"The Expanse"

[Morden]

Anyone watch this? From what I hear, it is supposed to be a quality scifi-drama, some even compare elements to early B5 (e.g. Earth-Mars conflict). I haven't had a chance to check it out, but it is on my whatchlist for the time after the summer vacations.

[Ubik]

Yes, I definitely started a thread a while back, so do chime in there when you start watching. It's really solid. Good world building, realistic space physics, space opera vibe. I sometimes found it had pacing issues, but on the whole VERY GOOD SF. Potentially some of the best of recent years. Proper story arcs, not episode + reset button!

[phazedout]

I watched some more episodes last night, my friend hasn't been available since before I got the cats (April) I thought watching it "this look sinsanely expensive, no season 2) but apparently there will be a season 3.

[Ubik]

I watched some more episodes last night, my friend hasn't been available since before I got the cats (April) I thought watching it "this look sinsanely expensive, no season 2) but apparently there will be a season 3.

I think it likely has a healthy budget and is definitely SyFy's flagship show. Nice to see them back producing a proper SF show. I suppose the costs are kept sane by re-using the sets, and lots of the action takes place either on a ship and various stations, but still, it always looks gorgeous.

[DaveNarn]

The worse headline I found during a google search..

'The Expanse casts Lost star Elizabeth Mitchell in key role.'
I guess you can read it two ways, I thought she backed out of her role in the upcoming season 3, lol!

[Jonas]

I'm reading the fourth book in the series of novels this is based on. They are much, much better, because they're about the adventures of a group of extremely lovable people.

The Expanse (books): Firefly, but in the B5 universe.
The Expanse (TV series): Battlestar Galactica, but in the B5 universe.

[Ubik]

I'm reading the fourth book in the series of novels this is based on. They are much, much better, because they're about the adventures of a group of extremely lovable people.

The Expanse (books): Firefly, but in the B5 universe.
The Expanse (TV series): Battlestar Galactica, but in the B5 universe.

Yeah, I think this is a good analogy. I do need to check out the books.

[nottenst]

I've seen the first two seasons and they've been very good. I have not read the books. I thought in the first season they had some scenes that were primarily for shock value. I am looking forward to the third season next year. It started filming July 12.

[Ubik]

I've seen the first two seasons and they've been very good. I have not read the books. I thought in the first season they had some scenes that were primarily for shock value. I am looking forward to the third season next year. It started filming July 12.

I liked the station based scenes as it reminded me of B5 in terms of setting. It also has the same space opera vibe. It's some of the best modern TV SF in a long time.

[Morden]

Thanks for all your comments and infos, guys! Really looking forward to giving it a try now!

[Ubik]

Just to say Season 5 is kicking some major ass. You all might have seen JMS praising the show on Twitter this week, and the lovely exchange between him and SA Corey about B5 being inspiration.

The show feels like it is ramping up into high gear, like B5 season 4. All the subtle world building is really starting to cohere into something very rich, and I am happy to see they are also still expanding and adding depth to the characters. This is a hard balance with shorter seasons, keeping the arc going and providing satisfying character beats (COUGH ST: Picard COUGH). Just very impressed with S5. It has had me on the edge of my seat. Found the last season a bit slow in parts, but seeing how it fits into the whole, is interesting.

[Satai with Punsch]

As usual I am a few years behind. But I've managed to buy the first season of Expanse. And re-reading this post I was reminded that there are books as well. Thanks!