The Expanse 2x12 Reaction | The Monster and the Rocket

[@LeeCarlson]

Champa IS the MVP of this episode and underlies the utilitarian ethics of the Belters as a society. Naomi didn't have to make any choices. She doesn't have to make a choice, she just has to tell the Belters "this is the hard choice we have to make," and then trust the Belters to make the correct choice.

[@McBackstabber]

Find you someone who looks at you like Bobbie looks at them cucumber sandwiches

[@funnylilgalreacts]

For real

[@WrathOfTheGoth]

And now you have met one of those great small characters that The Expanse does so well. Champa is a legend. The 52 scene is one that sneaks up you. It is also a great illustration of the best of the belt's tendencies.

[@KevinLyda]

Naomi doesn't want to be captain. "It's a shit job." She gets the numbers. She makes things work to get the best numbers she can; to give a captain the best options they can have. As a software engineer I completely identify with her. Give good leaders the best options they can have. That's the fun challenge.

[@a_Taveren]

Bobbie loving the cucumbers is freaking adorable, and also a great example of how well this show does with details. Cucumbers need a LOT of water to grow. Being from Mars, where water is in short supply, Bobbie has probably only had cucumbers a few times her whole life. Those cucumbers would be an extremely rare treat for anyone not from earth.

[@jts8053]

You beat me to the explanation! Couldn't have said it better myself. 😀

[@pwph8361]

I piss myself everytime I see her go for those!!

[@santino4561]

food must be really bad on Mars if cucumbers are considered a treat

[@garethking5322]

@@santino4561 very minor spoiler: They do have waffles!

[@Anitube]

@@santino4561 It's not about good or bad to us, it's about efficient to produce. Cucumbers just aren't efficient to grow, lots of water and resources for something with Almost no nutrients.

[@SunlessNick]

That scene with Naomi and Champa gets everybody. When people say there are no small parts, Champa's the kind of character they mean. An instant icon. As soon as I saw you were reacting to the Expanse, there were three moments I've been really looking forward to you getting to - this was the first.

[@defconltd]

"How am I liking Errinwright?" Sadavir: "Hold my beer."

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I was so naïve… Not anymore. Fool me once Errinwright….

[@nokta7373]

I still like him. It's a great "bad guy" with actually believable and somewhat relatable motivations (same as Avasarala's Earth must come first) but with a very skewed sense of morality.

[@omargj1]

@@nokta7373 The best "evil characters" are those who believe in what they are doing and are convinced that what they do is for a greater good, Erinwright is convinced what he's doing is for the best of the Earth, and that makes him a great character, add great acting and that makes that character amazing. The typical evil characters that are evil just for the sake of being evil is one reason why many times i stoped watching a show or reading a book

[@ScottRutter]

This one kills me every time. "You're not finished yet." Every time...

[@aartsst3227]

Champa (Big Guy) One of the greatest 1 scene characters I have ever watched - I can honestly say the “Only 52” scene has made me a better person. Epic writing / acting in the whole episode - but especially Champa’s speech / decision 😢 Dag-nabbit - just writing about it makes me misty eyed….. Love this show! Another great reaction!!

[@funnylilgalreacts]

They could’ve easily just made him a one note character but instead they gave him an entire story arc within a two minute window. That whole scene… It makes me love The Belt even more so than I already did.

[@Seeber420]

and to think his first question was "what's in it for me?"

[@scottdorfler2551]

This guy can Act!!! That deep voice and strong presence are great assets for an actor who knows how to make use of them.

[@TheParagade]

That scene is one of my favorite in all of television. It destroys me every time I watch it

[@Stable_Delerium]

Just want to call out the composer for The Expanse, Clinton Shorter. His score is a huge part of making The Expanse one of the greatest science fiction properties of all time.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

The music is a main character 🖤

[@wtimmins]

The refugee thing, again, breaks my heart. Things like that have happened many many many times in history. A candle for all of them.

[@dapeach06]

One of the reasons this show is so incredible is that it can highlight the best and worst aspects of humanity in a single episode. With Naomi, Champa, and Prax, we see nobility of spirit, compassion, self-sacrifice, determination and respect for all life, and at the same time, we see what Jules Pierre Mao and Errinwright are doing, and the way Holden is acting at this point in his arc.

[@IanHillan]

Hey. You might not have expected to cry during this episode but I can guarantee you that all your subscribers wanted to tell you to have Kleenex close by. Champa, and that 52 scene, are just legendary. Regarding Shawn Doyle, the show runners throw so much praise his way, and with good reason. He's one of three actors I can think of on the show that raised the caliber of their book character beyond all expectations. One you've yet to meet. One you have seen but have much more to love them for. Chrisjen really did misjudge Errinwright. In the last episode, when he was giving her the medal to give to his son, and she said she had been called to a meeting with J-P Mao, his whole demeanour changed subtly. I think that's when he hatched his plan. Holden being Holden. It's actually pretty amazing how he does grow and learn and change so much over the course of his arc but, all the same, keeps being Holden throughout. Kinda like Miller, I guess. "I wanna watch the next episode." 😂🤣😂🤣 Yeah. Those cliffhangers. Can't wait for the mid-book finale.

