2-09. "The Weeping Somnambulist"
Written by Hallie Lambert
Directed by Mikael Salomon
First aired 22 March 2017
SYNOPSIS
The crew of the Rocinante commandeer the Weeping Somnambulist in order to reach Ganymede. Disguised as Martian Marines, Holden and Amos have a brief tussle with Melissa and Santichai Suputayporn, the couple that owns the ship; Holden's face is exposed, and Santichai recognizes him. Unable to convince the couple they mean no harm, Holden must force them to do their will. After they dock at Ganymede, "local muscle" raids the Somnambulist, threatening to take all of the cargo as well as the ship; Holden and Amos intervene, but their efforts result in Santichai's death. Melissa tearfully demands they leave.
After the Martian delegation arrives on Earth, Bobbie Draper gives testimony that makes it appear her team accidentally precipitated the Ganymede battle by mistaking a training exercise as active engagement and firing first without orders.
As the Arboghast arrives at Venus to investigate the Eros crash site, they find they're being shadowed by a Martian ship. UN Colonel Janus and Michael Iturbi, Avasarala's eyes and ears on the ship, clash over Iturbi's presence.
ANALYSIS
"Get off my ship! Go!"
The peace summit is a fascinating chess match as Earth and Mars trade polite barbs. Meanwhile, we're presented with an increasingly disturbing situation with the titular ship, which is owned by a middle-aged couple. The final scene, where the husband is accidentally killed, is heartbreaking.
Best Scene: Iturbi, Avasarala's scientist, and a member of the Arboghast's crew discuss how to pronounce Colonel Janus's name. Iturbi advises the young woman that, because Janus is Portuguese, the "J" would be silent. It's nice that we can enjoy a little chuckle amidst all of the grim proceedings on Ganymede.
Best Line: Avasarala is asking Bobbie Draper about the battle. As she rattles on, Martian Defense Minister Korshunov interrupts her, demanding she explain where she's going with this line of questioning. She smiles back, "Wherever I goddamn like!"
SCORE: 