initial few episodes of this season do suffer a little from pacing issues but I would say this is largely due to it having to build and establish its wolrd and lore. By episode 3 (so very early in the season) I think you can really tell you're watching something reallyI'm doing a big rewatch of the Expanse as it has been one of my favourite TV shows of the last few years. I feel like the initial few episodes of this season do suffer a little from pacing issues but I would say this is largely due to it having to build and establish its wolrd and lore. By episode 3 (so very early in the season) I think you can really tell you're watching something really good. I just love how complex it already starts to get. The Expanse is up there with early Game of Thrones for me in terms of building this rich, complex world and creating a fascinating story out of it. Rewatching this has made me remember why I like it so much and I thoroughly look forward to finishing the whole thing all over again!

    One of the best series and opening seasons of recent years.    … Expand
  7. Capzero
    Feb 19, 2018
    7
    A very strong story and good effects holds mediocre acting together. This sci-fi show combines political intrigue with alien horror quite nicely. I look forward to the next season.
  8. kennfusion
    Jan 11, 2016
    7
    I was on the fence the first couple episodes, but they are doing so much world building that the major early criticism was they tried to do too much too fast. By episode three though it starts to pay off and really starts to come together in episode 4.

    A lot of characters and factions to develop, but there is huge potential here and the high production values give me great hope.
  9. talonps1
    Jan 30, 2016
    7
    Have to say, after watching the first two episodes with trepidation, I've come to really dig this show! The different stories wrap up nicely and integrate well with each other (was pleasantly surprised) and they don't easily solve or end up nicely wrapped like the massive ex machine trend we see today. I can see this going into Season 2 and happy to continue to watch.
    ADDED BONUS - All    Have to say, after watching the first two episodes with trepidation, I've come to really dig this show! The different stories wrap up nicely and integrate well with each other (was pleasantly surprised) and they don't easily solve or end up nicely wrapped like the massive ex machine trend we see today. I can see this going into Season 2 and happy to continue to watch.
    ADDED BONUS - All the ' read the novels' people are upset!!! Love these morons and their trite comments since anyone with an 8th grade education knows automatically...THE BOOKS ARE ALWAYS BETTER or at least different.    … Expand
  10. gmonster320
    Jan 3, 2016
    7
    The world is immersive and the characters compelling. The set designs are very impressive. Various plots can be hard to follow at times though. Is there enough here to keep me coming back? I'm not sure. Time will tell.

    Points To Ponder: The Belters speak an interesting hodge podge of languages. I'm not sure exactly what it's supposed to be but it's a cool addition. The zero gravity    The world is immersive and the characters compelling. The set designs are very impressive. Various plots can be hard to follow at times though. Is there enough here to keep me coming back? I'm not sure. Time will tell.

    Points To Ponder:
    The Belters speak an interesting hodge podge of languages. I'm not sure exactly what it's supposed to be but it's a cool addition.
    The zero gravity sex scene was fun to watch.
    The struggle for water rights is something we are becoming more and more familiar with on Earth.
    Being a Belter is hell on your bones apparently.
    I'm interested t see more of Canterbury engineer Naomi Nagata (played by Dominique Tipper). Hopefully she's not a bad guy.
    Detective Miller's Fedora is a nice touch.
    Where can get some space boots? I need those.
    I would gladly watch a whole show of Shoreh Aghdashloo just reading the phone book (if we still had phone books). Her voice is wonderful!    … Expand
  11. froglegs
    May 27, 2018
    7
    There are many character actions that seem unlikely and poorly written dialogue lines, but overall the show is compelling enough to keep me watching.
  12. Adamcriz
    Dec 16, 2015
    7
    Not bad, there are some differences, Like Avasarala is nowhere near as rude in the Show as she is in the books, shame really she was my fav character. Only thing that I am concerned with is the books have A LOT going on in them and trying to cram them into 1 hour slot shows is challenging. My partner watched them and was like "there's no explanation, whats going on?". It is a littleNot bad, there are some differences, Like Avasarala is nowhere near as rude in the Show as she is in the books, shame really she was my fav character. Only thing that I am concerned with is the books have A LOT going on in them and trying to cram them into 1 hour slot shows is challenging. My partner watched them and was like "there's no explanation, whats going on?". It is a little confusing if you have not read the books yet.… Expand
  13. AbeMC
    Jul 5, 2018
    7
    Season 1 of The Expanse takes a measured approach to establishing its lore and world-verse. This will pay dividends later, as major sequences will require almost no forced exposition, but it can make some the events seem extremely random. Characters are good, though, and the sense of sci-fi mystery is well done. Season 1 sets the table; the main course will happen later.
  14. Goby
    Jan 15, 2017
    6
    It's probably not going to accumulate a cult following, but it's another slightly above average show from SyFy that's in the same basket with the likes of Falling Skies or Defiance. It doesn't achieve the level of some science fiction cinematography like Star Wars or Alien, but it can be entertaining in it's own way, depends on how much you like to nitpick on plot holes.

