This Amazing Sci-Fi Show Was Never Finished, and It Needs a Revival

In the world of science fiction television, numerous exceptional shows have emerged throughout history, and among them lies a standout title that never concluded its storyline. Reflecting on science fiction’s rich past, iconic series such as The Twilight Zone, The X-Files, and Battlestar Galactica captivated viewers with their unique blend of sci-fi and horror elements, while space operas like Firefly, Star Trek, and more recently, Stranger Things, Silo, and Severance demonstrated the genre’s potential for complex narratives and deep political themes. Star Wars expanded the boundaries of sci-fi by incorporating its best qualities into a fantasy realm, and it appears that science fiction television has a promising future ahead. However, despite its acclaim, there is one remarkable piece of science fiction that seems to be undervalued and underappreciated.

Widely regarded as one of the best science fiction TV series ever produced, “The Expanse” made its debut in 2015 on SYFY and ran for three seasons before being canceled. Fortunately, Amazon Prime Video stepped in to prevent its demise, renewing the show for an additional three seasons. Set three centuries into the future, “The Expanse” portrays a universe where humanity has expanded across the Solar System, dividing into three distinct factions: Earth, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt. The series follows the adventures of captain James Holden (Steven Strait) and his eclectic group of space explorers aboard their ship, the “Rocinante,” as they become entangled in escalating tensions between the factions and encounter a mysterious force known as the Protomolecule. As of 2022, only six out of nine James S.A. Corey novels have been adapted into the show, leaving many storylines unresolved. It is hoped that “The Expanse” will return at some point in the future to complete its compelling narrative arc.

The Expanse Is a Brilliant Work of Sci-Fi, and Deserves More Recognition

The Expanse embodies the captivating essence of science fiction, delving deep into thought-provoking human and political themes such as systemic oppression, climate change, tribalism, and more. The series’ appeal lies in its blend of thrilling space battles, poignant drama, and meticulous world-building, making it a highly enjoyable watch. A sequence of events that reshape the universe unfold across the show’s six seasons, including a genocide triggered by the Protomolecule in Seasons 1 and 2, attempts to expand human civilization in Seasons 3 and 4, and a full-scale war against a power-hungry Belt leader in Seasons 5 and 6.

Beyond the gripping storylines within “The Expanse”, the series stands out as a masterpiece due to its captivating character journeys. The evolution of Holden, alongside crew members Naomi Nagata (Dominique Tipper), Amos Burton (Wes Chatham), and Alex Kamal (Cas Anvar) on the “Rocinante”, is a key aspect that keeps viewers hooked. Simultaneously, the tales of tough-minded Martian Marine Bobby Draper (Frankie Adams), determined UN Secretary General Chrisjen Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo), complex character Clarissa Mao (Nadine Nicole) who transitions from villain to hero, and resilient Belter Camina Drummer (Cara Gee) are among the most compelling subplots in “The Expanse”.

In my opinion, there’s something genuinely captivating about the core of “The Expanse” that seamlessly weaves together all its exceptional aspects. The show consistently hits emotional high notes without ever missing a beat, masterfully setting up those moments for maximum impact. What truly sets “The Expanse” apart is how it skillfully handles its high-stakes plot twists and character demises, thanks in large part to the powerful and multidimensional performances of its cast, as well as the intricate portrayal of its characters’ relationships. The unyielding camaraderie within the crew and the indomitable spirit of the Solar System’s inhabitants truly resonate throughout “The Expanse”.

While not all television shows derived from books or book series surpass their original content, ‘The Expanse’ thoughtfully modifies the plot and characters to fit its TV format. This series is highly appreciated by science fiction enthusiasts and often compared to ‘Game of Thrones’, but it remains less known to the general public. Reviving the show could therefore increase its recognition beyond the science fiction community.

There’s Still Time for The Expanse to Tell the Rest of Its Story

In summary, the finale of ‘Babylon’s Ashes’, which forms the basis for Season 6 of ‘The Expanse’, tidily concludes previous storylines and introduces a 30-year time leap before the next novel, ‘Persepolis Rising’. This means that while Season 6 provided a satisfying ending to the series, fans who have read the books were left feeling let down as the TV adaptation didn’t fully cover all aspects. Those who only watched the show missed out on seeing how the Protomolecule becomes more dangerous and how characters evolve over time due to aging. Of course, anyone can dive into the books to discover the series’ final outcome, but it’s clear that the last three novels of ‘The Expanse’ would make for thrilling TV seasons or movies.

Currently, there’s no strong indication that The Expanse will resume adapting the remaining novels of the series. Co-creators Ty Franck and Daniel Abraham are now working on a new project called The Captive’s War. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that The Expanse is gone forever. Since there’s a significant time leap in the books, the creators aren’t under pressure to bring back the show immediately. There could be various scenarios where The Expanse returns, such as Prime Video commissioning new seasons or another streaming platform taking it up. Given the dedicated fanbase of The Expanse, there’s always a chance that the story’s conclusion might be shown on screen someday.

All seasons of The Expanse are available to stream on Prime Video.

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2025-07-06 20:10