[@rowaystarco]

Truly one of the strongest scenes in a TV show that I can remember. It really got to me back when I first watched it, and it still gets to me these days.

[@YouHaventSeenMeRight]

Erinwright is almost a non-entity in the books. So is Anderson Dawes (at least as the first 3 books are concerned, I'm currently on book 4). So the show did a phenomenal job fleshing out their characters.

[@snowdenwyatt6276]

I disagree. Errinwright was always playing the long game. Both the genetically tailored poison and the destruction of the Karakoum would take (at least) days worth of planning and execution to bring together. He and Nguyen were planning this for quite a while. Doyle is quite good at playing these types of characters, it's sort of a specialty of his.

[@IanHillan]

@@snowdenwyatt6276 not sure which part of my comment you think you're disagreeing with. I totally agree with everything you say here. He was always playing the long game. Things went south but when he found out about the Mao meeting he saw a chance to get back on track and took it.

[@snowdenwyatt6276]

@@IanHillan This part: "and she said she had been called to a meeting with J-P Mao, his whole demeanour changed subtly. I think that's when he hatched his plan." He was already on the path, her comment changed nothing. He was never contrite as he appeared and whether she met with Mao or not he was always going to do what he did. Perhaps you meant more "sprung his trap" rather than "hatched his plan"?

[@martensjd]

The name 'Caliban' is from Shakespeare's Tempest. There's a Wikipedia article on Caliban which is worth skimming, but I 'd wait until after you see the next episode.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

Thank you!

[@rodentnolastname6612]

Wow, your face changing from happy satisfaction to "oh FUCK!" at the end of the ep was priceless!

[@ImAlsoMerobiba]

☺😨... 🤬

[@golfr-kg9ss]

Champa is hands down my favorite single episode character in the whole series!!!

[@Weaseldog2001]

You mentioned that. Bobby has no reason to protect Chrisjen... But she can't not protect her. She has a job to do, and with all of her training, she will do that job, to the best of her abilities.

[@scambammer6102]

Duty and loyalty are her key values. She was loyal to Mars until they betrayed her and her crew.

[@tastyneck]

It's insane how well this show handles its characters. They're essentially archetypes/sterreotypes but it embraces them while also flipping them on their head and giving them really honest and earned character arcs. It's so crazy... this show literally has some of the best characters ever, even the side ones...

[@philipturner9087]

Naomi and Holden are more alike than people first think. They are both emotional and do rash things it’s just he does it without thinking which is sometimes needed in a fight Naomi would over think it.

[@detrix42]

One of the most emotional episode. 52 only. And the other Belters accepting their fate. This show deserves several Emmy awards. And this is why The Expanse is my all time favorite sci-fi TV series.

[@kirkdarling4120]

It continues to be a crime that not this show and none the actors in it received any television industry recognition.

[@Cbricklyne]

@24:10 "Look at her wearing that outfit!!!" Get used to saying that about the Queen of Drip on The Expanse.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

She can make a rag look fabulous 🫰 🫰

[@rodentnolastname6612]

Credit to the extras on this ep as well, they really help sell the desperation and panic on Ganymede

[@wetfishbits]

Amos will be fine-he doesn’t take things personally. It’s just the churn.

[@LMarti13]

I have to admit I get perverse pleasure out of seeing reactors go "awww" at Errinwright lmao

[@lucaszermatten1129]

For me Bobbie and Holden are the two characters that evolve the most throughout the show, which becomes very visible in S2 and in this episode particularly. Think back at what Holden is at the beginning of S1 (he holds Amos at gunpoint, shaking, because he refuses to accept Amos' opinion that any martian that boards the ship must be eliminated), and how he is now (an experienced military officer basically). Naomi wouldn't be a good captain. What I love about the show is that they not only take (space) physics realistically, but also politics, geopolitics (esp in later seasons but no more can be said) and leadership/military, instead of the more romanticized versions we are used to see. Holden moves from being a pure noble knight in S1 to being grounded, darker, forced to make "bad" decisions for the greater good of his ship, crew and the system. Naomi, which you can see in this episode, has a much more naive approach, trying to save everyone. Much more noble, but unrealistic. Looking forward for your reactions to what's coming next, as the show's quality ain't dropping at any point.

[@mkang8782]

Holden is, at his core, noble and will try to do the moral, ethical thing, BUT, at some point pragmatism starts influencing his path.

