It's apparent that the series would take a compartmentalized approach with a few perspectives, mainly Joe's investigative angle and Jim's survival while the mystery about missing rich girl and Martian warpath intertwine with them. Episode two, luckily, doesn't skimp out on grand effect as it continues to produce atmospheric view of the belters, bright desolation of space as well as several nice scenes of Earth.
Joe (Thomas Jane) takes the bulk of the story as he ventures from simple urban case to the unsolved missing girl. His point of view offers the most vistas as he trudges through slums, industrial and residential areas, all of which are fully realized. It's a reminiscence of high budget video game or movie, and the details such as voice manipulators, resource rarity on settlement and even interactive futuristic dating site are all welcomed touch.
He also makes a bizarre yet personal connection to Julie Mao, even though the girl appears only briefly throughout the first couple of episodes, and this serves well as the major mystery plot. The other end of this is Jim's shuttle crew who intercepted a distress signal. After being isolated due to the alleged Martian attack, all five dysfunctional members must attempt to survive the harsh condition and each other.
The series makes a great effort to familiarize audience with this small crew. Most of them are combative in nature, in exception of Naomi (Dominique Tipper) who displays a good leadership and is also trusted by all. She's a good contender to Jim's strong personality, she's slimmer than the crews yet still possesses a good commanding presence. This is a good development of what looked like a supporting cast in first episodes, and ends up with sizable characterization.
Political angle still resumes, in short but effective burst to create tension. Seeing that it doesn't lose any speed and maintains great pace on the mystery, The Expanse is in good form.
Joe (Thomas Jane) takes the bulk of the story as he ventures from simple urban case to the unsolved missing girl. His point of view offers the most vistas as he trudges through slums, industrial and residential areas, all of which are fully realized. It's a reminiscence of high budget video game or movie, and the details such as voice manipulators, resource rarity on settlement and even interactive futuristic dating site are all welcomed touch.
He also makes a bizarre yet personal connection to Julie Mao, even though the girl appears only briefly throughout the first couple of episodes, and this serves well as the major mystery plot. The other end of this is Jim's shuttle crew who intercepted a distress signal. After being isolated due to the alleged Martian attack, all five dysfunctional members must attempt to survive the harsh condition and each other.
The series makes a great effort to familiarize audience with this small crew. Most of them are combative in nature, in exception of Naomi (Dominique Tipper) who displays a good leadership and is also trusted by all. She's a good contender to Jim's strong personality, she's slimmer than the crews yet still possesses a good commanding presence. This is a good development of what looked like a supporting cast in first episodes, and ends up with sizable characterization.
Political angle still resumes, in short but effective burst to create tension. Seeing that it doesn't lose any speed and maintains great pace on the mystery, The Expanse is in good form.