3-04. "Reload"
Written by Robin Veith
Directed by Thor Freudenthal
First aired 2 May 2018
SYNOPSIS
Drummer arrives at the Nauvoo, turns it around, and begins the retrofit.
As Sorrento-Gillis delivers the "career-defining" speech Anna helped him write, she realizes it was modified by Errinwright to push for the defeat of Mars. Furious, Anna confronts Sorrento-Gillis, then prepares to leave.
Low on ammunition and supplies, Holden orders the Roci crew to scavenge them from the remains of Martian ships disabled in battle. They board a well-stocked MCRN Kittur Chennamma, only to find survivors there. Upset by Sorrento-Gillis' speech, Avasarala convinces Holden to forward Errinwright's treasonous message to Anna.
Enraged they were rescued by the crew of a stolen Martian ship, the survivors of the KC attempt to take control of the Roci, but are foiled by Bobbie. While Amos and Naomi make repairs to the KC, Avasarala convinces MCRN Ensign Sinopoli to give a copy of Errinwright's message to an MCRN commander en route to Jupiter, with the request to forward it to Admiral Souther aboard the UNN Agatha King.
On Io, Strickland continues his experiments on Katoa, against Mao's orders. But when they find Katoa has dismembered his nurse and is mumbling nonsense, Mao realizes Katoa is in contact with the Protomolecule infestation on Venus, and changes his mind.
ANALYSIS
"Someone's alive in here."
Recipe for Red Kibble: Start with a cup of political drama infused with Sorrento-Gillis' modified speech. Add a pound of tense action as Martian Marines attempt to take over the Roci. Include a dollop of intrigue in the form of Errinwright's message being delivered by various means to various people. Finally, toss in a pinch of horror as Katoa literally disassembles his nurse. For leavening, use an artistic dash of eerie strangeness when Drummer breaks into the Nauvoo and shines lights on enormous painted murals depicting simple farmers on the land, which encircle the entire sprawling, pitch black bridge. Place all ingredients in a food processor and press Mix, then simmer for an hour.
Incidentally, most hand-to-hand conflict on television seems choreographed to me, but Holden's fight with the KC crewmember attempting to steal weapons is one of the more believable fights I've seen: instead of resembling some sort of frenetic, full-contact dance routine, it's instead messy and desperate.
I also love Bobbie's little hand signal to Avasarala as the latter begins explaining herself to Ensign Sinopoli. "Alright, the tedious version, then."
Best Scene: With steely, unblinking eyes, Bobbie stares down a Marine holding a pistol in her face, then swipes the pistol away—along with a battered Alex.
Best Line: Amos arrives after the Martians' attempt to take control of the Roci is over. "Shit, did I miss it?"
SCORE: 