[@W0NK042]

That "Oh 🤬" at the end: I laughed so damn hard, I near had an asthma attack. 😂🤣😂🤣

[@jamesholland5761]

On my goodness Angela! This is an episode that we as fans is so tragic but so impactful! We call this one " 52!" The acting by Doyle playing Erinwright is so damn good! I love his character! He really pulled off an amazing move! But throwing Chrisjen under the bus really shocked me! Again we love team ABC! Holden going down the Miller rabbit hole reminds me of Captain Ahab and his restless pursuit of the White Whale ( Protomolicule) Your reaction to the scene with Naomi trying to save as many people as she could was perfect. Did you ever think that a character in one episode and basically one scene could bring the most raw emotions? " You knew on the day you were born that your life would be hard! So let's be tough and do what needs to be done! We have to stay back, we have to stay back!" Telling Naomi " You're not finished yet." Damn it got dust in my eyes again! R.I.P. Champa BELTALOWDA!!! Next one is wild! Can't wait!

[@GlassCurtain]

The big guy who calmed the belters down at the end is named Champa. He's a hero!

[@HereBeDragonsYT]

52 people. What an amazing scene.

[@Moricant]

Definitely seeing the worst aspects of Holden in this episode, and showcasing that obsessive streak he shares with Miller. Also demonstrating the key difference that while Miller tended to be a loner who kept everyone at a distance Holden has his found family around to call him on his nonsense, even if it takes him a while to listen.

[@zachgaskins3731]

The authors went on the record to say that the anecdote about natives being unable to process the ships mentally was not from the books and they personally found them to be in bad taste.

[@tonycamas9747]

And apocryphal, too. This story is based on what is apparently a misinterpretation of a log entry written by botanist Joseph Banks, who accompanied Captain James Cook in his exploration of -- not North America, but rather, Australia. Banks noted at one point in his writings that when their ship, the Endeavor, passed near some aboriginal encampments on the shore, the natives did not appear to take notice of them. This could have actually occurred for dozens of reasons, of course, including the simple likelihood that the natives didn't regard the Europeans as particularly noteworthy or a serious threat. But latter day analysts of these reports not only concocted the rather racist "invisible tall ships" theory, but they also somehow relocated the purported incident from Australia to North America. The whole thing is ludicrous on its face and yes, in bad taste, but the only thing that saves it in this situation is that James Holden is not a historian, and it's conceivable that someone told him this ugly story and that he, being a "civilized" Earther, believed it and passed it on.

[@martensjd]

@Tony Camas: thanks for that. When I first heard the natives couldn't process the ships, I thought really? But never looked it up.

[@AngeloBarovierSD]

OTOH, it being a problematic anecdote seems fitting given the state of mind of the speaker. Not suggesting there was any intent to depict Holden citing a poorly-research story to exemplify his poorly-motivated actions. But, in retrospect, it is somewhat fitting.

[@revengeneutral8164]

@@tonycamas9747 But it's also true that many in the Americas and Africa thought white people were literally evil fucking spirits because of their skin color. Heck, there's a recent video on KZbin RIGHT NOW of a kid in Africa that's terrified of a white guy because it's the first time he's seen one. It's also true that South American tribes thought men mounted on horses were actually inhuman demons/monsters. So it's not entirely out of the realm of possibility that a tribal people, who have never seen tall ships, might not understand the nature of what they are. Could they see the ships, certainly, did they know what they were or what they meant, almost certainly not. I mean, how many of us would really understand what we were seeing if an actual extrasolar ship flew into orbit? I'd also be willing to bet that if you could pluck some Saxon from 900 AD and drop him into the middle of a casino in Vegas he wouldn't have a clue what the hell was going on. In the end though it's just a "fable" to describe how outside the norm the protomolecule and the no-vac-suit beings are. People should really stop looking for reasons to be offended.

[@tonycamas9747]

@@revengeneutral8164 I take your point, but I would say your characterization of the "did not compute" story as a fable or some sort of metaphor lets it off the hook a little too easily. This notion that the natives were somehow blind to what they had never seen before has been stated by those who told this story over the years not as a fable or an allegory, but as a purported historical fact. Certainly the fictional account of this story by James Holden in the episode wasn't written as if Holden thought he was being anything but literal. In addition, I would contend that saying somebody fears the unknown or unfamiliar (as is the case in your counterexamples) is a lot different than saying that they are somehow unable to perceive something's existence because they never saw it before. It's not that this notion is offensive so much as that it's just really, really dumb. No human brain works that way, whether that brain is in a 23rd century rocket scientist or a 15th century Aboriginal Australian -- or Native American. Nobody literally fails to see something because they never saw one before. As to whether it's racist, well, given that that's a kind of loaded word that suggests some sort of hostile intent, how about we substitute the somewhat less loaded word "prejudiced?" Is that fair? I mean, that is literally what this is - someone prejudging (i.e., making an assumption without any factual basis) the mental capacity of a person because they are thought to be "primitive." These weren't cavemen, after all; they certainly were familiar with the concept of boats, so why would anyone assume that they would be confounded to the point of hysterical blindness by the appearance of a very large one? It just makes no sense. Finally, nobody here is offended. I mean, maybe Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck might have been slightly offended by somebody taking James Holden, their creation, and putting such ridiculous words in his mouth. But me, I'm not offended - why would I be? Are you?

