Television Review: CQB (The Expanse, S1X04, 2015)

CQB (S01E04)

Airdate: December 16th 2015

Written by: Naren Shankar
Directed by: Jeff Wulnough

Running Time: 42 minutes

The fourth episode of The Expanse, titled CQB, is undoubtedly one of the most impactful and action-packed instalments of the series up to that point, featuring a spectacular event that would have far-reaching consequences for the characters and the overall narrative. This pivotal episode marks a significant turning point in the show, as it becomes increasingly clear that Holden and his crew are destined to become the show's true protagonists, and their experiences in this episode serve as a catalyst for their future development.

The central event of this episode is intricately tied to the first of three major storylines, with Holden and his crew aboard the Martian warship Donnager, where Captain Yao learns that they are being pursued by not by one, but swarm of six advanced ships, equipped with weapons and technology which are more than a match for initially overconfident Martians. When Holden identifies one of these vessels as identical to the one that destroyed the Canterbury, Captain Yao realises that Holden is a critical witness whose life must be preserved at at all cost. As chaos ensues and the heavily damaged Donnager becomes boarded by mysterious assailants, Yao orders Lieutenant Lopez to escort Holden to Tachi, a small attack ship housed in the hangar. However, Holden insists on bringing his crew along, who are still reeling from the traumatic loss of their comrade Shed. In a harrowing sequence, Lopez manages to get Holden and his team to Tachi, but not before sustaining fatal injuries fighting the boarders. His sacrifice allows Alex to pilot Tachi to safety just before Captain Yao initiates a self-destruct sequence to prevent their enemies from capturing the Donnager.

Meanwhile, on Ceres, Detective Miller continues his investigation into Julie Mao's disappearance. His search leads him to Bizi Betiko (played by Ryan Stanley), a man who had been romantically linked with her. Miller finds Betiko dead, but later learns that his identity is false, with real Betiko (played by Adam Bogen) having perished while engaging in the perilous sport of slingshotting. The body in question reveals further intrigue; it has been altered with an ID spoofer and memory chips, indicating Betiko's involvement as a data broker. Furthermore, the brothel madam, played by Jane Moffat, makes a gruesome discovery, finding Havelock impaled, but miraculously still alive.

On Earth, Chrisjen Avasarala grapples with the political ramifications of sending Earth Navy ships to rescue survivors from the Canterbury incident. In a poignant scene with her grandson (played by Yathart Bhatt), she gazes at the night sky, contemplating the future of humanity within an increasingly fragmented solar system.

Another storyline is introduced with scene at Tycho Station in the Belt, where construction on the Nauvoo—a massive spacecraft commissioned by Latter Day Saints—is underway. The project aims to send colonists on a century-long journey towards Tau Ceti. Tensions arise when a Mormon elder (played by Peter Spence) expresses dissatisfaction with Fred Johnson (played by Chad L. Coleman) being management of the station due to his suspected affiliations with the OPA (Outer Planets Alliance). The elder's initial resistance crumbles under Johnson's subtle intimidation tactics.

While Avasarala's scenes may feel somewhat superfluous—serving primarily to remind viewers of her character—the remainder of CQB exemplifies economical storytelling. The episode efficiently weaves together multiple narratives without losing momentum or coherence.

The battle sequences between Donnager and its mysterious assailants are depicted with commendable CGI effects that aren’t overwhelming at the expense of human drama. The narrative effectively illustrates how perilous space can be when fundamental elements like air and gravity are compromised. One particularly shocking moment involves a regular character meeting a gruesome end—an event that is both shocking and within acceptable limits for mainstream television.

*CQB? successfully navigates its multiple plotlines while introducing red herrings and new mysteries that promise to engage viewers over several seasons. The balance between action and suspense keeps audiences invested, making this episode one of the most successful entries in The Expanse up to that point.

CQB not only delivers thrilling action but also deepens character arcs and expands the overarching narrative in meaningful ways. The stakes are raised significantly for all involved as alliances shift and new threats emerge. As viewers are left on cliffhangers and unresolved tensions, it becomes clear that The Expanse continues to build upon its reputation as a compelling science fiction series that deftly combines action with intricate storytelling.

RATING: 7/10 (+++)

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