The Best Space Cop in Science Fiction | Joe Miller from The Expanse

We return to The Expanse today! Finally, Detective Joe Miller is up in our character analysis series! Miller is one of science fiction's best lawmen and perhaps the best character in The Expanse.
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[@jeffbenefiel2676]

I still get weepy every time, the cynical atheist martyr who finds love at the end, even if it was illusion, and he's okay with that. He is probably my favorite character in the whole series, and I've read all 8 published books. If there was a Jungian Archetype for "life sucks and then you die" it would be Joe Miller. Thanks Ben for continuing to hit the shock paddles that keep The Expanse alive in our minds during these dark times, that fairy fire blue protomolecule retinal afterimage of hope.

[@GenerationFilms]

Thank you for your really eloquent comment!

[@lightninsadventures2692]

I don't think his love for or the manifestation of Julie was an allusion at all. I think that was here real consciousness in the protomolecule. Just like Millers conscious was real to Holden even though no one else was seeing it until the end of season 4 when miller possessed that metal thing to stop the alien machine when the scientist that Holden was helping not only saw it but heard millers voice and helped him.

[@gateauxq4604]

Watch that whole scene? Im a wet sobby mess. Every single tome.

[@viperswhip]

I more or less lost interest in the TV show after Miller left. I still read the books because I can read them in a couple of hours, so even I don't find them too engaging as my favourite characters bite it, eh, it's a couple of hours.

[@longshot7601]

This video misses a point that was in the book. Miller killed Dresden because Holden and Fred Johnson were starting to listen to him. He knew that he was going to get kicked off the Roci for doing what he was about to do and Holden didn't realize it until later. Miller is actually a much deeper character than Amos.

[@davidcoleman757]

Miller takes 3D characterization to a whole new level. Thomas Jane did an exemplary job portraying him - one of my favourite characters in a show of exceptional characters.

[@mrhowell6842]

Joe Miller was the reason I kept watching. His character was the most real character in the story, to me.

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

not necessarily most real, since the others also were believable, but Miller certainly was more relatable to me than the others due to...personal reasons I prefer not to elaborate on.

[@theresabu3000]

Yeah - I think he was the most relatable in the first episodes. Even if his story didn't make sense as well he somehow captured me

[@arnoldsherrill6305]

This made me think, this made me smile it made me sad it made me angry and at the end of the day it made me realize we all have some Joe Miller in us

[@susancook3353]

That may be, but my doctor assures me it will be gone by the time I finish taking my medicine.. :-)

[@TheColombianSpartan]

@@susancook3353 if that's the case i wont be taking any medicine anymore

[@WittyUsernamehere]

Yes, we do.

[@tracymetherell8744]

Such a complex, flawed, tragic, beautiful soul. One of my favorite characters in all of Sci Fi.

[@Darkestestmatter]

Please do Commander Klaes Ashford, best redemption arc or villain to hero journey. Nominated also for general beltalowda baddaserry and being a great bosmang. ;)

[@yodaslovetoy]

I HATED him... then kinda liked him... then loved him.... then was sad

[@weldonwin]

*(Cries in Ballad of Captain Kidd)*

[@ScreamingTc]

@@yodaslovetoy I think out of all the secondary characters, his death hit the hardest. Originally he came across as the magnificent bastard sent to undermine Drummer's command, but it turned out he genuinely wanted better for the belt after seeing the cycle of violence grind on for too long. Ultimately he is Marco after the fires of violence has run their course and all that was left behind was the weariness and regret of a life that could have been lived better, and the need to see the belt not repeat those same mistakes.

[@ThePatchUniverse]

Great idea! Klaes Ashford is probably one of the best characters in the show in my opinion, and that says a lot because there are many, many amazing characters in this show!

