1-07. "Windmills"
Written by Daniel Abraham & Ty Franck
Directed by Bill Johnson
First aired 19 January 2016
SYNOPSIS
In response to the destruction of a Martian patrol ship by Diogo Harari's uncle, the Martians begin scrutinizing traffic in their airspace, into which Holden and crew must enter on their way to find Lionel Polanski. They then discover a stowaway aboard the Rocinante: Kenzo Gabriel, the spy Avasarala "borrowed" on Tycho Station. With the threat of being boarded by a Martian patrol looming, Kenzo helps the crew force the Martians to back off.
Avasarala pays Holden's parents in Montana a visit, where she gains some insight into his recent behavior based on his childhood. After departing, Errinwright tells her he's learned Holden is working with Fred Johnson, and has arranged to have Holden taken out by a Black Ops team on Eros.
Through an old friend, Miller learns that Julie Mao was possibly headed for Eros Station, so Miller leaves Ceres for Eros.
ANALYSIS
"Must be nice to have everything figured out like that."
The measured pace of the prior episode is maintained here, offering us occasional periods of introspection and philosophical debate amidst action set pieces. It's a formula that works well, although in this case some scenes do drag just a bit. Case in point: Avasarala's visit to Holden's parents is mostly unproductive posturing, although it does end with a moving, tearful explanation from Avasarala about her son's death. Plus we get to enjoy her predilection for salty language.
Holden's crew also gets some revealing scrutiny: Amos' pragmatic plan to take out the Martian boarding party—delivered with riveting conviction—contrasts with Holden's idealistic desire to avoid more bloodshed, as he holds a gun to Amos' head. Whew.
It's worth pointing out, once again, that the casting is terrific: Elias Toufexis as Kenzo is satisfying on multiple levels.
Best Scene: Miller and Muss share a tender, troubled farewell as he leaves for Eros and refuses to take her along.
Best Line: After Kenzo is locked in Roci's airlock, he tells Amos, "Christ, I've had to pee for like two hours." Granted, it's not hysterical, but it is so real.
SCORE: 