‘The Expanse’ season 6 episode 3 review: Fighting a war on all fronts

The Roci have a close call on this week’s The Expanse.

December 24, 2021

Things are heating up on The Expanse as we hit the halfway point in the final season. Previously, the Roci scores a much-needed victory in the conflict between Earth and Marco Inaros and the intel they receive could potentially tip the balance in their favor. Elsewhere, we further explore a mysterious colony out in the Laconia System.

Speaking of the colony, more insight is provided on the local fauna of their planet. We see what kind of powers the dog-like lizard creatures have and how it can affect both living and inorganic matter. The subplot takes an intriguing turn when tragedy strikes the young girl, Cara, and her family. Is she willing to take actions to undo what has been done? There is also a possible tie in with the colony and Holden’s investigation of missing ships that travelled via the Ring and how a rag tag group from different walks of life came together in Laconia.

The war rages on in The Expanse and it’s fought both on and off the battlefield. Avasarala and Inaros continue to make moves to stay one step ahead of each other. Marco surrenders Ceres station but not before stripping it of all useful resources and leaving behind a humanitarian crisis that Chrisjen inherits. Meanwhile the propaganda pieces that Monica Stuart develops have their expected effect of garnering sympathy for Earth and swaying the minds of the Belters.

The series has a more realistic take on war than other series looking at how public opinion can be as influential as any military victory. But also, how a potential misstep can easily shift perspectives the other way so it’s a precarious path to tread. We also witness Marco’s comfort in making the battle messy exploiting innocent civilians for his cause and resorting to guerrilla tactics. Is the Earth/Mars alliance prepared to stoop to that level?

While in transit, Marco discovers an outmanned and vulnerable Rocinante. He goes against his advisors and decides to engage his enemies. We receive our first clash between the main groups this season of The Expanse and it doesn’t disappoint. The firefight is engaging and the stakes are high but through some clever maneuvering and telegraphing the Pella’s strategy, the protagonists are able to disable their rivals.

However, the sight of Filip on board causes Holden to sabotage the death strike. His feelings for Naomi prevent him from harming her son even if it meant ending the war then and there. Maybe next time the decision will be easier since Filip is banished from the ship.

His redemption arc continues following the defeat since he stands up to his father and publicly calls him out for the unwise plan to attack the Roci because of Marco’s ego. Earlier in the episode, the elder Inaros told his son to never forget whose name he bears but Filip is also Naomi’s child and he’s looking more and more to be taking after her and seeing through his father’s lies.

Because it is the last season of The Expanse, the episode takes time to reflect on what’s happened in the past. There are candid moments between Holden and Clarissa and Amos and Bobbie on how far their relationships have come being one-time enemies to now allies. It shows how unpredictable life can be and provides sentimental moments for our characters. It’s also nice to see some familiar faces from previous seasons with a cameo from Elizabeth Mitchell’s Anna Volovodov and the reappearance of Prax with a big present for Amos. All of this helps build to the eventual series finale and adds a bittersweet feel.

“Force Projection” is slowly bringing the conflict between the Free Navy and Earth to a boil with a small skirmish between the main players and highlighting the battle politically and in the court of public opinion.