[@robertwinslade3104]

His character in the show is particularly impressive because he's one of the worst characters in the books. It really reflects so well on the writers that they are willing to make some pretty large changes to their books when writing for the show, if it will make the story better. And oh boy, is Ashford one of the best changes they made

[@dustyjoe1980]

I thought there was a massive amount to unpack in the last few minutes of his life. From him talking to Julie the taking off his helmet and taking that deep breath. It was a lot and there's a lot of depth to that character. Even when he comes back in the later seasons there's still a lot of depth to his character. Love the expanse. I've been really enjoying your reviews on the series thank you.

[@GenerationFilms]

I agree completely about the last moments of his life. The Expanse really got good around the end of season one, episode 1.9 or so, but episode 2.5 was when it became profound.

[@derpimusmaximus8815]

"There are no laws on Ceres. Just cops."

[@SammyWhiteley]

Julie taught the protomolecule what a human is Eros taught the protomolecule what humans are Miller taught the protomolecule what it truly means to be a human.

[@George-404]

Sounds about right...

[@haydennoble9253]

Sounds perfect.

[@kylancorey6983]

instablaster.

[@lisawillis8227]

Perfect

[@mattstorm360]

And most importantly, how to solve the case.

[@grapy83]

Miller's character is just unforgettable. What a great writing, acting and cinematography

[@Nerdiness1985]

Miller has a pet nuke. Sherlock Holmes has Watson.........Miller wins.

[@dogdog2257]

What ?

[@George-404]

[Unintelligible Laughter]

[@PantsuMann]

Thomas Jane's best roll ever. Loved Miller so bad

[@gateauxq4604]

I really hope he gets to direct more episodes. He was born to play Joe Miller since he’s gone ? i hope he stay with the family and keep worknv on the show.

[@whereuwannabe7796]

Let me guess. No one stole his sweet roll.

[@mikiroony]

Hung was fine too xD

[@Hunter_IRL]

100% - really enjoyed his performance.

[@haydennoble9253]

I want to hug Joe and Amos and tell them it’s alright, I love you.

[@kenypowa]

Miller saved two solar systems. He is simply the best.

[@dionemoolman]

kenypowa Wait which other system?

[@ComaradComisar]

@@dionemoolman Someone is not up to date with The Expanse :o

[@dionemoolman]

Santi M Oh yeah, but that was a protomolecule clone of him rather than the original him.

[@karlfranzemperorofmandefil5547]

@@dionemoolman well the investigator is an AI that uses the conciousness of Miller as a growing Crystal. Meaning the AI begins with his exact knowledge and Thought patterns and is then expanded , growing get beyond the original.

[@captainjackpugh6050]

Karl Franz , Emperor of Mankind, chosen of Sigmar I thought Miller’s consciousness merged with the protomolecule

[@MikeBurkard]

Thomas Jane... such an underrated actor....

[@Spectre-wd9dl]

This cast is full of them.

[@JonMcMenamin777]

So many great character arcs in The Expanse. Loved Miller, his life journey and beyond.

[@AxiomIndustries]

Doors and corners...

[@rhoetusochten4211]

We're not even there yet. I wonder if there will be a reprisal episode, someday.

[@GoldenPhil]

That's where they get ya..

[@jugganaut33]

Walk into a room too fast and it will eat you.

[@karlfranzemperorofmandefil5547]

@@jugganaut33 no the doors and corners are what eat you

[@stephengloor8451]

It’s a really good metaphor for life. One I think of very often.

[@MTerrance]

My initial reaction to the Miller character was negative. Hated the hat. I thought he was a throwback to hardboiled detectives from the 1950s. Then I became enamored with him. He became obsessed with what happened to a woman he hadn't even met. He was a romantic who thought he believed in nothing but actually saw himself as a warrior. Not a heroic character in his own mind but heroic in his actions. Great character. Love this channel.

[@PenTheMighty]

Jayne portrayed that " sad basset hound-faced" detective perfectly. He added even more depth to my favorite character in The Expanse. Aside from Amos and Peaches, of course. It's the broken characters that make the books and the show so good.

