The Expanse (Amazon) [ Spoilers ]

pixelburp · 09-10-2020 8:23am

Icyseanfitz wrote: »

Book 5 wasn't my favorite, founder it a bit boring compared to all that came before (protomolcule, gates, alien worlds etc) ive yet to read 6 and beyond, does it go back to the new discoveries vibes or more political like book 5?

I'm midway through book 7 and the answer can be "both". Chickens are beginning to come home to roost so to speak. There is also a significant

time jump, so they'll have to recast the leads or break out the old folks makeup

Cina · 09-10-2020 8:24am

Season 4 was really poor, it honestly felt like one episode stretched out to ten, but I've heard it's the weakest book. Supposedly the fifth book is much better so here's hoping this is more akin to season's two and three.

A shame Bobby is still there, she's such a crap character/actress!

pixelburp · 09-10-2020 1:38pm

Cina wrote: »

Season 4 was really poor, it honestly felt like one episode stretched out to ten, but I've heard it's the weakest book. Supposedly the fifth book is much better so here's hoping this is more akin to season's two and three.

A shame Bobby is still there, she's such a crap character/actress!

Bobby isn't going anywhere so I'd get used to her

As to the books, yes Book 4 was definitely the weakest and reading it, felt more like a spin-off or pit stop than a fully-fledged iteration of the main series. The book was still better than the TV adaptation of it mind you; primarily because characters were better fleshed out. Not least the colonists & those onboard the orbiting company ship, who had whole arcs and developments not present in the TV.

Relikk · 09-10-2020 2:06pm

Cina wrote: »

A shame Bobby is still there, she's such a crap character/actress!

Her storyline in season 4 was nothing to write home about, but I thought Bobbie was great in 2 and 3. One of my favourite characters. No complaints about Frankie Adams here, either.

abcabc123123 · 09-10-2020 9:40pm

Book 5 was my favourite of the whole series, so I really can't wait for this season. Book 6 / season 6 also.

pixelburp wrote: »

I'm midway through book 7 and the answer can be "both". Chickens are beginning to come home to roost so to speak. There is also a significant
time jump, so they'll have to recast the leads or break out the old folks makeup

Anti aging technology is established so they don't really have to age them that much - grey them a bit and reduce the time jump a bit if needed.

Burgo · 10-10-2020 3:13pm

Not much Alex in the trailer! and looks like the band is split up this season.

opus · 10-10-2020 7:22pm

ixoy wrote: »

Looking forward to it... But unfortunately Amazon are taking a leaf out of 'The Boys' and will be airing this weekly, from Dec 16th and not doing them all at once. So we'll be drip fed them up until February.

Friend of mine is already planning to save the first few & watch them over the xmas holidays with his daughter. Seems he did the same last xmas.

Synode · 11-10-2020 5:22pm

I've forgotten most of the books already (think I was up to the 5th or 6th). Really looking forward to Season 5

pixelburp · 24-11-2020 6:20pm

Ah shoot: so apparently Season 6 will be the last. Given each season has charted 1 book, and it's a 9 book series, we could be facing a super-compressed final run:

edit: oh and Alex won't be returning in season 6; guess the misconduct investigation found him suss:

https://deadline.com/2020/11/the-expanse-renewed-sixth-final-season-amazon-cas-anvar-not-returning-1234621032/

saneman · 24-11-2020 7:58pm

pixelburp wrote: »

Ah shoot: so apparently Season 6 will be the last. Given each season has charted 1 book, and it's a 9 book series, we could be facing a super-compressed final run:

edit: oh and Alex won't be returning in season 6; guess the misconduct investigation found him suss:

https://deadline.com/2020/11/the-expanse-renewed-sixth-final-season-amazon-cas-anvar-not-returning-1234621032/

It's disappointing that the series is coming to a close, there's been little in terms of sci-fi (tv or movies) that has made me as giddy with excitement as The Expanse has.

It won't be a compressed final season i'd say, book 6 has plenty to fill 10 episodes on it's own and offers a stopping point for the TV show that makes some sense in terms of the overall story and how it continues. There'll be no spoilers from me but if there was ever a reason needed to read the books...

Wasn't aware until now of the allegations regarding Cas Anvar, it's a pity as he seemed to be one of the driving forces behind the series being picked up by Amazon. Created a Churn for himself it seems.

Tony EH · 24-11-2020 8:05pm

Shame. I'm just about to jump into S4.

As for Cas Anvar, the accusation is probably enough to be the end of him.

JP Liz V1 · 24-11-2020 8:38pm

When did it move to Amazon?

saneman · 24-11-2020 8:55pm

JP Liz V1 wrote: »

When did it move to Amazon?