    Couple of    It's probably not going to accumulate a cult following, but it's another slightly above average show from SyFy that's in the same basket with the likes of Falling Skies or Defiance. It doesn't achieve the level of some science fiction cinematography like Star Wars or Alien, but it can be entertaining in it's own way, depends on how much you like to nitpick on plot holes.

    Couple of aspects bother me more than others:
    1) The most significant one is that the plot seems to center a bit too much on the main characters while putting a serious emphasis on the political background of the scenario, but develops the latter insufficiently. Consequently we don't really get answers to dwelling questions like: How did the different factions come to be? Why is there so much tension between those factions? How has Mars become such a strong military power if that planet is barren and, as it said in the show, hasn't even started terraforming into an Earth-like planet (meaning it's hardly sustainable)? Based on our knowledge today such a scenario is not possible and Mars could only serve as a colony, nothing more.

    Also the OPA is regarded as a terrorist organization and in several instances the viewer is expected to react solely upon the connotation of the word, rather than the background of their activities. There are two kinds of dialogue you'll come across:"He's OPA! Terrorist bastard!" and "You're wrong! The OPA only serves the people, we're the good guys." How could any viewer sympathize with either one? It's easy if you're an easily triggered person that doesn't need more than some guy to tell you that the other guy is a terrorist and you're already emotionally involved. Others need more intricacy.

    2) Another problem is that sometimes the characters seem to be pulling deductions out of their asses - they just randomly know information that helps drive the plot... I call that cheating and it really makes the already fast-paced show feel like it's developing even faster than it should.

    3) And what the bloody hell is going on with these dumb user interfaces that we see in almost every average sci-fi flick? They're all over the walls and tables, but most of them seem impractical and when they do get used, we usually only get to see that single big button in the middle of the screen that says something you'd never expect to see there. It's kind of analogous to those scenes from other movies where someone is locally hacking a computer for top-secret information and there's that big button in the middle of the screen that says HACK. You press it and a wild loading bar appears...    … Expand
  15. neoguy
    Feb 3, 2016
    6
    I just finished watching the season finale and I really have no idea what is going on. I didn't read the books and I think for this series, reading the books first is a required assignment. SO many questions while you're watching and never any explanations. What's OPA? CPM? What language are the Belters speaking and why? What are they saying?? I literally had to google the answers.I just finished watching the season finale and I really have no idea what is going on. I didn't read the books and I think for this series, reading the books first is a required assignment. SO many questions while you're watching and never any explanations. What's OPA? CPM? What language are the Belters speaking and why? What are they saying?? I literally had to google the answers. I feel like I need to watch it again with 'Pop Up Video' bubbles pausing the show and explaining what they're trying to convey.
    Great production values, but they really have to do a better job to convey the story. I shouldn't have to read the book in advance and already know what's going to happen -- just so I can understand what's happening on this show!    … Expand
  16. Snotbottom
    Mar 4, 2016
    6
    I haven't read the books, so the story and setting is all new to me. I am thoroughly enjoying the storyline and really like how well SyFy has done with the production on this and on several of its new series. I particularly like that the tech isn't the focus of the series, but merely the setting in which the story is delivered. I also like that it is in the near future, still within ourI haven't read the books, so the story and setting is all new to me. I am thoroughly enjoying the storyline and really like how well SyFy has done with the production on this and on several of its new series. I particularly like that the tech isn't the focus of the series, but merely the setting in which the story is delivered. I also like that it is in the near future, still within our own solar system, which adds to the plausibility of the whole.

