Windmills (S01E07)
Airdate: January 19th 2016
Written by: Stephen Lawrence
Directed by: Bill Johnson
Running Time: 42 minutes
The seventh episode of The Expanse, titled Windmills, stands out as a compelling narrative that, while not heavily laden with action, masterfully intertwines suspense and worldbuilding. This episode excels in its ability to juggle multiple storylines, each of which is poised to converge in significant ways as the season progresses.
On Earth, the fallout from James Holden's connection to the destruction of both the Canterbury and the Donnager creates a palpable tension among UN leadership, who are increasingly concerned that he may be a dangerous terrorist orchestrating a plan to incite interplanetary war. Chrisjen Avasarala decides to take matters into her own hands by personally investigating Holden's background at his childhood home in Montana, where he grew up as child of eight different parents, part of group marriage running a co-op farm. Here, she encounters Elise, Holden's biological mother, played by Frances Fisher. The interaction between Avasarala and Elise is fraught with hostility; Elise embodies a deep mistrust of government institutions, reflecting a broader anti-establishment sentiment prevalent among those living in communal arrangements. Their meeting is initially icy, but Avasarala manages to thaw some of the tension by sharing her own tragic story about her son, a military officer who was killed during the Callisto insurrection by the OPA (Outer Planets Alliance). This shared experience creates a tentative bond between the two women, and Elise opens up about raising Holden to defend the farm only to tell him to leave when he turned 18. Avasarala, convinced that Holden is not a political ideologue, reports back to Einwright, but unfortunately, her findings come too late, as Einwright has already authorised a black ops operation to take Holden out, presumably on Tycho Station.
Meanwhile, aboard the Rocinante, now disguised as a civilian freighter, the crew embarks on a mission to locate Lionel Polanski, the sole survivor of the Scopuli incident. During their journey, they discover an unexpected stowaway: Kenzo Gabriel, played by Elias Toufexis. Initially perceived as a potential threat—suspected of being sent by Fred Johnson—the crew's suspicions are heightened due to his evasive behaviour. However, Kenzo's true skills come to light when he reveals his experience as an industrial spy working for Davila. As they navigate through Martian patrol areas and face imminent boarding by Martian forces, Kenzo's knowledge proves invaluable. He informs them that if they provide a specific code word indicating their involvement in a Martian covert operation, they will be allowed to continue their journey unharmed. Naomi's quick thinking enables her to retrieve this code word just in time, allowing the Rocinante to evade disaster. Although Kenzo’s life is spared for now, his ultimate loyalties remain ambiguous.
On Ceres, Miller appears to be at a low ebb, with even Dawes, his arch-nemesis, no longer considering him a threat and drinks with him in bar despite trying to kill him short while ago. However, Miller's determination to find Julie Mao remains unwavering, and he begins to make plans to continue his quest as a private citizen after receiving information suggesting Julie may have arrived at Eros Station. Despite Octavia Muss' offer to work with him, Miller decides to go it alone, selling all his belongings to raise enough money for a ticket to Eros Station, where he hopes to find Julie.
Windmills benefits from strong writing and direction that elevate its narrative complexity. The performances are particularly noteworthy; Wes Chatham’s portrayal of Amos showcases an unpredictable character whose impulsive nature poses risks for the crew. In one tense scene, Holden must even point a gun at Amos to prevent him from acting recklessly—a moment that encapsulates the precarious dynamics within the team. Similarly, Elias Toufexis, an actor who, thanks to his prolific work in motion capture and video game industry gained nickname “Canadian Andy Serkis”, delivers an impressive performance as Kenzo Gabriel; his ability to oscillate between charm and menace adds depth to his character as he navigates the treacherous waters of espionage.
The episode also features poignant emotional exchanges that resonate deeply with viewers. The confrontation between Avasarala and Elise serves not only as a plot device but also as an exploration of motherhood and sacrifice within the broader context of political machinations. Their dialogue reveals conflicting ideologies—Elise’s idealism versus Avasarala’s pragmatism—creating rich thematic layers that enhance character development.
Windmills exemplifies The Expanse's strength in storytelling through its intricate plotlines and character-driven narratives. By focusing on personal stakes amidst larger political conflicts, it effectively builds suspense while enriching its worldbuilding efforts.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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