It was cancelled by Syfy after season 3. Amazon took over from there after a "Save the Expanse" appeal by fans. It helped that Bezos was also a fan.

ixoy · 24-11-2020 10:04pm

I wasn't much of a fan of the two books that I read (and I do love me some sci-fi). It was primarily the writing style. Does it improve? Maybe the two authors switched it around a bit given I've enjoyed Daniel Abraham's solo work. 'Coz if the show is ending, it's back to the books!

PhiloCypher · 25-11-2020 12:09am

Sadly it looks like they're following the Netflix model of canceling series after 3 seasons.

pixelburp · 25-11-2020 6:41pm

saneman wrote: »

It's disappointing that the series is coming to a close, there's been little in terms of sci-fi (tv or movies) that has made me as giddy with excitement as The Expanse has.

It won't be a compressed final season i'd say, book 6 has plenty to fill 10 episodes on it's own and offers a stopping point for the TV show that makes some sense in terms of the overall story and how it continues. There'll be no spoilers from me but if there was ever a reason needed to read the books...

Wasn't aware until now of the allegations regarding Cas Anvar, it's a pity as he seemed to be one of the driving forces behind the series being picked up by Amazon. Created a Churn for himself it seems.

Actually, that's true: as you say Book 6 ends at a natural narrative jumping-off point, so maybe it won't be so jarring for it to end at the point that it does. Still, given everything that's happening in book 7 (which I'm reading ATM), it's a shame we'll never get to see any of it - unless it changes network again lol

Tony EH · 25-11-2020 7:32pm

pixelburp wrote: »

Actually, that's true: as you say Book 6 ends at a natural narrative jumping-off point, so maybe it won't be so jarring for it to end at the point that it does. Still, given everything that's happening in book 7 (which I'm reading ATM), it's a shame we'll never get to see any of it - unless it changes network again lol

What's the reason for Amazon axing the show? Low numbers?

saneman · 25-11-2020 9:04pm

Tony EH wrote: »

What's the reason for Amazon axing the show? Low numbers?

I don't think it's that, Season 4 did quite well in terms of viewing figures and given the genre (and that it doesn't have a "baby Yoda"

). Amazon are certainly better positioned to promote the show than Syfy were.

https://www.parrotanalytics.com/insights/united-states-series-charts-including-audience-ott-demand-08-14-december-2019/?utm_content=109229705&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter&hss_channel=tw-1107802028

Although popular it's still fairly niche and I'd imagine it's an expensive show to create. Book 6 is a logical point to bring the tv show to a close without having to commit to an, as yet, unknown conclusion (final book 9 due next year I believe)

Tony EH · 25-11-2020 9:49pm

Bizarre then that they are axing it. It's a fine show. Better than a lot of things on the box.

Couple of things with S4 though that readers of the books may help me with:

How did Bobbie end up being a nobody on Mars. Last we see of her she's back at the helm of the Ricaroni, or whatever it's called.

Clarissa gets multiple life sentences (for her murders), despite being the one to practically save humanity. But Ashford gets a gig blowing refugees to pieces, after he was the one who nearly caused the destruction of mankind? (Not to mention he murdered a guy on the bridge in cold blood for not obeying an order. How does that work?

Are these things explained better in the books? Cos the show didn't bother.

Agent Coulson · 25-11-2020 10:45pm

A bit surprised as I thought this was a pet project for Bezos himself who wanted it after SYFY cancelled it.

If anyone can afford to spend money on a pet project it's him.

pixelburp · 26-11-2020 2:06pm

Could be like Netflix where if a show lasts more than 3 seasons on the service, it shunts the production - and respective salaries, royalties etc - into a new bracket that makes the show less cost-effective. That's practically the resting business model with Netflix, I wouldn't be too surprised if something similar existed with Amazon.

Then again, maybe it's a plot: perhaps it's a way to force some contractual changes? That if another fan campaign can be kicked off to get those final 3 books / seasons adapted, Amazon will go "oh, ok" but able to dictate terms to the production company.

saneman · 26-11-2020 7:53pm

Tony EH wrote: »

Bizarre then that they are axing it. It's a fine show. Better than a lot of things on the box.

Couple of things with S4 though that readers of the books may help me with:
How did Bobbie end up being a nobody on Mars. Last we see of her she's back at the helm of the Ricaroni, or whatever it's called.

Clarissa gets multiple life sentences (for her murders), despite being the one to practically save humanity. But Ashford gets a gig blowing refugees to pieces, after he was the one who nearly caused the destruction of mankind? (Not to mention he murdered a guy on the bridge in cold blood for not obeying an order. How does that work?

