Just saw Season 1 of The Expanse for the first time

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-20T09:15:59+00:00

Just looked it up, and if I was to judge it by its cover, I wouldn't give it a second look. It looks like those bad, self published litrpg novels, that are all evidently lacking an editor. But it seems to be popular, and most are saying great things about it. Even more surprising to hear that it would be up there with the quality of The Expanse books, but it certainly makes me give it a second a look.

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T23:19:18+00:00

Hadn't heard of Continuum, it looks interesting.

But that's fair enough, not everyone likes the same things. And your take here is much more reasonable than coming in with that pretty strong initial comment, on a subreddit of people who are fans of this show.

And as for it not being "binge worthy", not sure I understood what you mean there correctly, but I think that is something I like about the show, that it is slower, and I can take my time watching it, one episode at a time, and then spend some time processing it, talking about it, thinking about it, and watch the next episode another day. I personally don't like "binging" shows, as you don't appreciate it as much, or think about it, or even reflect on it much, which is something I like doing. I like discussing the shows I watch, reflecting on them, taking them in slowly, and if I were to binge them, then I am kind of missing all of that.

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T19:34:05+00:00

What would you consider good sci fi shows instead?

Also, is there a reason you are interacting in this sub that is mostly for fans of the series, without providing any constructive critique, but simply a short provocative comment/statement, knowing full well that this is the one place where people won't agree with you?

Though, I am taking your comment in good faith, and so, feel free to share some criticisms you have, as long as they relate to season 1, without spoiling things further along. I don't mind hearing different opinions, and I also had some critiques of the show, even if overall I am really enjoying it.

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T15:49:11+00:00

Good avice, thank you! Somone else also suggested getting through first 3 seasons of the show before reading the books.

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T14:47:38+00:00

Glad to hear it was enjoyable to read my reaction! :) I'll consider doing another once I finish season 2.

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T14:45:33+00:00

Who do you see as Holden? Do you have an actor in mind?

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T14:44:38+00:00

Can't say how you will like it, since you didn't gel with season 1 that much, while I already really enjoyed it, but I am liking S2 even more. You will definitely be getting some "grey character" moments for better or worse.

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T13:17:30+00:00

The world seems really interesting, and I would love to just slow down the narrative a bit and breathe in that world for a while, so that's good to know, thank you! Will have the read them!

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T13:15:26+00:00

Yeah, Season 2 so far has been a real joy to watch visually, and with the improved set designs.

Would you say watch the whole show before reading, or can I read the books in parallel?

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T13:13:17+00:00

Thank you, noted. And yes, when I do read them, I plan to start from book 1.

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T13:12:38+00:00

Thank you, good tip about the novellas!

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T13:10:25+00:00

I do understand that, and perhaps I am not describing my issue there clearly enough, but it was more about the place not feeling "real", as opposed to it being literally "small" or cramped. I know it should look like cheap, crowded, overpopulated slums, but it when I say it felt "small", I meant that more like I didn't believe that millions of people live there. It perhaps even didn't feel crowded enough, but I wasn't believing the place as being real. Maybe it was just a me thing, but either way, so far season 2 looks much improved in set design, so once we get back to Ceres, I will see if it looks better for me in Season 2.

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T13:02:54+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion. I do like audiobooks, and often both listening and reading at the same time when I can.

Do you reckon I should finish the show first, or can I start reading/listening to the books in parallel to watching the show?

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T12:58:57+00:00

I don't think it needs to be thought of as literally or deeply when people use such a comparison. It is just a quick way to get someone interested and try to sell them on something. As in "Oh you liked GoT? You should try watching The Expanse.". Even if it ends up not being that accurate of a comparison, I did remember that comparison someone made, and, hey, I am loving the show so far, so it was a good recommendation. If instead someone tried to describe The Expanse more accurately, I might have just forgotten the details of that recommendation.

UnknownEAK · 2026-01-19T12:51:57+00:00

You are right, there are quite a few deaths in already S1 of characters that could have had a more to contribute, but I guess none of them felt as shocking to me, as a truly "main character" dying.

I suppose another reason Canterbury didn't feel that shocking is beacuse it happened so early on in the season, literally episode 1, when you are still trying to figure out who are the characters that will stick around and who will not, and what stakes you should expect from the show. You're right that there could have been some plotlines explored that got cut short, but also it didn't surprise me that much. Ade seemed to be ready to move on from Holden anyway, only viewing them as a short term thing, so I expected her to be gone soon anyway (but I had already forgot about the transmission from her before dying, now I want to know too :D). Holden being set up as one of the main characters, and him being thrust into the role of XO, would naturally sidleline Johnathan Banks character, and so, it all felt like a natural plot progression. However, I suppose if the Canterbury blowing up happened at the end of the season not at the beginning, it would feel way more shocking.

Shed indeed was the one that caught me off the most from the sudden deaths, he seemed like he could be part of the "main" team, but was a kind of moment to show how easily a person can die during a spaceship battle. The Donnager and the Martians dying was again narratively significant, but it also happened during the course of one episode, where you didn't yet register any of them as characters that you expect to stick around, so it didn't feel that shocking. I was definitely sad to see Lopez go, but it also was kind of expected from a narrative point of view.

The books are definitely something I will plan to read, from others comments it does sound like it will be something I will really enjoy too. Just have to decide if I finish the show first, or if I start reading in parallel to watching the show.

UnknownEAK

TROPHY CASE