    My biggest complaint is the language. They at least (mostly) bleep out the f-bomb, but anything else gets aired. I've never understood why some feel the need to use profanity to tell a story. I think it actually takes away from a very good show, and my rating reflects that.    … Expand
  17. Electrogasm
    Jan 6, 2016
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Read the books. Better plot pacing, better character development, better characters in general. (Book version of Miller isn't a crooked cop, just a washed up drunk who used to be a good cop; in the TV version, Millers taking bribes etc). The SyFy version has fundamentally changed most of the characters inside the first 3 episodes, it's "The Expanse" in name only.… Expand
  18. PoeticDumpling
    Dec 14, 2015
    5
    It's too early to tell. I hope it gets more focused and tighter storyline wise. I agree with the critics saying it is crammed with too much and is balancing a lot in a breakneck pace. I need a little more development, but I am intrigued. I am hopeful. It is something excitedly a bit different. I hope that after a few more weeks I will be wanting to raise my score.
  19. Octomort
    Jan 27, 2016
    5
    I had hopes for this, but the characters are tedious, I identify with none of them such that i care about their stories.
    The visual realisation is great. The setting and idea fantastic.
    The pace is slow and again none of the characters are personable enough to want to follow. I watch five of the episodes. I might try it again but... And for a man of his age Millers hair cut is    I had hopes for this, but the characters are tedious, I identify with none of them such that i care about their stories.
    The visual realisation is great. The setting and idea fantastic.
    The pace is slow and again none of the characters are personable enough to want to follow. I watch five of the episodes. I might try it again but...
    And for a man of his age Millers hair cut is laughable.
    I think I will try the books.    … Expand
  20. DrkJhnsn
    Jan 19, 2016
    5
    DIsappointed. I was so excited to hear that The Expanse novels were being adapted for TV. Unfortunately, Under The Radar's review is spot on. With the excellent source material, and the writers so involved in the production, i don't know how they missed the mark so badly. They have completely changed the dynamic between the characters and made me not like or care about any of them. TheDIsappointed. I was so excited to hear that The Expanse novels were being adapted for TV. Unfortunately, Under The Radar's review is spot on. With the excellent source material, and the writers so involved in the production, i don't know how they missed the mark so badly. They have completely changed the dynamic between the characters and made me not like or care about any of them. The show has completely lost the cool tone of the novels, especially the brilliantly voiced audio books (except book 4 - NEVER change the narrator in the middle of a series! ). Best sci-fi BOOKS in a long time.… Expand
  21. Triggerhappy
    Feb 18, 2016
    4
    Whereas the first four episodes set the stage perfectly for a sprawling space opera with a grand conspiracy in the background, the storyline quickly falls apart afterwards, characters seem to wander aimlessly, and all drive and drama dissipates as the inevitably disappointing conclusion comes closer. Rarely have I encountered such wasted promise.

    There is some solid acting, decent    Whereas the first four episodes set the stage perfectly for a sprawling space opera with a grand conspiracy in the background, the storyline quickly falls apart afterwards, characters seem to wander aimlessly, and all drive and drama dissipates as the inevitably disappointing conclusion comes closer. Rarely have I encountered such wasted promise.

    There is some solid acting, decent production values, two quite thrilling space battles, and the story universe is very nicely fleshed out, but how on Earth could this series become such a dismembered wreck in its second half is really a mystery to me. I would recommend you to avoid it unless for study or professional reasons.    … Expand
  22. zurnzurn
    Feb 3, 2016
    4
    Characters and plot are not properly developed; characters are mostly one-dimensional, and I barely cared about any of them. The plot is obfuscated for too long, and rarely gives any satisfying payoff. The first season ends with almost nothing resolved; I get that there'll be more, but why should I care to watch?

    It's typical SyFy channel rushed, sloppy writing, and with the added    Characters and plot are not properly developed; characters are mostly one-dimensional, and I barely cared about any of them. The plot is obfuscated for too long, and rarely gives any satisfying payoff. The first season ends with almost nothing resolved; I get that there'll be more, but why should I care to watch?

    It's typical SyFy channel rushed, sloppy writing, and with the added annoyance of a cliffhanger ending (but unlike a proper cliffhanger, I don't care to watch more, I just wished I'd gotten something for the time I'd spent so far).    … Expand
  23. nilsy
    Sep 27, 2017
    4
    Didnt have a good time watching this, while one can seek to pick apart reasons why the fact stands on its own.

    The start was just bad it didnt grab me i felt no interest in any of the characters or the world, the only thing that kept me watching was people saying "it becomes best ever!!!" and well it never got better. Looking for comparison it seems like a bad version of battlestar    Didnt have a good time watching this, while one can seek to pick apart reasons why the fact stands on its own.

    The start was just bad it didnt grab me i felt no interest in any of the characters or the world, the only thing that kept me watching was people saying "it becomes best ever!!!" and well it never got better.

