The Expanse Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Windmills
Henry A. Otero
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Things are about to get crazy, so this was basically the quiet before the storm.
The Expanse Season 1 Episode 7 not only dealt with the Martian blockade and spy aboard the Roci, but we witnessed a wonderful meeting between Avasarala and Holden's birth mother. I loved the insight into Avasarala. We needed that.
It's exciting the events of Eros Station are coming. This was the perfect set up.
I mentioned in my review for The Expanse Season 1 Episode 6 that Miller's love for Julie Mao wasn't being handled as well as in the book. Well, this installment opens with the detective recording a message to Julie's father, and you get a real sense of his admiration and attachment to the young woman.
I thought Thomas Jane did a wonderful job helping us understand Miller's fascination with the missing heiress.
Meanwhile back on the Roci, the Tycho spy gave the game away. Amos was pretty brutal with the guy, wasn't he? I hope the series delves deeper into the guy's history. He did mention his boss in Baltimore and "The Churn."
It's incredibly interesting stuff, but of course there are only a few more episodes left this season so this was probably all we'll get. As I mentioned in my previous review, we're headed for a major cliffhanger guys. I just hope it's not a major letdown, you know?
The big confrontation in Montana between Avasarala and Holden's mother was intense. Since the character doesn't appear in the first book, this was some fantastic bonus material. Last week she was pissing me off, but here we got a better understanding of her endgame.
The sight of Avasarala in her red cloak making her way through the snow to Holden's family home was breathtaking. I wondered why the title of the episode was "Windmills," and our first look at the farm answered that question.
Was there any truth to Avasarala accusations of Holden's family?
Elise: Why are you here?
Avasarala: I need to understand your son.
Elise: And what will that accomplish now?
Avasarala: I have two governments and whatever the hell the OPA calls itself on a course toward a war that your son started. I want to stop it before anyone else loses a kid.
It didn't take long for Holden's mother to figure out her son was alive. For the moment anyway, every damn ship he boards seems to blow up. To make matters worse, their cover was blown and the Martians were boarding the Roci for an inspection.
It was clever that the spy, or their "loose end" as Amos referred to him ended up saving the day. He definitely guaranteed his own survival.
Miller and Dawes had another heart to heart. What a strange relationship those two characters have. Jane and Harris are electric together, they're a blast to watch. Anyway, Miller ended up back at Julie's and soon learned from a contact that the missing ship was still on Eros.
Is he finally going to meet Julie Mao there? What do you non-bookreaders think?
Avasarala shared the story of her son's downfall and eventual death. It was easy to understand why Elise would sympathize and open up to the woman. How amazing is Shohreh Aghdashloo in this role?
Though I hear she curses like a sailor in the second book, her strength comes across just the same without the f-bombs. I love watching Aghdashloo do her thing. This dialogue was some of the best of the series so far, and it was written by Ty Franck (one half of book author James S.A. Corey).
The tension aboard the Roci was palpable. While I wasn't sure Kenzo was telling the truth, he came through. Donkeyballs!
Listen to me, you guys give that skiff the proper set of codes and they have to back off.
Kenzo
I thought it was hilarious that Alex kept saying "donkeyballs." Can you believe he threw a couple in there at the end for good measure? Do you think Holden would have killed Amos if push came to shove? Elise painted him as such a good guy, I doubt he has it in him to kill a crew member that easily.
Amos' disrespect of Holden is a tad annoying. Sure he has his point of view, but what about rank? Funny that Holden asked Naomi to get him under control. Can she, or is she truly afraid of him? I need more details on that relationship.
Both Miller and Holden are on their way to Eros Station (finally). While I would never post spoilers about what's coming, I will say things are about to get insanely interesting. I'm kind of bummed we only get 10 episodes this season.
The first book contains more than enough material for your standard 13 episodes. I wonder why just 10. Luckily, Syfy has greenlit 13 hours for Season 2.
Well, what did you think of "Windmills"? Will the black ops team take Holden or one of our heroes out? Will our two protagonists (Miller and Holden) finally meet on Eros? Is Julie Mao there? You're up ladies and gents, please feel free to sound off below.
Remember you can watch The Expanse online via TV Fanatic. This demands a rewatch!
NOTE: The Expanse Season 1 Episode 8 is titled "Salvage" and airs Tuesday, January 26.