[@WittyUsernamehere]

I'm currently watching the series on Amazon Prime Video and will soon be reading the books as well. I really think that when Miller gets the assignment to find Julie, it gives him a sense of purpose. Yes, I know Ben alludes to this in the video but I want to add to it. It feels like his search for Julie forces him to step out of his own mind and his miserable existence and all of a sudden, he has meaning, something to focus his energies on.

[@michaelnuss372]

Looking at the title, I immediately wondered on how many Expanse references there will be. Well done American Ben, well done

[@captainjackpugh6050]

Wat? The video is about the expanse, how could there be expanse references

[@valhoundmom]

Miller's story was perfect, so well done. Thanks for doing these video on The Expanse, it's such and amazing series.

[@GenerationFilms]

Thank you for watching!

[@Wallyworld30]

Can't wait for season 5!

[@captainjackpugh6050]

I want a spin off with just miller on ceres, infact, I want a spin off for every part of this show

[@lunkystraydog6572]

The layers of dynamic story lines in this matrix of a universe make The Expanse a must watch for sci-fi fans.

[@shawncollier571]

I served with a lot of these guys. As Marines we are trained to do, so we do. People like this are very rare. We should honor them and understand we are judged for how we leave this world.

[@bartermens8219]

I must have watched the Joseph-Julie scene like a 100 times, the music is just perfect. Thanks for the good content Ben!

[@allmachtigerbuchsenschuh8987]

While the picture of Miller, just how he looks and how he talks, in my mind was totally different from Thomas Janes portrayal of him... I absolutely love him in the series. And that 'ending' he got with Julie is, to me, so profoundly happy while giving me misty eyes. He overall is a great character and was phantastically realised for the series. My absolute favorite.

[@Stormy77]

When I first met Miller on the pages of Leviathan Wakes I was struck by how detective Noir he was. Every single trope from those days - hard boiled, cynical, still a great cop with impeccable instincts, falls in love with a woman he's never met, although he knows her just from investigating her. Does everything in his power to save her including giving up his life. He has every single trope and is flawed, but he doesn't pretend and he does what he has to do. Maybe that's why we love him back.

[@j.tastic9132]

The fact that he’s one of the best space cops in sci fi is great because his initial role in the plot was literally that he was assigned the Mao case because he was a shitty drunk washed up cop who they didn’t think would actually be able to or care enough to solve it but he did and saved every living being in the solar system what a fucking CHAD

[@totherarf]

Miller not only saved the solar system but after being transformed by the protomolecule he saves a fair proportion of the gated universe (or maybe condemned it, if the ancients fears were well founded). A man just trying to do the right thing in a bad and complex universe!

[@thetshirtblog]

There would be nothing better than a prequel series about Joe Miller

[@ahab6969]

Totally agree - fantastic character and an incredible acting performance - at least on par with Harrison Ford in Blade Runner.

[@jamsky1558]

After this movie Miller has my one manly tear this month. Thank you for this video. I never gave Miller that much thought. I mean I liked him, how he was. But man... All those feels now. May The Emperor of mankind accept his soul into his holy legion of saints.

[@forevergimmly7343]

a man who has nothing to give, can still give his life, - 40k guard instructions -

[@internaut4257]

I loved how miller got a list of hundreds of shipping logs and figured out holden was on the rocinante on tycho and underway to eros just by the video holden sent out after the cant got blown up. He figured out what type of person holden was, and what ship was most likely his out of hundreds. And that led to miller saving the roci's crew in the hotel where julie was. 10/10 detective. shaddid didnt deserve him.

[@billross7245]

Julie was Miller's Dulcinea.

[@BuckFutterd]

To be honest with you the best actor of the whole show was Miller, he was a character that was so complicated when you see him in the end you get a tear. Because I think that in many o four lives we where part miller at one time or at points in our life.

[@pfrstreetgang7511]

This series had more uniquely complex and viscerally tangible characters than anything else I've seen.