[@louishermann7676]

"I had a brother on Eros" "We all did.."

[@scottdorfler2551]

I couldn't help but laugh when you started praising Errinwright. The man's a monster.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

We all have our naïve, optimistic, idiotic moments… That was definitely mine

[@artdogg50]

Hey I remember he fooled me too. I really did believe he was going to do the right thing initially. He sold it well. 😂

[@edwardsummey8843]

One of the things I have said about this show is that “Rousing Oratory” is an elective in the Belter education system. I love that the big bruiser is the one to give that speech and appeal to the mob. “You’re not finished yet,” breaks me every time.

[@arnoldlayne252]

The belter Champa summed up a belter life perfectly.

[@anonymouszebra1239]

This episode is top 5 for me. The fact it’s that low is saying something about this show! So emotional.

[@LeeCarlson]

"This is the warship Rocinante" is one of my favorite speeches in Science Fiction.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

When Alex opens the coms to Holden you better believe it’s gonna be good.

[@scottlescard6154]

The 52 scene with "big guy" with one that I hold up with what makes this show so much above others. A bad show would have had them tech teching a salutation to be able to get everyone on board the ship. A mediocre show would have had Naomi be the one that gave the inspirational speech. The Expanse gives the hero moment to some guy who's name out don't even know, unless you look at the credits. Naomi was being naive to believe that she could talk the crowd of panicked people down, but true to her character to make the attempt. It took Champa (big guy) to get everyone in line and to listen, then to make that sacrifice at the end. This scene always brings a tear to my eyes.

[@astrodude5222]

I wish that I could like this comment more than once. You have put so well into words something that my subconscious realized but I hadn’t been able to express as one of the many reasons why I love this show

[@BlackHeartGames]

Haha, your realisation at the last scene was priceless! :D

[@WingManFang1]

I really love the evac scene with Naomi trying to get the survivors to calm down and rationally try to save as many as they could. They knew full well they weren’t all gonna live. The acting in that scene was leagues above anything else in most shows these days and it proves that just because someone acts a certain way or you don’t like them, doesn’t mean they won’t turn around and help you do what’s right. Everyone has the potential for great good, evil, or sacrifice. It was a genuinely amazing performance.

[@sigzil1985]

Unreal amount of ups and downs in this episodes. The expanse at its absolute peak.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I love all the action and science, but it’s those human moments that break me. The expanse has Everything. And it does Everything very well.

[@davebcf1231]

Holden making emotional decisions because of PTSD from Eros is bad, but Naomi making emotional decisions because she feels guilty about Eros is good? It worked out for Naomi, but Amos and Melissa were absolutely right that it was crazy for her to go out there and tell hundreds of people that only 52 of them get to live. 99% of the time a mob like that would rip her apart to get on that ship, which would have put Amos and Melissa in the position of either having to put themselves at risk to try to save her or making the brutal decision to leave her behind. She's not thinking any more clearly than Holden in this episode. Both are making poor decisions based purely on emotion, but Naomi just happened to get lucky that it worked out for her (and us too because it's a great scene).

[@Arkalius80]

I think in that moment, Naomi would have preferred to get ripped apart by an angry mob than leave everyone behind with space and air to spare.

[@LadyBeyondTheWall]

Yeeah I've noticed a few times where Holden will do something similar to another character, but Holden's annoying because of it whereas the other characters aren't. 😂 And as someone who loves Holden and doesn't find him annoying at all, I'm just like "wtf man. She's always yellin at my boy!"

[@michaelkreitzer1369]

Errinwright just killed the Martian defense minister and opened fire on one of their ships. Methinks your hope for a good outcome might be on the optimistic side. 😂

[@funnylilgalreacts]

It’s was definitely my NAIVE optimism blinding me.

[@steveschweichler7023]

Holden can't calm down. Eros killed thousands of people and almost hit earth because of the protomolecule. He's a man on a mission.

[@nrXic]

I mentioned the Canadian talent earlier and this episode shows it off well. The actors for Erinwright, Melissa, and Champa are all Canadian and did a great job here. Melissa's pain when her husband died was a pretty good performance to the point where I cared about a character I've only seen for 30 seconds. The same applies to Champa. There are a lot of side characters and people they meet that are often seen in Canadian comedies so it's always a treat to see them nailing it in serious roles. Captain Yao in the first season, for example, can be seen on Kim's Convenience playing a completely different comedic role.

[@Fuar11]

This episode always made me cry

[@monosodiumglutemate8216]

I was waiting for the reaction to this episode. We are all on the same boat when it comes to 52.

