‘The Expanse’: Ranking the Best Episodes of Prime Video Series

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Science fiction is a challenging genre for TV, but when the source material is strong – like James S.A. Corey’s The Expanse novels – and the production team is skilled, the results can be amazing. The Expanse, which aired for six seasons from 2015 to 2021 on Syfy and Prime Video, truly redefined the genre. Its consistently high quality demonstrates the potential of science fiction, the power of its themes, and the possibility of creating cinematic visual effects for television.

Good science fiction hasn’t been getting the attention it deserves recently. Streaming services and studios are often cancelling promising shows too quickly, or making their seasons very short – just six or eight episodes. Despite this, audiences are still hungry for smart, imaginative sci-fi. With 62 engaging episodes, The Expanse is a great choice for anyone looking for a longer series to watch in today’s streaming landscape. The show consistently maintains high quality, but some episodes are truly exceptional and best showcase what The Expanse has to offer. Here’s a ranking of the 10 greatest episodes, from the least impressive (though still good!) to the very best.

“Here There Be Dragons” (Season 2, Episode 11)


Syfy

Okay, so Season 2’s “Here There Be Dragons” is amazing, and a huge part of that is Frankie Adams as Bobbie Draper. Seriously, she’s fantastic! While what’s happening on the Rocinante is important, it’s Bobbie’s story that really grabbed me in this episode. It’s a turning point for her character. When we first meet her at the start of Season 2, she’s the classic, no-questions-asked soldier. She’s totally devoted to Mars and completely believes in everything they’re doing. It’s just great to watch her journey begin.

Throughout the season, she struggles with flashbacks and emotional fallout from the Ganymede incident, and feels guilty for being a survivor. She gradually begins to doubt the official story about what happened on Ganymede, eventually discovering the truth about Project Caliban in the episode “Here There Be Dragons.” Her decision to seek refuge on Earth and publicly blame Mars feels natural given her experiences, and has significant political, personal, and diplomatic consequences. This choice fundamentally changes the course of her story for the rest of the series.

“Cibola Burn” (Season 4, Episode 10)


Prime Video

The episode ‘Cibola Burn’ feels like a turning point for the series. It wraps up the storyline on Ilus and brings Klaes Ashford’s journey to a poignant end – he meets his fate with remarkable courage, even singing as he does. David Strathairn delivers a powerful performance, as always. This season finale also fully establishes Marco Inaros as the main antagonist for the rest of the show, and reveals a shocking family connection: Filip is the son of both Naomi and Marco.

This episode effectively launches the story for the show’s last two seasons. The shocking reveal of Marco’s plan to strike Earth with hidden asteroids creates immediate tension and promises a fast-paced start to Season 5.

“Winnipesaukee” (Season 5, Episode 9)


Prime Video

Many fans dislike the later episodes of Season 5, especially Naomi’s struggle for survival on the abandoned ship, the Chetzemoka. However, The Expanse is known for its excellent acting, and Dominique Tipper gives a particularly strong performance in “Winnipesaukee.” The episode truly showcases Naomi’s resourcefulness and engineering skills as she desperately tries to survive until rescue arrives in the following episode.

Now working for Marco, Drummer is frustrated by his command to destroy the Rocinante, especially since the Chetzemoka is bait to draw it out. Drummer clearly cares deeply for Naomi, and her real allegiance is to Belters who oppose Marco. The episode “Winnipesaukee” sets up Drummer’s eventual rebellion against Marco and establishes her as a key figure in the resistance during Season 6.

Back on Earth, Amos, Clarissa, and Erich face serious problems as they try to escape. Their getaway is filled with thrilling action and suspense. The episode, “Winnipesaukee,” successfully builds intense, nail-biting tension throughout.

“Triple Point” (Season 3, Episode 5)


Syfy

Season 3’s “Triple Point” expands the scope of the war, showing its impact on people beyond the core crew of the Roci. It skillfully depicts the key ingredients of any conflict – strong emotions, political maneuvering, and simple chance, as one character puts it. The season features a thrilling, tense mutiny attempt on the Agatha King and finally explains the reasons behind Naomi’s actions and why she shared the protomolecule sample with Fred Johnson. Interestingly, the groundwork for the introduction of characters like Marco and Filip is laid as early as Season 3.

This episode is a thrilling mix of strong acting, complex political maneuvering, and epic space battles. Plus, it moves the story closer to the satisfying conclusion of Sadavir Errinwright’s story – and that’s something to celebrate!

