The Expanse S05E08 continues the latest season of the critically acclaimed scifi streaming TV space opera drama. Entitled “Hard Vacuum”, The Expanse S05E08 was expected to be a deeply plotted instalment, especially after the ending of the previous episode but once more it proved tentative and transitional.
In fact, the plot mainly focused on the consequences of Marco Inaros’ plan to lure the Rocinante into a deadly trap using Naomi Nagata’s booby-trapped ship, the Chetzemoka. With so many of the characters scattered across the galaxy, there seemed to be too many storylines to address and thus, it appeared to us as if nothing was really happening or moving forward in this episode.
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The other sub-plots involve the quest of Amos and Clarissa to get off Earth, the efforts of Alex and Bobbie (on the Razorback) and Holden (on the Rocinante) to locate Nagata AND Camina Drummer’s difficulties dealing with an alliance with Inaros as exacerbated by both her crewmate/lover Oksana and Inaros lackey Karal.
But nothing of real consequence happens in these sub-plots and all we are left with are the struggles of Nagata on the Chetzemoka as she tries to warn Holden about the booby-trap. However, despite her best efforts, it does appear as if the plot incidents laid out in this episode is leading to a convergence of these key players to the Chetzemoka. Which makes for a somewhat tense set-up if somewhat underwhelming.
At least, there has been some action in respect to Earth’s response to Inaros’ asteroid attacks. Finally. With a new UN Secretary-General in place, decisions can be made to retaliate against the OPA and the Belt for mass murders committed by Inaros with the moral and strategic dilemma of not making things worse by killing innocent Belters in the process.
Two more episodes left, we feel there needs to be a better wrap up of the various loose ends – it’s now or never.
… still there’s more …