[@zackmorrison470]

I love that little moment with Bobbie and the cucumber sandwiches! It shows so much nuance from both Frankie Adams and the show. She could have played that scene as just a stiff soldier, just staying in the background and not even going for the finger food, but I totally believe that a Martian in general and Bobbie Draper in particular would jump at the chance to eat something not grown in a hydroponics lab. It is a smaller scale parallel to her busting out of the embassy to see the ocean. Just a great moment!

[@rodentnolastname6612]

Many fans call Avilasara, Bobbie, and Cotyar "Team ABC" 😃

[@grafffuller3265]

Oh, congratulations on receiving Leviathan Wakes. Really believe you will love it. You really do have great people who follow you. This subscriber is top notch.

[@michaelgonzalez6295]

The transformation and death of Champa is the next tearjerker and cool character arc, however short. The Belters go about being an oppressed group, which they are, but IMO we have actually seen little on the part of Belters giving for the Belters like Anderson Dawes sweet talks about. The is the first time we have actually seen an "ordinary" Belter truly sacrifice themselves for another Belter. I do not quite count Diogo's uncle even, because that is part immediate family saving immediate family.

[@Combatwhombat]

I've watched some of your reactions now and I've got to say; you've got some great self-awareness in these. While I'm not always in line with the emotions that you display, I often find my attention redirected towards them. The level of empathy that you seem to show in the moment for any given character is striking; where you're clearly putting yourself in their shoes and discarding disbelief you can appreciate the motivations and feelings that they'd have. I'd really love to see you react to Halt and Catch Fire.

[@jerodast]

Whenever I see someone else has posted the 52 episode: "Oh good, another person decided to do some cathartic public crying"

[@HeinrichVenter88]

The books are really just so much fun to read.The 3rd book also got me through a rough bout of sickness, so enjoy the reading once you get to it!

[@grafffuller3265]

Now, THAT is a penultimate episode and a half. AND, that look on your face was EPIC when you saw what you saw in that LAST shot. We had that same face when we first saw it. BUT, we had to wait an ENTIRE week before seeing if what we thought we saw was actually what we saw. Ha! The writing on this show is SUPERIOR. The best Science Fiction is talking about our own problems in such a way that we can understand them as a future topic, so that we can disassociate our current prejudices...and actually see the problem at hand. THIS episode is talking to us about the refuge crises going on. It also can talk about the Black Lives Matter issue...it covers so many...and it was all in the can BEFORE these thing were being done in our own lives (through the already written books, but also the TV series). We all were touched by this episode. We all cried when that guy grabbed Naomi shoved her back on the ship. He taught his Belter community what it means to be a Belter...and he showed it also by his actions. He understood that Naomi went out on a limb to save as many as she could. He also understood that many (even Belters) may not have even given them the chance. We loved the Belters BEFORE this episode, but in THIS episode...we became ONE with them. 'Beltalowda, sasa ke' Us Belters, do you know? About Errinwright...he's a snake. We really hoped that his contrition was real...and for a little bit...we think EVEN he was feeling it...but when Avasarala mentioned the meeting with Jules Pierre Mao...he saw his avenue...and he went down it, to save his own skin...and hang Avasarala out to dry. When we saw that vile of liquid, we jumped to the "false" conclusion that he was going to take the coward's way out...via suicide. BUT, no...he saw a way to get back on top...and take Avasarala out in one fell swoop. We hate this guy, so much. And, you are right. The actor who portrays Errinwright is magnificent. His name is Shawn Doyle. He is good at playing a sympathetic bad guy. The portion of this episode that shows Holden "holdening" (as you so aptly named this action) vexxed us too. We feel for Plant Guy (Prax). We don't want to even imagine that this Goblin monster could possibly be Mei, but at this point...we have to come to the inevitable conclusion...if it cannot be rationalized with, then it has to be killed. Being parents, ourselves...we cannot see where we could EVER give up on our children, even it they were mass murderers (thank goodness none of them are), but we'd still love them...though we'd want them to live out their lives in prison, rather than have them killed. That just would be too much. This is the conversation that Marie and I had...back when we first watched this episode. How would we feel is Zoë, D.J. or Mathilda was in Mei's shoes? Would we be as callous as Holden in this moment? or would we be like Prax...trying to see the good in whatever Mei may have been turned into? This is such an Ethics type question that university students ponder in Psychology courses...like Mathilde did in her courses at IU (Indiana University). Also, about the dynamic with the Rocinante with the captains making decisions that make the underlings nervous and shaky about. One, Alex caving under the onslaught of Holden's ire about chasing the Protomolecule being...to shoot it...but then Holden realizing that he HAD to break off and help the ones he loves....before trying to kill the ones he hates. Then, also...when Amos tried to stop Naomi from making a REALLY bad decision of opening the doors of their ship...which was actually suicidal (from his point and ours...at the time). BUT, she stood up for her right to make that decision. Heavy is the weight of responsibility, for those who have to make life/death decisions. Easier it is, to just obey. Naomi is truly a good person. She had to do whatever she could...to save as many as she could. She felt bad about Ceres, and she wasn't going to repeat that feeling again, here. Even in this decision...they could've saved so many more. It is like the Kobayashi Maru situation from Star Trek. A captain has to make a no win decision. It is the test of the fiber of the person, to know that some day...they will have to make THIS decision...and not to falter in indecision. She past the test, with flying colours. Yes, Marie was commenting on the T-shirt that Amos was wearing, also. BTW, we think it is Wes Chatham's Birthday today or yesterday. We sent you a Twitter reminder. Lastly, the dynamic between Cotyar, Bobbie and Avasarala is the best. Yes, Chrysjen has weaknesses (which shows her humanity), but she's also a self-supported person. She can handle political situations, but also is self-aware of where she definitely needs help from others. At the moment, she has the best team up...we've seen in TV history. Well, Marie and I have to thank you SO much for what you have done for us. We really love your thought process. Your reactions are some of the best we've seen...and we actually watch a LOT of reactors. Okay...we've put our notes down...now we are going to listen to your after episode thoughts...and we'll insert or expand our thoughts after hearing your thoughts. You're the best. The best leaders...are ones that surround themselves with brilliant people and they pool their knowledge together, hear them out, then THEY are charged with making the TOUGH decisions. They don't blame anyone else, the accept the burden/responisibility of leadership in that way. AND, yes, Captain James Tiberius Kirk was such a leader, though he's not our favourite of the franchise...we much preferred Jean Luc Picard (The Next Generation), Katheryn Janeway (Voyager) and even Jonathan Archer (Enterprise). We also see the same qualities in Cpt. Christopher Pike from TOS and Strange New Worlds. That franchise is forever showing us great examples of great leadership. AND, yes, we love Cpt. Benjamin Sisko, but he's special case, for he sometimes felt that he knew better than anyone else, since he was am Emissary. You are SO right. The actions that Naomi took to subdue Amos...are going to have ramifications. He lost confidence in her...when she knew about Holden logging the distress call. For a little he was unmoored till he hitched his wagon to Holden, for he stepped up to be the leader. Just recently he's started refollow Naomi, again...how is this going to play out? We shall see. Hmmm. Yeah, Angela...we also got emotional during this epsiode...and we agree with your interpretation of that scene. Holden became a BOSS after saving Naomi, again. She is his ballast.Keeps him level. Prax's decision in the next episode, possible.. Dr. Strickland and what is going to happen to him. We shall see. Be back soon to edit and finalize this comment.