[@a.j.mendoza8708]

I was not able to put to words what drew me to Miller’s story… until you captured them so beautifully. Thank you for going to that place, and for the consistently awesome content 🫂

[@GenerationFilms]

Thx for the thoughtful comment bro 💜

[@vignesh0208]

Came for a character analysis. Didn't expect a philosophical introspection for life. Thanks man, yours words felt good.

[@doug2496]

The expanse is by far one of the best sci fi shows.

[@milanondrak5564]

Miller is an amazingly complex and well written character. His story arc is not only believable in the context of The Expanse but noble and self sacrificing for the greater good. I can relate to this guy.

[@gradysockwell4255]

He's a good character that I wish they hadn't written off so quickly. He's kind of like Boba Fett, in that you really want to know more about him. Good video.

[@owenschnitzler9340]

They couldn’t really do much since he died a spectacular death at the end of Book 1. But that’s what makes him a great character. He left you wanting more.

[@porkfish4045]

Miller. One of my all time favorite characters.

[@santiagoanido713]

I always loved millers character, but the emotional deepness of this analysis just struck too close to home for me... I am moved. Thank you for expressing all of this.

[@kyleriley7835]

He was the best character in the show.. as much as I love Holden it’s harder to watch now without him

[@brianegendorf2023]

In the book, its clear that Miller has lost his way.. The thing that wakes him back up is realizing that while he'd been feeling bad for his partner making bad choices and becoming the dept. chump..is eventually realizing that the reason he was saddled with that partner was because him having good intentions, ALSO meant that HE was the dept. chump. Once he is fired, he is free to do the right thing, and doesn't care if he gets killed doing it.

[@NickyLunaLove]

Ya know, I didn’t expect this to turn into a motivational “hang-on” metaphor video

[@gozergozerian7627]

best sci-fi Hero ive ever seen, saved the humanity twice, both alive and being dead, not only that, he opened the gates to the future of mankind +love the haircut and the hat ;) Beltalowda!

[@Stellarcrete]

Miller was and is the only reason I watch The Expanse.

[@qcrew2938]

Miller is by far my favorite character..... I was devastated when he died in Season 2

[@Voltuss5]

You are a great wordsmith. I dont know how you cann say this without crying. you made me cry.

[@mikepayne1167]

That was an incredible character analysis. I tip my hat to you sir!

[@JeffreyOsb]

As a veteran who suffers from PTSD I can state it's not always easy to see. Most wouldn't guess it by looking or speaking with me. Sometimes it's internal and things we deal with on our own.

[@GenerationFilms]

A lot of veterans seem to relate to this character. I wish you well sir, thanks for your service.

[@JeffreyOsb]

@@GenerationFilms Thank you for your support. It's not unapreciated.

[@zephyr409]

A very good in-depth review of the Miller character. I enjoyed the watchful Miller and felt it was fitting that he was resurrected as part of the creators need to investigate the cause of their downfall. An eerie haunting of James Holden and added an important turn to the journey. As he stated in life: “watch out for the doors and corners”

[@Duchess_Van_Hoof]

The scene where his boss tells him that she needs people that she knows she can trust, and he as an old veteran cop answers that all right, he'll cut down the drinking, keep the schedule and shape up. This is finally it, something real where he is needed. Then she fires him. Fuck, that hurt to hear.

[@dannylerch]

Just a boy and his bomb. Easily the coolest plot device from the show. The Eros scenes were so intense!

[@mmclaurin8035]

He was the biggest hero in the series. He sacrificed himself to directly save every life on Earth, and by extension Luna, Mars, and the Outer Rim.

[@timothyhunter4724]

An angry faithless cynic, who ultimately wants to do the right thing. Yeah, I can relate.

[@thegreyghost5846]

"Inside every cynical person is a disappointed idealist"

[@thomasb1889]

Joe Miller, the best noir character since Dirty Harry. He just keeps doing what he thinks is right no matter how much it hurts.

