In Praise of The Expanse

The Expanse is a science fiction television series on Amazon Prime that just finished its fifth season. A sixth and final season is planned. It's based on a series of books by James S. A. Corey, the pseudonym of Ty Franks and David Abraham, who are also involved with the show. 

In almost every respect, it's the best science fiction series ever produced for television. (IMHO just so you know where I'm coming from, the runners up would be Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica (the reboot), and Star Trek: Next Generation.) I don't have the time to write a long post explaining why I like The Expanse so much. Briefly, it's the depth of the setting and character development, the respect for the original material, the respect for physics (very unusual in a TV show), and the incredible attention to detail. It's a show that you can watch and then watch again and again. 

Here are a few articles about The Expanse that have come across my screen in the last week or so. All are good and worth reading. Fair warning: some may contain spoilers. 

Waking the Leviathan. "The story of how James S.A. Corey’s The Expanse went from game concept to blockbuster TV series."

The Expanse Ended Its Best Season to Date With a Hell of a Ride. A summary of the events of the final episode of season 5. It won't make much sense unless you've been watching the show or have read the books, but it does have some thoughts on what might be next in season 6.

The Expanse shows the dangers of treating extremism as a joke. "Amazon's sci-fi series demonstrates how easily abusive personalities can radicalize the innocent and disill

The Expanse Producers Reveal All About Fantasy Drama’s Epic Business Journey at Amazon, Syfy. "Alcon Entertainment's Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson speak frankly about the future of the show."

The Space Opera Was Dying. Then The Expanse Transformed the Genre For a New Generation. "Once known for themes of imperialism and colonialism, these stories are now defined by underdog characters, realism, and a bit of weirdness, writes sci-fi author Charlie Jane Anders."