New Year, new show to binge-watch! The sixth and final season of The Expanse series is coming to an end on January 14th. Yes, although this show is coming to an end, that doesn’t mean it isn’t the perfect time to start binge-watching this series. This critically acclaimed space opera has some of the most fantastic sci-fi characters on television.
Why you should be watching The Expanse
If you’re a fan of the political power struggles in shows like The Boys or Game of Thrones, then this show is probably right up your alley. Based on the popular science fiction novels by James S.A. Cory, The Expanse takes place in the distant future where humans have colonized the solar system and the governments of Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt are in long-standing conflict. As much as I would love to believe that we are heading towards a future that, politically and socially, looks more like Star Trek, The Expanse series gives us a more honest look at what our future in space might be like.
The first five seasons of the series are currently available to stream on Prime Video. On average each episode is about 45 minutes, and each season has around 12 episodes. That is more than enough content to give you something to watch during the first part of 2022. Also, you don’t have to wait to see what happens next because the series finale will happen on January 14th. The series stars Steven Strait, Dominique Tipper, Wes Chatham, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Cara Gee, and Frankie Adams.
Representation
One of the things that I love the most about this series is how beautifully diverse the casting is. Not only in choices made for the main cast, but also the supporting cast and the extras on set. It is a reflection of what our world actually looks like. Hopefully, this will set an example to other television creators of what more representation on-screen should start to look like.
Not only does it have good representation when it comes to casting people of color, but it also creates strong roles for women. For example, actor Shohreh Aghdashloo portrays fan-favorite Earth politician Chrisjen Avasarala. One of the most extraordinary female characters on television, Avasarala is unapologetic when it comes to defending Earth and Earth’s interest. She is a complex character who continues to surprise you season after season. She is the type of politician who appeals to all types of different political parties but never bows to the whims of others.
Actually, The Expanse has no shortage of complex female characters. From socialites turned activists, socialites turned criminals, engineers, scientists, soldiers, religious leaders, ship captains, and commanders, there are plenty of complex female characters to grow fond of. The same can certainly be said for the male characters on the show. There are enough interesting characters here to fuel several spin-off shows.
Fascinating Characters
The character development is some of the most satisfying on television right now. The way these characters evolve throughout the series has you cheering for the most unlikely of personalities. You don’t get recycled plot points here, and each season brings you something new and unique. Although there are romantic relationships that take place, it could be argued that the show does not revolve around romantic television troupes, such as the hero must save his love interest from some big baddie. The series really is about the political struggles between Earth, Mars, The Asteroid Belt, and the extraordinary people caught in the middle of it all.
The character of Amos Burton (Wes Chatham) is a personal favorite of mine. Amos is one of those people caught in the middle of a political war he never signed up for. He is one of the best examples of great character development. Unlike other shows, like Game of Thrones, where you are scared to start falling in love with a character because you’ll be heartbroken when they are killed off, you don’t have to worry about that as much on The Expanse series. For the most part, you are free to love these characters. Most of them will be around for a while.
Beautiful Storytelling
Whenever I convince people to start watching, I let them know right away that this show is smart and clever. It is deserving of your focus and attention. The first few episodes may feel a bit confusing because we are being quickly introduced to what feels like a rotating cast of main characters. Things happen quickly, and you don’t know who is who or who to trust. However, hang in there! As the episodes go on, the storytelling comes together in a way that makes it hard to stop watching.
If you don’t want to take just my word for it, then this Hugo Award-winning series has a 94% critics rating and 92% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. That comes down to its beautiful storytelling. The way it is able to translate the social and political issues we deal with today and shows us what that could look like as humans begin to leave Earth.
There are so many moments during the series when you feel like there is no win for our heroes. You begin to think that the human race has strayed too far from the path of good and only pain and misery will be left for us. Yet, despite showing us what the dark and selfish human impulses could lead us to, this show also shows us why we should keep having faith in humanity. It is a beautiful depiction of humanity’s ability to keep going and to persevere despite all the obstacles and all the pain. What better way to start off the new year than by being filled with hope for humanity.
Episode 6 Series Finale Premieres on Prime Video January 14th, 2022
Check out our interviews with the cast of The Expanse series
The Expanse: Dominique Tipper, Steven Strait on vulnerable characters
Interview: The Expanse’s Cara Gee and Keon Alexander
The Expanse’s Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck and Naren Shankar
