1-10. "Leviathan Wakes"
Written by Mark Fergus & Hawk Ostby
Directed by Terry McDonough
First aired 2 February 2016
SYNOPSIS
While Miller and Holden, both now suffering a terminal dose of radiation, struggle to return to the Rocinante, the rest of the crew, together with Sematimba, make their way back to the ship through old abandoned construction tunnels. Familiar with OPA smuggling routes, Naomi leads them through the tunnels. Miller and Holden disguise themselves as security team members to make their way to the docks, getting sucked into in a brutal gun battle along the way. After arriving at the Roci, Sematimba is killed by Amos for threatening Naomi because she refused to leave right away. Near death from radiation exposure, Miller and Holden finally arrive and are carried to the infirmary by Amos. Left alone on Eros, Kenzo is consumed by the rapidly-expanding Protomolecule infestation.
On Earth, Avasarala suspects Jules-Pierre Mao is involved with the manufacture of stealth ships.
ANALYSIS
"What does rain taste like?"
My second-least-favorite episode continues the zombie apocalypse, interspersed with an over-long, tedious trudge through old tunnels and a protracted gun battle that feels somewhat contrived. Nevertheless, we are treated to a shocking glimpse of Holden's darker side as he confronts Kenzo on the way to the docks: "Tell me," Holden snarls, "what makes me a good man?" He then proceeds to empty his gun at Kenzo in a blind rage—at once gripping, disturbing and thought-provoking. I also enjoy how Miller and Holden initially perceived one another: to Holden, Miller is a well-traveled fearless ex-cop, while Miller thinks Holden is an intrepid kick-ass revolutionary. In reality, Miller is a worn-out street cop that has never left home, and Holden is merely an ice hauler who has never killed anyone.
All in all, it's a disappointing end to a season that held great promise. But... it wasn't so bad that I gave up on it; that great promise still beckoned.
Best Scene: I have to admit feeling a flash of satisfaction when Miller shoots Havelock's attacker. "He had it coming."
Best Line: Miller and Holden are sitting next to the Roci's hatch, and Amos arrives. "You guys look like shit."
SCORE: 