Are these things explained better in the books? Cos the show didn't bother.

It's difficult to answer those concisely, there have been a lot of changes from the books. The show takes a lot of detours/shortcuts but arrives at the same destination each season, more or less. Some characters have been removed, replaced or "merged", just out of necessity really given the limitations of a tv adaption.

For instance Bobby doesn't appear in the 4th book at all (iirc) but they tied in/adapted one of the Expanse novella's that focused on her character on Mars. It wasn't just fan service as it also highlighted the problems facing Mars once the ring gates opened up. It was starting to lose its greatest resource, its citizens, as they left to become colonists on the newly accessible worlds - it required all those people if the terraforming was to continue (which would take generations).

The character of Ashford and the role he plays is much different in book 4, he's OPA that about it.

For all the changes made I think they've done a great job with the TV show overall. It may be me getting cynical in my old age but I find it a much more tangible vision of humanity's future when you consider it's set around the same time as ST:TNG.

Tony EH · 26-11-2020 8:19pm

saneman wrote: »

It's difficult to answer those concisely, there have been a lot of changes from the books. The show takes a lot of detours/shortcuts but arrives at the same destination each season, more or less. Some characters have been removed, replaced or "merged", just out of necessity really given the limitations of a tv adaption.

For instance Bobby doesn't appear in the 4th book at all (iirc) but they tied in/adapted one of the Expanse novella's that focused on her character on Mars. It wasn't just fan service as it also highlighted the problems facing Mars once the ring gates opened up. It was starting to lose its greatest resource, its citizens, as they left to become colonists on the newly accessible worlds - it required all those people if the terraforming was to continue (which would take generations).

The character of Ashford and the role he plays is much different in book 4, he's OPA that about it.

For all the changes made I think they've done a great job with the TV show overall. It may be me getting cynical in my old age but I find it a much more tangible vision of humanity's future when you consider it's set around the same time as ST:TNG.

So basically Bobbie just said "fuck the lads, I'll jump ship and be a space plumber instead"? It just seemed a bit odd that between S3 and S4, that's where she ended up and is clearly miserable about it.

The thing with Clarissa and Ashford is even more perplexing though.

Not saying that these have severe impacts on the show from a flaws POV. But it just struck me as odd, to say the least. I'd have liked some reasons as to just how this came to be.

I would have at least expected Ashford to be in prison in S4 for his antics in S3, which nearly brought about the end of humanity...Belter, OPA and Martian.

EoinMcLovin · 14-12-2020 6:03pm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OS_GDWSydAw

pixelburp · 16-12-2020 11:04am

FYI: the first three episodes dropped today (like The Boys, this has the first three in a bunch, then weekly from here on in)

16-12-2020 11:32am

pixelburp wrote: »

FYI: the first three episodes dropped today (like The Boys, this has the first three in a bunch, then weekly from here on in)

Such a stupid way to do it. Either drop it all or do it weekly. Giving a few episodes to binge gives you a taste for binging. It pleases nobody.

odyssey06 · 16-12-2020 11:39am

Deleted User wrote: »

Such a stupid way to do it. Either drop it all or do it weekly. Giving a few episodes to binge gives you a taste for binging. It pleases nobody.

There's something to be said for coming back with an extended length first episode to re-immerse people... like in the old days of the feature length pilot. But three distinct episodes - I don't get that.

pixelburp · 16-12-2020 1:32pm

The Boys took that approach and presumably Amazon were happy enough with the general response to do it again. I'm fine with it, it's not a particular hill I'd die on TBH: get a few episodes for a taste, then the appetite is whetted on a weekly basis. Keeps the show in the social conversation for longer, which is only a good thing IMO (given it keeps the small flame alive we might yet get a Season 7).

ilovesmybrick · 16-12-2020 2:25pm

Yeah, I don't think it's a bad idea to be honest. It gets the story properly started up and then moves to weekly for the remainder. I actually kind of like it, otherwise I'd have the damn show nearly finished today and be stuck for another year!

pixelburp · 16-12-2020 11:06pm

Caught the first episode, and it was the comfort of returning to a familiar, enjoyable world - if not one I'd want to live in mind you. Splitting the cast was a big decision in the books, and funny it was Naomi's who I found the weakest - so hopefully they can punch it up a little.