[@abbaszaidi8371]

Wow. Started the video. A great journey to follow Miller on. And those last 60 seconds I’ll watch on repeat as they are so soul- affirming

[@IanMSantos]

I recently lost my Mom, and that last line about continuing on hit hard. Thank you for that.

[@GenerationFilms]

Thanks for your comment. Happy New Year and all the best to you in 2021, hang in there brother.

[@silafuyang8675]

Miller is the best character in Sci-Fi.

[@bilgetonyukuk5530]

The only negative thing about Miller is that he left the series so quickly. His appearances later in the show were not the same.

[@DeezNuggz]

doors and corners doors and corners

[@jeffgrey3335]

Good analysis. Miller is one of my most favorite fictional people.

[@ThePatchUniverse]

Great video! Miller was really one of my favourite characters in the show, amazing actor too, perfect for the role. You really nailed the description in my opinion and that makes me kind of emotional. At the same time you ended up on a really good note and that gives me and probably other people, hope for the future. Keep up the good work!

[@GenerationFilms]

Hard to not get emotional. Miller represents a lot of guys out there who don't get the support they need. I suppose at least there's Miller! And in the end he fulfilled a great destiny!

[@ThePatchUniverse]

@@GenerationFilms That's right! I completely agree, and that's a good lesson for all of us.

[@AlanRobb1]

Top dialogue, dude, practically poetry sometimes.

[@vm4554]

The Expanse ranks right up there with Serenity.

[@chriss-nf1bd]

Though an evil cop The Operative in Serenity Played by Chiwetel Ejiofor is my to choice.

[@BassPlayer60134]

While slightly less entertaining I think it is better overall.

[@ianfowler9505]

Miller's not supposed to find Julie. He even says as much in his message to Mao. He realises whilst searching he's the washed up cop that gets the jobs and partners no one else wants and are expected to fail. But the Julie job opens his eyes and reawakens his motivation and competence

[@poseidon5003]

Definitely my favorite Tom Jane character.

[@BrettHoTep]

My absolute most favourite character in the series and there are a lot of really good characters.

[@omarquintanilla696]

Joe Millers storyline was such an amazing piece to the Cosmic Opera aspect of The Expanse!! I'm sad that the show is coming to an end after next season...😔😢

[@charliesimar7541]

AND he has a GREAT HAT!

[@deanadewall8400]

Miller will always be my favorite character in the books, and the show.

[@deanlawson6880]

Wow.. Great Video. You totally nailed Miller!! Perfectly spot-on! Thanks for this - Really great video!!

[@casbot71]

Note to self, watch the Expanse so I call be snarky in more comments sections…

[@yodaslovetoy]

It's worth it. Only watched it myself a few weeks ago

[@lippyausletzeburg1455]

Shiny.

[@ScreamingTc]

It's arguably the only consistently decent slice of sci-fi going at the moment.

[@gateauxq4604]

You wont regret it. If it feels slow at the start jjst hold on. Its a crazy ride really quickly.

[@15gamershaven89]

113 times a second it reaches out...

[@calebtovar6408]

My dear American Ben, how you do it? I need you to edit my memoirs with such amazing and powerful way to describe a character and the chronicles of his circumstances, great work man!! can wait for the next video! hugs to you man!

[@GenerationFilms]

Thanks dude. *hugs*

[@MK-we9sw]

Had Miller lived longer the protomolecule would use Julie The Investigator and communicate with him. He would have uncovered more than Holden.

[@DiscoBarbarian]

Joe Millers built and keep America safe.

[@contessa.adella]

17:50 When Miller says to Julie “You can’t go home”...It is not some deep and meaningful concept of not turning the clock back or something. What he is saying to her is, that going home, steering the Eros asteroid to her home...Earth, is not something she should be doing...it would kill billions. He instead persuades her (as the Protomolecule interface) to steer the rock into Venus. Julie couldn’t go home, because she would destroy it.

