Avasarala faces fallout for the UN's military mission. Ashford and Drummer make big decisions about their future within the OPA. A spreading illness on Ilus takes a toll on Amos. Alex and Naomi's attempt to rescue the Barb turns desperate.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of Amazon's The Expanse.
"The One-Eyed Man" was written by Dan Nowak and directed by Sarah Harding
Plenty of people project a sense of importance onto Holden. And yes, he has been important and vital to the survival of the system throughout the series. He has saved countless lives. A lot has happened in the course of his life. He has pursued answers about the protomolecule. He has received some clarity. People now believe that he has the key to unlocking the great mysteries of the universe because of what he now sees in his head. However, Holden doesn't feel lucky. He feels burdened because of all he has endured. He understands that it won't take much for more tragedy to occur on Ilus. He is the only person in the protomolecule structure who can see. Once again, he is trying to save as many lives as he can. He refuses to abide by Murtry's orders when he suggests that the soldiers need to be lifted out of this place as soon as the water recedes. Murtry is planning for the future and always sees the protection of his people as the top priority. Holden carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has to keep everyone alive. He feels special because he hasn't been stricken with the same mysterious illness. His blood isn't any different. The fluid in his eyes is essentially normal as well. Instead, it's the cancer drugs he is taking after his radiation exposure on Eros that has him immune to the bacteria. As such, Elvi can quickly work to create a treatment for this illness. This is a dire episode for a long time. However, it's ultimately an uplifting one. Sure, there are incredible moments of immense tragedy. People may just be playing a game not really considering the human lives that are closely attached to the circumstances. Holden understands that responsibility all too well. The Roci crew has been stable for a long time. Holden couldn't stand to lose Naomi, Alex or Amos. It's devastating when it appears as if Amos is losing his mind while trapped in the dark. He projects as strong and determined to fight back. However, he is just as frightened as everyone else. He too has trauma that has informed who he has become as a person. There are so many threats on Ilus. No salvation is coming any time soon. In fact, Avasarala may manipulate the world into seeing Ilus as nothing but horrific. She has long promoted a cautious approach to exploring the worlds within the Ring. She knows that danger lurks on the other side of those portals. She sent Holden to Ilus in order to research the protomolecule. He has been out of contact for a long time. It may have all ended in tragedy. It hasn't just yet. The people within the protomolecule structure are able to escape to the ground above once more. They are still essentially trapped on a small island. However, the worst has passed and they may be allowed to rebuild. Meanwhile, the Rocinante successfully pulls the Barbapiccola higher into orbit to ensure that it has the strength to remain in space while battery power is running out. None of these actions fix the immediate problems. They may just be buying time as the situation continues to evolve. It does forge strong bonds though. Everyone has to stand united because they are facing similar threats. But that too can be targeted for manipulation. Avasarala appears to speak from the heart during the funeral services of the marines who were killed in Marco's trap. In reality, she may just be doing whatever it takes to win the election. She is more than willing to play to people's fears in order to emerge victorious. That is absolutely horrifying. It shows that she too has a strong hold on power. She will not release her grip easily. She has made mistakes. She has to live with those. There is inherent pain that comes from leadership. People in charge have to carry that burden. Drummer and Ashford may see their priorities take them elsewhere. They may no longer believe in the cause as they once did fiercely. That is a significant change. The world is constantly evolving. Bobbie fully believes that the dream of Mars is dying. It no longer makes sense to be a Martian. That presents the loss of an entire cultural identity. Mars has long been seen as an equal to Earth. But now, the Belt is rising and Martians can explore whatever they want in the new worlds full of opportunities. That may bring more power to Earth. But it also may make it foolish for anyone to try to control everything that could happen in this system. That is simply too much for any one person to handle. Avasarala won't cede that power anytime soon. She may be forced to though because of the changing relationships between the governments. But all of that may be determined based on what Miller's final but chilling message to Holden really means.