[@KingApeiron]

Omg that book is gorgeous... That's a book that would sit on my shelf while I read the soft-cover copy of the same book lol. I have greasy fingers and I ruin every book that I read.

[@artboymoy]

What a great episode. Champa is the GOAT. Getting everyone to stand aside and do what's right? Him telling Naomi she's not finished yet... tears. Glad that Holden came to his senses to protect what's important. But uh oh.... something blue on the Roci? I was fooled by Errinwright as well. I totally missed what he might have been up to. At the start of the episode I think we was really comtemplating suicide, until he heard that Chrisjen was meeting Mao. With him writing the letter and looking at the drug, still made me think he was gonna take himself out until the Martian ambassador having the heart attack. Then his call to Mao and Chrisjen? What a move! And this episode it's TEAM ABC!!! Whoo. Great reactions as always. Please remain seated and strapped in for more awesomeness!

[@hawkthorn33]

I find it completely worthwhile to stay up until midnight on Sunday for these reactions.

[@shanwyn]

The reason I love this show, it is written so damned good. It has a diverse cast without patronizing the viewers. The story lines are complicated and confusing at times, but they make sense. And the characters, damn. From the main cast to the one scene characters, good or bad, you can empathize with all of them. Or at least see where they are coming from. It's a show for adults by adults. I wish more shows would actually trust the audience and create something like this. The whole show gives me the feeling that all they wanted is telling a great story with great characters in an amazing world. No patronizing, no pushed agenda. Just what TV should be: great story

[@grimm516]

Oooooo, touching the sun 🌞 ☀️ hahaha epic can't wait hahahah

[@illuminati1618]

Amazing episode and another one to come with a great cameo. 😃

[@jts8053]

Just hang on. The ride is just going to get wilder! Naomi can't be captain, because A) She's too smart for that nonsense and B) She lacks the aggression needed to survive in the middle of a war. Naomi is the crew's conscience, Alex is the heart, Amos is the body (ha!), and Jim is the mind.

[@kvoltti]

this show makes you realize there are rarely clear good or bad sides. Only good or bad people. Sometimes it's bad people in charge. In the end all you can do is try to be kind. Characters will make you love them then hate them then love them again.

[@fakecubed]

Champa, truly the biggest of guys.

[@rogerlie4176]

I see that you're starting to realise that the true MVP of this show is Chrisjen's wardrobe.

[@astrodude5222]

Does she ever not look fabulous?

