5-09. "Winnipesaukee"
Written by Daniel Abraham & Ty Franck
Directed by Breck Eisner
First aired 26 January 2021
SYNOPSIS
Amos, Clarissa, Erich and crew reach the Winnipesaukee resort island, and attempt to commandeer a non-functional shuttle.
When Avasarala learns that Earth forces have attacked Pallas Station, she leads a mass resignation from the Secretary General's cabinet, forcing Paster to step down. Avasarala is asked to replace him.
Drummer learns that Naomi is still alive, but is unable to help her. Marco orders Drummer to destroy the Rocinante.
Alex and Bobbie head for the Chetzemoka to rescue Naomi, which is the last thing she wants because her ship will destroy the Razorback.
On Earth, Amos and the rest come under siege by a private security team, but still manage to repair the shuttle and escape to Luna.
ANALYSIS
"We're supposed to be better than this."
The various plotlines begin accelerating toward a pulse-pounding race for the finish line. It has a few slow moments, but when things start moving, there's no stopping them.
I must add a personal note with respect to the episode's setting: I enjoyed 24 summers and countless vacations in New Hampshire, so I'm very familiar with Lake Winnipesaukee. In reality, there's no "Winnipesaukee Island" (at least not presently); there are multiple islands collectively referred to as Winnipesaukee Islands. Nevertheless, it was a delight seeing a reference to something I know and love in my favorite SF show.
Best Scene: Avasarala's impassioned objection to further attacks on Belters is killer. "You think I don't want that? You think I don't go to sleep every night dreaming about putting Marco Inaros on the hooks?* Watching him gasp for air? And making his children watch him draw his final breath? Because he murdered my husband!" And watching the mass resignations is most satisfying.
Best Line: Drummer learns that information is being withheld from her by someone she loves, and loses it. "How much shit do I have to eat before you treat me with some respect?"
* "On the hooks" is a reference to "gravity torture," which is shown in the series' premiere episode.
SCORE: 