Timala Elliott
Timala ElliottThe Expanse
Amazon Prime
Season 5 Episode 7
Oyedeng
Official Description – Naomi makes a desperate attempt to save her son from Marco. On The Roci, Holden battles for the last sample of protomolecule.
The separated members of the Rocinante, with the exception of Amos are featured in this episode.
Episode 7’s main storyline involves Naomi and the crew of the Pella.
It begins with Naomi. And through a series of flashbacks, we see memories of her time with Marco and their young family. Then cuts to a present day Filip reading about his mother and Drummer and their involvement with The Rings.
Naomi must confront her past at every turn. Marco is aware of Filip’s growing attachment to his mother and correctly believes her objective is to turn Filip away from him. Marco confronts Naomi in a tense exchange that culminates in her being given free reign of the Pella. When Naomi seeks out Filip, their ensuing conversation deepens Filip’s understanding of his mother.
She also faces Cyn, and learns heartbreaking information regarding his past actions. Naomi also learns that he is aware of one of her darkest secrets.
Filip seeks the approval of his father and announces his desire to take a more active role in the Free Navy. Marco, in return, shows him a taste of the power he wields. Marco then summons Naomi and we see a change in her relationship with Filip.
Marco lords his power of Naomi forcing her to make a desperate choice.
Meanwhile, Holden is aboard the Rocinante still tracking the Zmeya in hopes of finding not only the protomolecule, but information on Naomi’s whereabouts. Bull and Monica are using their contacts and information to help him and they discuss how Fred Johnson’s previous actions have impacted the current day.
After speaking with Avasarala, Alex and Bobbie make contact with Holden. The separate groups then catch up on their whereabouts. Neither group is in their expected location. The subject of Mars and the Free Navy are discussed. After making plans to deal with new objectives, Holden and the current crew of the Rocinante then find themselves in extreme danger.
This intense and extremely emotional episode of the Expanse is hands down in my Top 5 for the series. The star of this episode is Keon Alexander. His portrayal of Marco Inaros as a highly manipulative, egomaniacal commander, is jarring. He plays the role with so much expression, it makes Marco’s hold on people easy to understand.
The action sequences, while limited, pack a punch. Twice I found myself screaming at the TV. (Sorry to my neighbors.)
One of the things that separates the Expanse from other shows in the Sci-Fi genre is its grounding in actual science. This episode does not miss. Even the ending scene, while feeling unbelievable, is not out of the realm of possibility.
The acting, the space battles, and the story line were all very well done. I can’t say enough good things about this episode.
The Expanse S05XE07