[@spacemanspiff3052]

Bravo, Angela! Your reaction to the terrific and tragic “52” scene hit me in the feels. Champa, oyedeng beratna Beltalowda!

[@BraveSirPaul]

Awesome reaction to seeing the hole ripped into the side of the Roci. Has to be my favourite of yours to date in the series. The interplay between the characters is what I love about this show and the books. If you do read Leviathan Wakes be prepared for a whole different understanding of the show, and the characters.

[@thebigboo5]

"You're not finished yet." -- Everytime

[@thebigboo5]

I should really go to bed lol -- sorry -- too good!

[@HereBeDragonsYT]

Xander!!! That Garfield edit was awesome!

[@thontor]

I truly thing Errinwright was planning on killing himself but changed his mind once he found out Avasarala was going meet with Jules Pierre-Mao. He figured he could take advantage of that situation and make a play to re-take control of Mao and the Caliban project.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

Oh definitely! He saw his out and he took it

[@artdogg50]

Yes

[@krisspinney4515]

Something I really enjoyed about reading the books after watching the show was reading the character's lines in the actor's voice. It also revealed something for me that was really well done with the show - they changed enough from the source material that at points the books will diverge / surprise you, but without changing any real essence of the story (and vice versa, for book readers the show had some twists to grab their interest)

[@Educated2Extinction]

It's interesting that you criticize Holden for ignoring the advice of those around him but praise Naomi for doing the same, in the same episode. Then there's Holden's desire to save people being a flaw, but it's just awesome when Naomi does it. Also, physics doesn't change; our understanding of it does.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

Holden does is a lot, Naomi normally doesn't.

[@xasthurwithin4178]

Liver transplantations are a thing, even today already. In Italy, 1954, Vittorio Staudacher performed the first successful one, albeit on dogs.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I think it’s more that it sounded like he went shopping for a new liver lol

[@ianbrewster8934]

Sadavir Errinwright is one of the best written characters on the show...everytime you think you have him figured out he does something out of left field.....

[@xtifr]

A couple of episodes ago, I told you there was a fan-favorite character who doesn't survive the episode you meet them. Well, now you've met him, but since you mentioned it, I actually don't _know_ that he dies here! Either way, though, Champa earned the fandom's love with one short but heart-wrenching scene! ♥😭 And I love that you dedicated your middle chapter title to him! ☺

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I get choked up even thinking about him pushing Naomi back and saying “you’re not finished yet”. He just seemed like a big, tough guy, no substance. But when he had that moment, there were such a full character arc and reveal in a blink of an eye.

[@vorpalrobot]

@@funnylilgalreacts this will happen more in the show. They seem to foster a great atmosphere where actors really get into their characters. The best belter on the show IMO is a relatively late addition from one of the most well known actors to work on the series. Kinda like Jared Harris as Dawes

[@wombat5334]

That 52 scene really sneaks up on you... And that last scene is indeed a shocker... I loved how you just seemed to be "yay, nice shot of the roci... wait a sec.. what the f#&$?"

[@Jcewazhere]

There's like a dozen ships orbiting Ganymede pointing guns at each other, they could probably carry a lot more than 52 people if they cared. That's yet another tragedy.

[@evilvolts]

Chrisjen understood the "Gravity" of the situation with Mao

[@vidarCRC]

Ah yes. The 52! RIP Champa. This episode is amazing. They did an incredible job presenting us where the real Belter heart lies. Is Erringwright that guy?...who knows...

[@mkohlhorst]

I knew this was going to be a intense episode. Christian being double crossed by Aaron Wright, the 52 scene and then that ending...

[@fishyjja]

Appreciate u noticing holden's inexperience in being captain, got to remember he came in raw and didn't ask for it. But a quality that he has that the others can't buy or train for is impartiality.

[@Nebulorum]

Behaviors of other that irritate us, are a reflection of things we dislike in ourselves.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

Exactly! The love/hate I have with Holden is exactly the love/hate that I have with myself sometimes

[@andrewcharles459]

"Oh, f***!" Yes, I ended almost every episode with the same words....

[@michaelgonzalez6295]

Erinwright is actually the most tragic character in all this. We all don't like him, but he was the necessary nasty man who does terrible things so that the rest of our world can sleep innocently and safely at night. I feel he becomes a real villain only now when he throws Chrisjen under the bus. Not because Chrisjen is a more fun character, but because he is doing it to save himself.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

Absolutely! The term “earth first” he uses very loosely as the excuse to eliminate her. He’s not being noble. He’ll sacrifice lives on Earth if it means he survives.

[@michaelgonzalez6295]

@@funnylilgalreacts Umm ... This is The Expanse. I will say go re-watch his reaction upon finding out Pierre-Mao established contact. He was truly shocked and you see the wheels clicking in his head right there. Also the scene where he talks to his son. He really was ready to say good-bye then, and totally unnecessary otherwise. I hope you are liking the ABC team in action so far.

