Rock Bottom (S01E06)
Airdate: January 12th 2016
Written by: Jason Ning
Directed by: Robert Lieberman
Running Time: 43 minutes
The sixth episode of The Expanse, titled Rock Bottom, may not be laden with too much action, yet it excels in world-building, particularly in its portrayal of the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA). Previously depicted as mere loudmouth radicals or petty local gangsters, this episode reveals the OPA's complex and sinister nature, showcasing their significant influence and power.
Miller is the first character to experience the OPA's methods firsthand. After being abducted, he finds himself interrogated and tortured by Anderson Dawes, an old acquaintance. Dawes seeks information about what detective knows about Julie Mao and her ill-fated mission. His perceptive nature allows him to exploit Miller's emotional attachment to Julie, mocking him for being an employee of an oppressive Earth-owned security firm—a role that embodies everything young radical despised. This contempt culminates in a chilling moment where Dawes orders Miller to be executed by airlock. However, Miller is saved at the last moment by Octavia Muss (played by Athena Karkaris), a colleague from Star Helix, who intervenes by shooting Dawes' operatives. Upon returning to Captain Shadid (played by Lola Gualdini) with his findings, Miller faces betrayal as she fires him, revealing her own intimidation or possible bribery by Dawes and the OPA.
Meanwhile, Holden and the other survivors of the Canterbury must navigate their dealings with OPA's representative at Tycho Station, Fred Johnson. Johnson is characterised as ruthless yet astute; upon docking of the ship, he quickly deduces that the Rocinante has only four crew members aboard. In a tense standoff, Holden leverages Martian powerful weaponry to prevent boarding, leading to a negotiation where Holden’s crew agrees to embark on a mission to rescue Lionel Polanski, the sole survivor of the Scopuli. This encounter illustrates not only Holden’s strategic thinking but also sets up a critical alliance that will have repercussions throughout the series.
On Earth, Chrisjen Avasarala is revealed to have suffered at the hands of OPA, losing her son at the hands of the organisation. Learning of Holden's arrival at Tycho Station prompts her to recruit Carlos Davila (played by Bruno Verdoni), a former UN spy turned private intelligence firm owner, to initiate an intelligence operation against Fred Johnson. Initially hesitant, Davila is coerced into compliance when Avasarala uses his imprisoned son as leverage. Her superior, Einwright, initially disapproves of such harsh methods but ultimately concedes to Avasarala's approach.
Another subplot introduces Diogo, a former young criminal from Ceres who previously crossed paths with Miller. Now struggling to make a living honestly through "rockhopping"—mining ore with his cranky uncle Mateo (played by Alex Karzis)—Diogo’s situation deteriorates when they are boarded by Martian authorities for illegal mining. In a moment of desperation, Mateo attempts to retaliate by launching ore at the Martian ship, resulting in his demise and Diogo being cast into space in a spacesuit. This harrowing scene exemplifies the harsh conditions faced by Belters and serves as a poignant illustration of how systemic oppression breeds radicalism among them.
While "Rock Bottom" may not stand out as one of the most memorable episodes in The Expanse, it serves its purpose effectively through strong character development and clever plot twists. The episode weaves together various narratives that deepen our understanding of individual motivations and broader socio-political themes. Dawes’ backstory about sacrificing his sister for survival resonates with Miller’s own confessions to Octavia Muss about killing a man and how she might handle similar situation.
The character exposition is particularly noteworthy; Miller’s transformation from a jaded detective into someone driven by personal stakes adds depth to his narrative arc. Similarly, Holden’s evolution as he grapples with leadership responsibilities and personal guilt becomes increasingly compelling.
Rock Bottom effectively utilises its slower pace to enrich character arcs and expand on world-building elements that are critical for understanding The Expanse. The episode's focus on the OPA's true nature invites viewers to reconsider their previous assumptions about this faction while simultaneously exploring personal stories that reflect broader societal issues. As such, it serves as a crucial chapter in establishing the complex web of relationships and conflicts that define this richly crafted universe.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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