[@jackfrost2978]

Great Job! I love how you emphasize the humanity of these characters.

[@WeGameHard]

I'm almost done rewatching all your Expanse videos. I need more ! Great content Merican Ben

[@sabyasachighosh6252]

Very high-quality analysis!

[@jordangreenberg5308]

Wonderful critique, very insightful. Specifically enjoyed how you showed direct evidence of each of your conclusions. Well done!

[@tobyneufeldt5763]

Thank you for an awesome review and insight into the character on Miller. I have massively enjoyed all of your reviews of the expanse characters.

[@GenerationFilms]

Thanks for watching them all and Happy New Year!

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

"You can't question art." While I personally agree with you on that one, I'm afraid that a lot of young people these days will say otherwise, seeing as they are busy tearing down every bit of art and culture as "problematic" these days.

[@anlumo1]

The problem is that many movies and TV series these days are so transparently amateurishly written that you can easily see behind the screen and think that you could do better. From this notion people lose respect in those pieces of art, leading to considering oneself in a place to judge them on an absolutist level. Just look at Daenerys from GoT. It's trivial to come up with an out-of-world explanation on why the last season is just bad writing using a bunch of objective arguments everybody can come up with, you don't have to be an art critic to do so.

[@Audiotrocious]

REEE! This series “triggered” they/them and so needs to be removed for being “problematic” because a cry-bully said so

[@ranekeisenkralle8265]

@@Audiotrocious Exactly.

[@PavewayJDAM]

I love it when miller was waiting on his laundry, bought a bottle of jack and intervened in a gang issue.

[@lazaruslong697]

I love this show and all the characters. They just feel real. And I love the way you fell in love with them as well.

[@SorenEzio]

Tom Jane did amazing with this character. I'm hoping season 4 isn't the last we have seen of him.

[@Vastin]

Ooh, this is a tough one. Normally I'd jump right on Miller, but there's also Deckard, which is damn impressive credential as well.

[@GoldenPhil]

There you go again, wooing us with your lyrical prowess. You had us at The Expanse.. where are my smelling salts?? hahaha

[@sardonicspartan9343]

"Trek" writers could learn a few things from The Expanse writers.

[@thomasmills339]

Star Trek? Star Wars? They suck. They use Muppets. All involved with those should be embarrassed and quit.

[@abdullahx4908]

The Mandalorian needs the Expanses writers

[@adeosinowo3197]

I'm a lifelong trek fan & i used to look down my nose at other sci-fi thinking it inferior but the expanse has made me realize how narrow i'd become in my thinking, will always love trek but after experiencing the expanse (i've only just started the books) trek seems like it represents junior to me now. I'll still try to get my kid into it but i want to share the expanse with my seniors to say to them: look how i've evolved my tastes & expanded my thinking.

[@mandog2227]

I think you got it a bit wrong when talking about why the captain assigned him the case. He figures it out in the show that she assigned him the case so it didn't get solved since he was washed up and tired and was a bad detective at the time, she was expecting him to abandon/fail to solve it.

[@AutomationDnD]

Xcellent piece / exposition on _"Miller"_ (I'm finding this in 2024) Going over *"The Expanse"* in greater detail now, & just studying the character--- Miller, today. I've never read the novels, so I'm just curious what guys who truly _Know_ the story think.

[@HaileISela]

when your monitor's stand is a testament to your duster identity...

[@johndavis2905]

American Ben, fantastic video and loved your perspective on Miller. I'd have to say out of all the characters in Expanse, Miller's is the most believable and relatable. At least from my life experience. Your comments about destiny align perfectly with what it means to be a good parent. 😉

[@GenerationFilms]

Thanks for the comment!

[@noahcederlund7660]

Miller is a great character

[@ShaOrna]

"You know what your problem is Fred, you see the Belters as the underdogs; the problem is just because they're the underdog doesn't mean they're right."

[@MattheWolf969]

Miller it's my favourite character in The Expanse together with Ashford