The Expanse (TV Series) The Monster and the Rocket (2017) User Reviews

The choice was the reason this episode got me.

[kingkass · 9/10 · 21 April 2020]

A few shows have a certain moment where they become something else, or bring a tear to my eye. The moment Naomi had to make a choice this episode was that moment for me. Although I agree with some reviews here that the acting isn't the best I've seen. The way the whole scene played out was excellent. It was hopefully and heartbreaking all at once.

Crisjen's lines are also still fantastic.

Steven Strait's acting

[mgl-92037 · 7/10 · 15 April 2017]

I am a big fan of the series, as my other reviews will show, but I have to say that the abysmal acting skills of Strait (Holden) are putting somewhat of a damper on my enjoyment of Expanse. In this episode, he spent all the time clenching his jaw and making idiotic commands which could have gotten everyone killed---and for what? There is no way he could believe he was about to get rid of the last of the protomolecule, so why bother with one source? It doesn't make sense.

I like the arc of the plot with Bobbie claiming exile on earth. Ashdagloo has grown in her role, and I look forward to her scenes more than most others. The actress who plays Naomi is also pretty boring, but not as bad as Strait.

I have to say that I have found the series bland this season, compared to season 1. I think the acting has a lot to do with it. Miller was such a fine character, and now he is gone. Errinwright is OK, but not at the same level. Jared Harris, another fine actor we haven't seen for a while.

I am looking forward to the closing episode, and hope the arc of the series goes higher next year.

Writers left a major gap in the story

[CaptRon-2 · 8/10 · 2 August 2019]

As the dome is slowly losing life support, the rescue ship is limited to 52 people so the other 250 or less are left behind. The storyline is to either onboard the rest and transfer them to the Rosi or have the Rosi go back and get them. Somehow this whole plot line is forgotten and the Rosi crew are happy to see each other and the dying people left behind and never mentioned again...oops

Amazing

[theraconteurgirl · 10/10 · 17 February 2021]

This episode made me cry. Amazing writing. Acting. Perfect.

Great penultimate finale episode

[anselmdaniel · 9/10 · 21 January 2024]

This review contains spoilers.

The Expanse's twelfth episode of the second season is entitled 'The Monster and the Rocket'. The episode is build-up of the story arc between Errinwright and Avasarala. The episode also focuses on the crew of the Rocinante as they encounter the refugee crisis on Ganymede.

The Monster and the Rocket is an excellent episode of The Expanse's second season. This episode has what characterizes the second season well. The episode focuses on the characters and the story arcs that the television series has built up. This makes for excellent television as the characters build upon events that impact the overall narrative.

Avasarala and Errinwright's story comes to a head as Avasarala must deal with Errinwright's betrayal. The episode handles this event incredibly well and it becomes intense as Jules Pierre Mao's crew contains Avasarala inside of the negotiation space ship.

The refugee crisis in Ganymede is given nice attention as the crew of the Rocinante must consider rescuing refugees or destroying the threat of the protomolecule. All of the cast that is part of the Rocinante has a nice moment in this episode. The episode does conclude with an interesting cliffhanger in the protomolecule monster clinging onto the Rocinante.

I would recommend the twelfth episode of the second season of The Expanse.

Grade: A.

The Extortionist on Earth

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 17 January 2020]

When Errinwright betrays the Marians, Mao disappears into the center of the ship. This will be interesting to watch. This episode has more rescues and fruitless efforts to do battle with the creature roaming Ganymede. First things first, certainly. The most burning issue has to do with the capabilities of again getting rid of the Bioform. It is going to be interesting to see how Season 2's final episode does with this.

Gravity lost?

[t_gyul · 5/10 · 25 February 2019]

I read some praising reviews regarding how physics is not abused in the series. And I mostly agree, but in this episode, Ganymede seems to have lost its mass!

I have looked up that surface gravity on this moon is about 14% of Earth gravity. Which means that the Rocinante should not be able to just effortlessly float above the surface. Even the minor thrusters are only heard to be engaged occasionally, to make minor maneuvers.

(And this is in contrast with the interior shots where people walk around just like they would on Earth.)

Disappointing.