The Expanse has garnered high praise from all reaches of the solar system. The powerhouse Syfy adaptation is part of a strong lineup of well-performing series' that move the network away from its over-the-top and cheesy past (Sharknado excluded). The second season continues to build a complex story that sets a (still) divided humanity against a force unlike anything its ever seen. A strong first season propelled the show to the top of the network, and the story and locations have gotten more expansive (pun intended) as the second season continues to unfold.
Syfy has put more resources into the second season as evidenced in the VFX that sometimes, and rightfully so, take center stage in each episode. There's an integrated online presence that makes it easier for fans to engage with the characters and learn more about this world. The introduction of Bobbie Draper (Frankie Adams) has opened up new insight into the Martians and provides more depth to the conflict between the three factions -- Earth, Mars, and The Belt.
Tensions between the three political powers may be rising to a boiling point, but fans can rest easy now that Syfy has confirmed The Expanse has been renewed for a third season. The upcoming third season will be another 13 episodes and is expected to return in 2018. Chris McCumber, NBC Universal's Cable Entertainment President had this to say of the series:
“The Expanse is a gorgeous, thrilling, emotional series that has quite simply raised the bar for science fiction on television. We, along with the fans, are looking forward to continuing the journey with our partners at Alcon Television Group and the series’ brilliant cast and crew.”
The Expanse is a sprawling series that seems to do everything well, but nothing more so than the complicated relationship of its characters. While live tweeting episode 8 of season 2, "Pyre," showrunner Nareen Shankar commented on the complexities and inner turmoil characters face noting that, "For the most part, everyone in The Expanse is doing what they believe is right." If the pattern holds, each season ends with the title of the book it is based on. Season one ended on Leviathan Wakes (the first in the series), and the last episodes of season two is titled Caliban's War (the second book). If things play out as closely in the series (as the have so far), then season three is sure to be even bigger and more complicated than anything we've seen so far.
Science steeped in reality, politics, and human nature are some of the things that the series has been recognized for doing well. With high ratings on Rotten Tomatoes and MetaCritic, it looks like NBC Universal and Syfy are giving the people what they want.
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The Expanse season 2 airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on Syfy.