    Looking for comparison it seems like a bad version of battlestar galatica to me, its a shame since i love scifi and there isnt enough scifi tv basically watch it all good bad horrible i consume it all.
    Never trust the hype, im a little bit tempted to check out the books but suspect it just not be my thing    … Expand
  24. cterryr2
    Mar 20, 2017
    4
    Characters don't pull me in. Tired of crime stories, we have more than enough of them already. Hard to follow. Hard to hear dialog. Story seems weak. Nothing really had jelled for me in the 1st 4 episodes so I say it's crap.
    I'm a huge SCIFI fan but not this. Nothing here to make me watch it.
  25. lmi
    Jan 2, 2016
    4
    This series tries too hard. I concede that I only viewed S1E1, but it was all I could muster just to make it through the one episode. The Expanse seems as though it were created by students working on a college project. The drama is over-done, the dialog is repetitive and the concept is pretty shallow. How many shots of boots with red LEDs do you think you need to show me, before IThis series tries too hard. I concede that I only viewed S1E1, but it was all I could muster just to make it through the one episode. The Expanse seems as though it were created by students working on a college project. The drama is over-done, the dialog is repetitive and the concept is pretty shallow. How many shots of boots with red LEDs do you think you need to show me, before I understand that they are counteracting gravity. Oh, sorry, forgot.. Writers and directors on this project are new... Okay, ONE. I need (1) shot. The creative team also could refrain from laying on the "Everybody disgusts everybody" attitude so thickly. My eyes are sore from eye-rolling at all the cheap dialog of how someone can't stand someone else for just being in the same room with them. I suppose it doesn't surprise me that this was renewed. I'm sure the special effects are appealing enough for another season.… Expand
  26. Feibrix
    Nov 6, 2017
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The first episode tried to keep me focused on different stories. That means it literally didn't try to keep me focused. At the end I didn't feel any attachment to any of the characters or the story lines introduced. Will it be better? The first one failed at the only thing it was supposed to do: telling an interesting story. Instead it decided to go for 4 of them. It kills characters without creating any kind of relationship with the spectator. We should share the sadness and desperation of the protagonist and the crew that survived and instead we are left with a "meh, who cares".… Expand
  27. Moo-vies
    Feb 5, 2017
    3
    Just read the books if you are into sci-fi.
    The experience will be miles ahead in terms of pretty much everything. TV stuff just makes way too many compromises for it all to be enjoyable.
  28. edmellnik
    May 31, 2016
    3
    What a waste of money. I dont know whats worse - the directing or the writing. Someone needs to figure out how to tell a story. If I had not read these books I would have been totally lost.
    And the casting is all wrong for the James Holden character. Great effects but tell the story please. If I were Cory I would be very disapointed.
  29. confutatis
    Feb 3, 2017
    3
    Season 1 - very good. Season 2? Total letdown. Directing is horrible, scenes are rushed. From the ridiculous, "woo-hoo" that's completely out of place given tone of what's taking place, to the over-excited childish responses to a random girl armwrestling a machine (like the old arcade game), to an incredibly stupid discussion about, "cheese farts"? Did this series suddenly get re-writtenSeason 1 - very good. Season 2? Total letdown. Directing is horrible, scenes are rushed. From the ridiculous, "woo-hoo" that's completely out of place given tone of what's taking place, to the over-excited childish responses to a random girl armwrestling a machine (like the old arcade game), to an incredibly stupid discussion about, "cheese farts"? Did this series suddenly get re-written for 10 year-old kids? What's the point?

    There was very little about the Season 2 start that has my family at all interested. There was no time for thought, scenes were consistently over-emotional, and cutaways were not smooth and lacked any real segue. The entire thing seems confused and unplanned, culminating in a completely unlikely closing sequence that makes almost no sense whatsoever. Great for keeping a series going, maybe, but so completely unrelated to any realistic expectation, I sincerely doubt I watch another episode.

    That's really very sad. Whatever these guys sold out to - whether the continuous repetition of one cliche after another or the stupid Hollywood, "female minority hero" or, "strong woman but sexy and soft and sultry but powerful and independent" - it's just ridiculous trash at this point.

