The Expanse Is the Smartest Hard Sci-Fi Show Since Star Trek: TNG

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Prime Video’s series is a thoughtful and realistic science fiction show that takes its time developing its story. It’s a rare success in the ‘hard sci-fi’ genre, earning a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, because it carefully adheres to the laws of physics and doesn’t ignore the consequences of those laws.

I just finished watching The Expanse, and let me tell you, it’s a gripping space opera! The show takes place throughout our solar system, which has been colonized but is really fractured between Earth, Mars, and the people living in the asteroid belt. It’s a story about power struggles, limited resources, and just trying to survive out there. Honestly, the way the characters are caught up in all the political maneuvering reminded me a lot of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but with a grittier, more realistic feel. It’s a complex world, but totally worth getting invested in.

The Expanse Is Hard Sci-Fi at Its Best

The show consistently emphasizes the strict scientific principles governing its world. Gravity isn’t simply a given; it’s something earned through constant acceleration or artificial spinning. And space travel isn’t romanticized – it’s portrayed as dangerous, meticulously planned, and frequently fatal.

The characters treat these dangers with serious concern, preparing with crash couches and medication to withstand intense forces. They understand a single mistake could be fatal, turning their ship into a tomb. This commitment to realistic science makes the story’s dangers feel incredibly immediate and impactful, rather than just a hypothetical threat.

The show portrays space as a powerful influence on both the way people live and their physical bodies. People born and raised in the low-gravity environment of the Belt have evolved to have long, slender builds and weaker bones. Because of these changes, they can no longer survive on Earth.

The show uses biological differences to visually represent existing inequalities in society and politics. Instead of using technology to erase these differences, as some stories do, The Expanse actually emphasizes them through its use of science, effectively turning scientific advancements into tools of control and oppression.

The Sci-Fi Series Features Morally Complex Characters

Though it looks like a science fiction show about space, The Expanse is fundamentally a story about political conflict. Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt all function as separate power groups constantly vying for control, and each has its own unique history, wealth, and beliefs.

Earth is overcrowded and bogged down in rules, while Mars is a disciplined society sacrificing current ease for the dream of a habitable planet. The people of the Belt are struggling with poverty and seek independence. Each of these places has problems, but none are entirely malicious.

This story views politics as a complicated system of motivations and reactions, not a simple battle between opposing sides. Characters’ choices create ripple effects, resulting in unforeseen consequences that are beyond anyone’s individual control.

Leaders often feel rushed into making quick decisions, and groups fighting for change can splinter due to disagreements about how to achieve their goals. Organizations, meanwhile, will always prioritize their own survival, even if it means compromising their values. The situation is most compelling when skillful negotiation and moral principles are just as crucial as force.

Each of these characters represents a unique way of responding to the pressures of their society. Their choices weren’t shown as right or wrong, but rather as either helpful for survival or ultimately harmful.

This complex moral landscape allows the series to delve into themes like leadership, sacrifice, and identity in a thoughtful way. Like a mosaic, it presents multiple perspectives, each offering a unique view of what the future might hold.

CBR Report

CBR Report

What makes The Expanse stand out is its realistic portrayal of conflict. The show avoids simple resolutions, demonstrating that peace is fragile, justice is often imperfect, and progress isn’t always linear. Even well-meaning actions can have unintended negative consequences. By focusing on how characters navigate these complicated situations, the series highlights that while individuals are important, the systems they operate within are even more so.

What makes The Expanse so compelling is its realistic depiction of space travel, combined with a complex story about politics and ethics. The show seamlessly blends believable science, well-developed characters, and thought-provoking ideas. Similar to Star Trek: The Next Generation, The Expanse demonstrates that a smart show is also a great show – intelligence is its biggest asset, not a drawback.

Blending science, social issues, and timeless human flaws, The Expanse stands out as a truly exceptional television show. Its impressive 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes isn’t just praise from critics—it’s a strong indication that the show successfully achieved its ambitious goals.

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2025-12-21 21:11