1-06. "Rock Bottom"
Written by Jason Ning
Directed by Rob Lieberman
First aired 12 January 2016
SYNOPSIS
While visiting an aquarium on Earth, Avasarala asks Carlos Davila, a former colleague, to loan her his spy on Tycho Station. When he refuses, Avasarala immediately resorts to extortion to get what she wants.
On Ceres, Anderson Dawes interrogates Miller about his interest in Julie Mao. Dismissing Miller as a traitor to his own people, Dawes leaves and his associates haul Miller into an airlock. Octavia Muss rescues him by shooting Dawes' goons. Later, Miller reads the data chip he got at Julie's apartment. After sharing the information with his boss, Miller is abruptly fired.
In the Belt, Diogo Harari (who was previously caught stealing water on Ceres) and his uncle prepare to break up a small asteroid to haul away. They're boarded by the Martian authorities, who prohibit them from taking a restricted route home. Harari's uncle later destroys the Martian ship by hurling his load of broken rock at it.
Arriving at Tycho Station, Holden and Fred Johnson have a stand-off. Later, as tensions ease, Holden agrees to work for Johnson to help him retrieve an OPA agent code-named Lionel Polanski, lone survivor of the Scopuli, and last known to be headed toward Eros Station. Johnson disguises the Rocinante as a gas freighter and Holden leaves, accompanied by Naomi, Alex and Amos.
ANALYSIS
"I couldn't tell if I was still working for the good guys."
Now the show allows us to admire and digest the material, chock full as it is with intriguing nooks and crannies. It's also brimming with memorable performances, especially Jared Harris as Anderson Dawes. Above all, we're presented with intimate portraits of some characters, in particular Miller: he's revealed as prejudiced, cynical and deeply flawed—in other words, human.
Other characters surprise you: one expects Dawes to be evil and ruthless; but, contrary to that preconception, one cannot help but feel he's being painfully honest about his family story, and that his fight for Belter independence is just, no matter how much Miller contradicts him. It's telling when Dawes remarks to Miller, "You even think like an Earther." It illuminates the differences between Earth and Belter cultures.
With pieces now scattered about the chess board, the game is becoming quite intriguing.
Best Scene: It's a tough choice... The "long chat" between Dawes and Miller is captivating. But the scene where Miller attempts to calm his rattled colleague after she'd killed someone for the first time is tender, touching, and real; their near-miss-kiss is so well-played.
Best Line: Another tough choice... Although I'm tempted to claim Avasarala's grandson and his innocent "What's sheep dip?" is the winner, there are other contenders. Holden's toast for Shed is a gem: "Shed, wherever you are... I hope no one there needs medical attention." Yam seng! But the award must go to Dawes' heartbreaking recollection of his sister's death: "Do you know it is... it is possible to cry so hard... that your tears turn to blood." God, that line really gets to me, as does his delivery.
SCORE: 