    Sell out - 100%. Sign your 8 year-old up. She'll love it. As for the boys? Probably their xbox and playstations continue to offer much more. As for parents - find something with more meaning - this won't hold it for you.    … Expand
  30. tigerskin84
    Jan 22, 2016
    2
    i didnt like it ... it throwns to you too much i think ( i didnt read the books) so i was trying to understand on the first 3 chapters and when all things come togheter is nothing from another world really, actually is quite boring maybe it needs more action and less mixed plots and tons of dialogue
  31. inopinatus
    Mar 6, 2017
    2
    The Expanse uses every production trick in the book to hide its true colours. This is not science fiction. It is a simple detective noir set in space, with blind alleys of bioterror and political intrigue that come to nothing, develop no remarkable characters, reveal nothing about the human condition, and leave nowhere interesting to go. Everyone is either brutal or corrupt or downtrodden,The Expanse uses every production trick in the book to hide its true colours. This is not science fiction. It is a simple detective noir set in space, with blind alleys of bioterror and political intrigue that come to nothing, develop no remarkable characters, reveal nothing about the human condition, and leave nowhere interesting to go. Everyone is either brutal or corrupt or downtrodden, except for the reluctant hero. The characters are cliches, the acting is wooden, and the lighting is gloomy to hide the cheap sets. The episodes take far too long to tell a very simple story. This is strictly a show to leave playing in the background.… Expand
  32. MachoBunny
    Jan 23, 2016
    2
    Undesirable characters, too dark, audio track is muddy and garbled, graphics are OK mainly because everything is nearly black and detail of the "scenes" cannot be seen. This is one of the poorest attemtpts at "Blade Runner" like SciFi I have ever tried to watch. I recorded several episodes, starting with the first and was never able to understand what the hell the story line was supposedUndesirable characters, too dark, audio track is muddy and garbled, graphics are OK mainly because everything is nearly black and detail of the "scenes" cannot be seen. This is one of the poorest attemtpts at "Blade Runner" like SciFi I have ever tried to watch. I recorded several episodes, starting with the first and was never able to understand what the hell the story line was supposed to be. As I write this, I presume this mess has been cancelled. If not, please do. It is garbage.… Expand
  33. bobbymcd
    Jan 5, 2017
    2
    The CGI is good and that's about all I can recommend about this.

    Incredibly poor casting (stock TV actors with abs and no acting talent), cheesy dialogue, a lack of basic storytelling ability, poor shot framing and direction. This is probably decent by average TV standards, but wayyyy below what we are willing to watch. It's a shame, it sounds like the general plot and world would be    The CGI is good and that's about all I can recommend about this.

    Incredibly poor casting (stock TV actors with abs and no acting talent), cheesy dialogue, a lack of basic storytelling ability, poor shot framing and direction. This is probably decent by average TV standards, but wayyyy below what we are willing to watch.

    It's a shame, it sounds like the general plot and world would be interesting, but the showrunners have no taste and very limited ability.    … Expand
  34. TeeCee3
    Mar 10, 2019
    2
    I liked he CGI, very well done but not exceptional. The story is a convoluted mess, I tried watching, and just couldn't get captivated. The moment I saw one part of the plot evolving, it switched to something completely different, kind of like a series of irritating advertisements, that don't challenge peoples attention span. The characters seem superficial with superficial dialogue andI liked he CGI, very well done but not exceptional. The story is a convoluted mess, I tried watching, and just couldn't get captivated. The moment I saw one part of the plot evolving, it switched to something completely different, kind of like a series of irritating advertisements, that don't challenge peoples attention span. The characters seem superficial with superficial dialogue and one dimensional in their emotional development, there's no depth to them. When I watch a TV series or movie, I want to see a story that draws me in, that captivates me, that makes me want to find out more, I want to see characters with some depth to them. Any movie or TV series which starts off with violence , gratuitous sex and a shallow plot has already let itself down. Shame, because this subject matter will most likely happen for real in the near future. It could have been done so much better instead of the shallow superficial treatment which this TV series has given this topic.. As I said before the only thing which appealed was the CGI. It's like having a whole packet of Oreo's, soon you get bloody sick of cookies.… Expand
  35. mortendynamo
    Dec 16, 2020
    1
    amazingly bad actors for such a grand scifi adventure. Compared to “Battlestar Galactica”, this don't even reach up to its knees.
  36. Zharos
    Jan 21, 2016
    1
    i am an avid fan of the novels, found them to be a very enjoyable and already formatted in such a way that a television series could easily be produced from them without much need for adaptation. I started watching the first four episodes of The Expanse and was dreadfully disappointed. The casting is dreadful, the acting robotic and lifeless, with the exception of Miller's portrayal byi am an avid fan of the novels, found them to be a very enjoyable and already formatted in such a way that a television series could easily be produced from them without much need for adaptation. I started watching the first four episodes of The Expanse and was dreadfully disappointed. The casting is dreadful, the acting robotic and lifeless, with the exception of Miller's portrayal by Thomas Jane. Holden comes across as sulky and petulant, Amos as thuggish, and Naomi as overcompensating. Then there is the instant mashing-up up storylines from multiple books leading to a complete breakdown of what had been a nicely developed time/story line for this "universe" created by the authors. To say I am bitterly disappointed in the SyFy adaptation would be an understatement.… Expand
  37. Rattazustra
    Dec 16, 2015
    0
    The original story is incredibly bad and goes downhill fast. So far the series is following the original quite well in the details, only that the original was better. That is not a very good sign. On top of that it has this weird cheap syfylys look that most SyFy productions nowadays have.

