The Expanse

The good: The idea that space is a place you could get killed in 10 000 different ways is good. There is an immediate sense of danger.The bad: politics is naive, the writing is ambitious but predictable and soap operatic. Why is this show beloved? My psi was 85. I sense there is a tribalist, parochial limited love of the sci-fi genre that forego any critical faculty.This desperately wanted to be the next Galactica or Firefly, but falls short of what is expected of a high-end TV series in 2022.

Space action, world-spanning political intrigue, spaceships spaceships spaceships. All very intelligent, one of the best sci-fi shows in the history of Solar system. Also one of the too rare beasts, having six seasons AND a great ending.

A little slow, and the combination of casting and cinematography make the actors indistinguishable. It does have a compelling story though, that really comes together at the end of the first season. From the 2nd and 3rd seasons, this is becoming one of my favourite shows. The depth of characters, the complexity of the narrative, and the season payoffs really make it worth watching.

There are some shortcomings, but it's such a beautiful piece of sci-fi art. They got near-future space opera right, which no other series of movie has been able to do so far. Not only that, but they managed to tell a complicated story with a satisfying ending, which is beyond rare in TV nowadays. Great show, if you're unsatisfied with the stories left to tell consider the show an ad for the books: they're even better, read them.

S5. Grand space opera done right. A very mature show with more or less consistent quality throughout its five seasons. Even the nowadays standard diversity and inclusivity casting doesn't feel forced down our throats as in almost every contemporary show and film, but is elegantly executed and feels natural. Great characters (Thomas Jane is spectacular), intricate but simple to follow plot (i.e. graciously unfolded) and a thoroughly entertaining and well-written story. Highest recommendation.

Not a big fan of sci-fi AT ALL. The Expanse changed that for me. I fell in love with it visually (guys, dial down on the blueness please). Zero-G sequences, spaceship battles and maneuvers, space walks... all perfectly crafted. Unfortunately, that's about it. 5 seasons in and I'm still unconvinced by the plot (season 3 and onwards). Acting was very shaky. Chatham, by far the best. His polar opposite? Aghdashloo. Casting her was a terrible mistake. S1: 80 | S2: 85 | S3: 80 | S4: 70 | S5: 80

Season 1: Dark, moody, verbose, with overexplaining dialogue; a bit lengthy, barely interesting enough to keep watching. Season 2: The story is coming together nicely, but it still could be shorter and more concise. Season 3 got me hooked; however, it meanders around in the second half. Season 4 is strangely focused and feels "empty", and the ending is unsatisfying. Season 5 goes along like before; lacking commitment and clear story progression. Season 6 is an ending, at least.

Caused me to read the books which were good.

Saw the first season, and kind of enjoyed it, I mean it looks great, but I relied on Wikipedia episode summaries and online cast photos to hold my hand through understanding the labyrinthine plot. Then I started season 2, watched the first 2 episodes and didn't recognize barely anyone, and didn't understand anything, ANYTHING that was happening. I immediately deleted the remaining 11 season 2 episodes and cancelled season 3. I conclude that this was made solely for fans of the book series.

Finishing The Expanse has been a unique experience. It's not a series to binge quickly, but every season has been worth the wait. Its approach to science fiction balances visual spectacle with a realistic touch that's rarely seen on television. What impressed me the most is how it portrays space. It's not just a stunning backdrop but a hostile environment where every mistake can have serious consequences. The show doesn't just depict this; it... - Full Review