I already hate Marco, which is probably the point

and the show really needs more scenes of Amos and Avarasala sparring; I swear I detected some chemistry

I wonder though re. Mars... Knowing the show ends with season 6, if

Duartes defection will even happen on screen now

Kiith · 17-12-2020 1:01pm

I didn't think this was going to be out for ages. Wish they were all released to binge over Christmas, but any Expanse is good enough for me.

tipp_tipp_tipp · 17-12-2020 9:36pm

Just finished watching the episodes. Really enjoying it. Great to have it back and can't wait for the next episode now

Synode · 17-12-2020 11:37pm

I'm re-watching S4 in advance of watching S5. It's better than I remembered it being.

Talisman · 18-12-2020 12:18am

Tony EH wrote: »

What's the reason for Amazon axing the show? Low numbers?

Most likely because there is a huge time gap (~30 years) between the events of book 6 (Babylon's Ashes) and book 7 (Persepolis Rising). It's a natural place to park the story for the tv series.

Talisman · 18-12-2020 12:30am

pixelburp wrote: »

I wonder though re. Mars... Knowing the show ends with season 6, if
Duartes defection will even happen on screen now

Having watched the opening three episodes of season 5, I think it may have already happened. I think Alex's conversation with Lt. Babbage is a hint to it, along with the report about discrepencies in the volume of traffic through the gates.

gandalf · 19-12-2020 11:50am

I was going to save these episodes for Christmas but oh no I had to watch them all. Great entertainment left me craving for more and now I have to wait a week!!

Synode · 19-12-2020 2:20pm

I finished my re-watch of S4 and have already watched the first 3 episodes of S5. This is going to be tough waiting a week each episode

Venom · 19-12-2020 3:19pm

gandalf wrote: »

I was going to save these episodes for Christmas but oh no I had to watch them all. Great entertainment left me craving for more and now I have to wait a week!!

Synode wrote: »

I finished my re-watch of S4 and have already watched the first 3 episodes of S5. This is going to be tough waiting a week each episode

Same here. Figured I'd just watch the first episode and space the rest out a bit but damm this show just sucks you in. Now to wait a week to see what the effects of that cliff-hanger are :pac:

saneman · 19-12-2020 4:23pm

I've enjoyed the Expanse Aftershow with Wes Chatham & Ty Franck (anything to help with the wait for the next ep tbh

). They have a vid on each of the 3 eps so far including chats with Naren Shankar, Stephen Strait & Thomas Jane (who directed 5-03)

In the vid above they also talk about the fight scene with Amos on his return to earth. On the intital fade to black I thought "wtf" but what followed was entirely satisfying, great decision and a fine piece of editing considering a full choreographed fight sequence was filmed.

pixelburp · 20-12-2020 10:09pm

Episode 2 and a great reminder why Wes Chatham does kinda spectacular work as Amos. There were a 100 ways he could have come across a bland thug, but Chatham shows that sense of Amos constantly, deliberately holding back from reacting with violence at every juncture. It's great, underappreciated stuff.

Synode · 20-12-2020 10:14pm

pixelburp wrote: »

Episode 2 and a great reminder why Wes Chatham does kinda spectacular work as Amos. There were a 100 ways he could have come across a bland thug, but Chatham shows that sense of Amos constantly, deliberately holding back from reacting with violence at every juncture. It's great, underappreciated stuff.

Loved the bit towards the end of Season 4 when he thanks Murtry for hitting him - the look of a pure psycho on his face as he's saying it.

21-12-2020 11:39am

Feels quite slow. 3 episodes in and not a huge amount has happened up until the very end.

pixelburp · 21-12-2020 11:46am

[Deleted User] wrote: »

Feels quite slow. 3 episodes in and not a huge amount has happened up until the very end.

Haven't watched the third Episode yet but having read the books, don't worry, things are about to get very spicy.

Sugar Free · 21-12-2020 9:41pm

pixelburp wrote: »

Haven't watched the third Episode yet but having read the books, don't worry, things are about to get very spicy.

Agreed! I think it was necessary to set out the respective characters’ stories and locations for what’s to come.

Synode · 22-12-2020 12:34am

I've rewatched the 3 and I'm loving them. The FX are the business.

The Tyandthatguy YouTube vids are great too

Xaniaj · 23-12-2020 12:52pm

Episode 4 was absolutely excellent, top hour of TV for me this year.

chopperbyrne · 23-12-2020 2:09pm

Episode 4 kicks it up into top gear.

Absolutely fantastic.

tipp_tipp_tipp · 23-12-2020 8:34pm

Yeah just watched the latest episode there. Great stuff!

saneman · 23-12-2020 9:55pm

It sure was a belter alright (sry

)

De Bhál · 23-12-2020 11:31pm

Great to have it back.

45mins flies by.

The Expanse (Amazon) [** Spoilers **]

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The Expanse (Amazon) [ Spoilers ]