    Too sad the rating system never works for user ratings. Otherwise it would be a solid 3-4.    The original story is incredibly bad and goes downhill fast. So far the series is following the original quite well in the details, only that the original was better. That is not a very good sign. On top of that it has this weird cheap syfylys look that most SyFy productions nowadays have.

    Too sad the rating system never works for user ratings. Otherwise it would be a solid 3-4. Mediocre, but not completely horrible. Unfortunately most people think that mediocre is already an 8 and then add 2 on top for being nice.    … Expand
  38. hawkman56
    Dec 18, 2015
    0
    watching this show is like starting something in the middle of season six. The backgrounds are great,but the writing and acting is too disjointed to follow.Sorry,but I won't waste my time trying to figure this one out. Knowing Sci-fy they will cancel it anyway. Better luck next time.
  39. farmerfan
    Dec 31, 2017
    0
    Completely unwatchable tv. Actors have no talent or charisma and so you don't care about their story or what happens to them. The writers and producers have no talent at making an interesting tv show: boring dialogue, silly plot lines, political dialogues and police procedural stuff - I mean seriously, there is enough of this garbage on tv already, and better done than this.
    And yet, this    Completely unwatchable tv. Actors have no talent or charisma and so you don't care about their story or what happens to them. The writers and producers have no talent at making an interesting tv show: boring dialogue, silly plot lines, political dialogues and police procedural stuff - I mean seriously, there is enough of this garbage on tv already, and better done than this.
    And yet, this garbage gets a third season because... why? The special effects ?
    Really? When great , intelligent sci fi like Dark Matter and Stargate Universe get cancelled prematurely?
    I just don't get it...    … Expand
  40. Broyax
    Dec 29, 2016
    0
    Globalement fort confuse, The Expanse est une série SF sans relief et sans génie, sans un rond ou presque et sans le moindre talent pour compenser une écriture à l'emporte-pièce (autant dire que les auteurs ont médité fortement sur le trône mais que cela n'a rien donné).

    Les acteurs et actrices sont au diapason de cette médiocrité très constante qui habite tous les rouages qui ne    Globalement fort confuse, The Expanse est une série SF sans relief et sans génie, sans un rond ou presque et sans le moindre talent pour compenser une écriture à l'emporte-pièce (autant dire que les auteurs ont médité fortement sur le trône mais que cela n'a rien donné).

    Les acteurs et actrices sont au diapason de cette médiocrité très constante qui habite tous les rouages qui ne tournent pas rond de cette série et de ses ambitions de space opera à la manque. Hélas, aucune profondeur, seulement du superficiel, du cliché et du déjà vu dans The Expanse... non, on est décidément pas dans Battlestar Galactica !

    L'ennui prend très vite le pas sur la curiosité malgré le nombre limité d'épisodes, circonstance aggravante pour cette série de pacotille à jeter aux orties.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
27
#27 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
65

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Liz Shannon Miller
    Feb 2, 2017
    91
    The biggest challenge will be how well all these threads can hold together, but so far, the show’s proven its ability to focus when essential. And all those little stories, when blended together, create a hell of a narrative.
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  2. Vox.com
    Reviewed by: Emily VanDerWerff
    Dec 15, 2015
    80
    The show overexplains here and there--especially in the first episode--but after some early jitters, it settles in and simply lets its world be.
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  3. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Amber Dowling
    Dec 15, 2015
    50
    The Expanse is indeed expansive with the universe it sets up within the pilot and through the characters presented. Unfortunately though there’s so much going on in the pilot that it quickly becomes a convoluted romp through space that’s more about showcasing the wasteland that humans have become than developing characters viewers will remember, let alone invest in watching.
    Read full review
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