[@Scott_Burton]

The segment from 31:08-31:55 is a scene I clipped from the show to finally get my sister and her husband to try this show. They hadn't watched it, so I couldn't really talk to them about it.

[@anguspham2051]

R.I.P. Champa! You Legend!

[@flyingardilla143]

The audio books are well done if you don't want to read them. I've read them all then recently listened to them while walking my dog.

[@s.g.3898]

My Dad is a Jim, can confirm. He's a damned good man

[@bambusbjorn3508]

"how do i am liking Errinwright?" ... just wait for a few moments more ... no need for such a radical shift ;-)

[@rnbnatl]

Madame Secretary Avasarala sure knows how to make an entrance. ♥

[@funnylilgalreacts]

Total Queen!

[@khavens293]

Intro: You were talking about how strongly you empathize with Holden / see yourself in Holden. There is a lot of truth in how sometimes people harshly judge those where they recognize themselves. I also think it's fitting too, that your reactions to Miller parallel Holden's --- confused distrust & judgement that evolves to understanding, respect and then appreciation & even emulation of some of Miller's qualities once he's gone. Outro: Wow, I wrote the paragraph above before finishing the video and you just proved my point at 39:25 Also: I like this episode but I LOVE the scene that is Bobbie & her cucumber sandwiches.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I love that I can see that about myself. There is so much projection that we do while watching anything, but the introspection, I think, is the best part.

[@michaelkreitzer1369]

You should look up the condition of the surface of Venus. It's not a friendly place. Humanity only recently got a probe all the way down, and it didn't last long. I don't think their difficulty was the protomolecule, just Venus being Venus.

[@krbkrbkrbkrbkrb]

Trivia: The Soviet probe Venera 9 landed on the surface in 1975 and survived for 53 minutes. They landed a few more probes after that with longest lasting probe making it 127 minutes. The only US probe to land on the surface was one that wasn't expected to get all the way though the atmosphere but it managed to get to the surface and continued transmitting for 45 minutes.

[@funnylilgalreacts]

I assumed when Janus said that it was more volatile it was because of the Protomolecule being protective of itself. I could see the Protomolecule taking Venus’s atmosphere, and creating a defense with it.

[@bryanm1225]

@@funnylilgalreacts We don’t know that the protomolecule didn’t make Venus more hostile, but we do know Venus was extremely harsh to begin with. It is the hottest planet in the solar system which at 475 C (900 F) is enough to melt tin and lead, has 90 times the atmospheric pressure of earth and has clouds of sulfuric acid. A probe that made it to the surface would cook in the heat and its electronics, unable to shed (too soon?) its own heat to anywhere outside the probe would quickly malfunction. Only having a heat sink inside can allow it to run for a while until everything gets too hot.

[@IrwinDeGannes]

Love your reactions. Really great episode. This show is just so amazingly good.

[@natashasullivan4559]

I couldn’t tell you how many times I’ve seen this show.. But Champa still makes me cry. Every. Time.. Also, Naomi really doesn’t want to be captain. When you’re in a higher position of power like that. It’s generally know that it’s harder to get shit done. Just like Avasarala said when.. I think it was the Secretary general (Esteban) asked her why she never actually ran for his position. Her response was “Because I like to get shit done” in the amazing way she speaks. If you want to get shit done. It’s better not to be the top man (woman) Because there a lot more shit you have to deal with that isn’t just doing what you need to do. Also, Holden’s little speech to the other ships in the AO still gives me chills. And I’ve seen this show at least 4-6 times. It seems pretty split on people who agree more with Prax, and people who agree more with Holden. Honestly I don’t see how people can see that creature. And think it could still have a “soul”. All I see when I see it, and even on my first watch through. Was a blue monster, who was no longer a child. Who had no “humanity” left. It’s just a weapon. I don’t care if it could be scared. It’s a danger to the moon, it’s a danger to the crew, it’s a danger to everyone. Weather or not it was once a child. Whatever it was, is gone. And now it’s only a weapon.

[@NewAeonWarlord]

Another great one! :) Can't wait for the season finally.... and actually also what's to come in season 3!

[@ader701220]

It's call protomolecule-human hybrid

[@scotch3554]

Champa is a real hero

[@LeeCarlson]

The information that Errinwright gave Avarsarela on the pad referred to the project using the protomolecule hybrids as "Project Caliban," so we may infer that is what Mao and Strickland are calling the hybrids. The name comes from William Shakespeare's "The Tempest."

[@mltorrefranca]

After the sandwiches incident, watching Bobby's reactions to things when she's in the background ranges from fun to hilarious. hashtag OhHeyFood!

[@FaithlessDeviant]

I don't think you realize how rare something like cucumbers would be on mars and the outer belt. There are even places on earth where they are expensive, like Greenland, Siberia. Where stores even will cut it in pieces if you can't afford or need the whole thing. So I'm not surprised at bobbie going straight for the cucumber sandwiches.