4-04. "Retrograde"
Written by Matthew Rasmussen
Directed by David Petrarca
First aired 12 December 2019
SYNOPSIS
Ashford and Drummer capture Marco Inaros, who stole the Sojourner and executed its passengers. Together with three OPA faction leaders, Ashford (representing Anderson Dawes) and Drummer (representing Fred Johnson) put Inaros on trial. Appealing to Belter solidarity, Inaros offers repayment and a promise to honor the System peace treaty. By a vote of 3-2, he is set free, with Drummer casting the deciding vote.
On Mars, when Bobbie reports the theft in which she participated to her superior, he suggests she do it again. She quits, and is later arrested for her crime. The charges are dropped when she agrees to help Detective Martin again.
On Ilus, Naomi learns that Dr. Lucia Mazur aided in the shuttle's destruction, and helps her escape from Murtry. Amos is arrested for aiding Naomia and Lucia. As Murtry pursues Naomia and Lucia, Holden and Alex intervene, then Naomi, Alex, and Lucia launch into orbit, while Holden remains behind to confront Murtry.
ANALYSIS
"They belong to those who can take them."
This episode provides a brief glimmer of hope for improvement; notice the distinct lack of technobabble, and the uptick in human drama. Drummer and Inaros' discussion of Naomi and their son is moving; Ashford and Inaros' discussion of the drawbacks of the peace treaty is intriguing; and Inaros's trial is riveting. Indeed, every time Inaros opens his mouth, he demands your rapt attention; as Ashford observes, "He has that... gift." The writing is extraordinary.
But the best performance award for this episode goes to Frankie Adams, who delivers one of the most credible drunken acts I can recall.
Best Scene: Utterly enraged, Avasarala screams at Holden for failing to report back, then unintentionally screams at an aide who walks in on her.
Best Line: At Inaros' trial, there is a brief argument over allowing him to speak. Drummer dryly remarks, "He will talk us all to death if we let him."
Hard Media "After Show": Steven Strait; Executive Producer Naren Shankar; Dominique Tipper (Naomi Nagata); Cara Gee (Camina Drummer); Frankie Adams (Bobbie Draper).
SCORE: 