“Abaddon’s Gate” (Season 3, Episode 13)


Syfy

Let’s talk about Holden and Miller – their scenes are always a highlight! The season three finale of The Expanse really expands the scope of the show. The discovery of the Ring network – with its incredible 1,373 wormholes leading to new worlds – sets up everything for season four. These rings become incredibly important as the story continues.

“Abaddon’s Gate” is a thrilling ride, both because of Holden’s struggles and the exciting team-up between Drummer and the crew of the Roci to regain control of the Behemoth. The story is packed with intense action, and it’s especially meaningful for Naomi, who comes to terms with her Belter heritage and her role on the Roci. A standout moment is a powerful quote from Reverend Anna to Amos: “Hate is a burden. You don’t have to carry it with you.”

“Leviathan Wakes” (Season 1, Episode 10)


Syfy

The first season of The Expanse culminates in an all-out battle for survival as heroes Holden and Miller team up to flee the dangerous, protomolecule-infested Eros – think of it as the show’s version of the Avengers assembling. Meanwhile, on Earth, Avasarala finds herself in a tense political situation. The episode, “Leviathan Wakes,” marks a turning point in the series, with the protomolecule becoming the central focus. We also get some answers about Julie Mao’s past, as her father begins to exert influence on Earth’s government.

Okay, I have to say, the whole escape from Eros? Pure adrenaline! It felt like a straight-up action movie set in space, and honestly, it was way more thrilling than the usual political stuff going on. And you know what? Miller really clicked with the crew of the Roci. He felt like he belonged right there with them.

“Babylon’s Ashes” (Season 6, Episode 6)


Prime Video

Even though Season 6 is shorter than others, it’s consistently good from start to finish. The series finale, “Babylon’s Ashes,” is deeply moving. Naomi’s final speech is particularly powerful, especially when it’s revealed that Filip survived and left his father’s ship. The last battle between the Roci crew and Marco’s fleet is both incredibly tense and visually impressive, making great use of the show’s effects budget. Keon Alexander delivers a standout performance as a truly complex and frightening villain. And, happily, the main characters get a relatively positive ending as they venture into the unknown. Satisfying endings are rare, so it’s a welcome change.

This episode also begins to introduce the storyline from the final three books of James S.A. Corey’s series. Hopefully, Amazon will adapt those books to give this story the ending it deserves.

“Immolation” (Season 3, Episode 6)


Syfy

As a huge fan, I think Season 3 is where the show really hits its stride, and the episode “Immolation” is easily one of the best I’ve ever seen. It was so satisfying to finally see Errinwright get his comeuppance for treason – seriously, it was a long time coming! And Bobbie? She’s basically a Martian version of Iron Man, kicking butt on Io. What really got me though, was seeing Prax finally reunited with his daughter, Mei. The whole season is just packed with incredible action, some of the best fight scenes they’ve ever done, both down on the ground and in the thrilling space battles.

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Cotyar, Avasarala’s loyal bodyguard, makes the ultimate sacrifice by destroying the protomolecule-infected ship, the Agatha King, delivering a heartbreaking final message. With those responsible for the protomolecule finally facing consequences, it seems like this chapter should be closed. But a shocking discovery on Venus suggests the story is far from over. And let’s not forget Amos’s unforgettable line, “I am that guy.”

“Gaugamela” (Season 5, Episode 4)


Prime Video

In ‘Gaugamela,’ Marco’s dangerous plan for Earth, Mars, and the Belt finally unfolds, creating a relentlessly tense 46-minute episode that will leave you on the edge of your seat. The episode features heartbreaking losses, as Secretary-General Gao and Fred Johnson are killed as part of Marco’s strategy. For those unfamiliar with the books, these events will be particularly shocking. The Expanse excels at building suspense, and ‘Gaugamela’ delivers a truly explosive climax with a perfectly paced narrative and incredibly high stakes. Every moment feels crucial.

Ultimately, the events surrounding “Gaugamela” serve as a warning. The idea of leaving things alone simply doesn’t work with arrogant leaders like Marco Inaros, who secretly built a loyal following and gathered enough weapons to plunge the solar system into chaos. At least now, Earth, Mars, and the Belt are finally taking the threat seriously.

“Home” (Season 2, Episode 5)


Syfy

This episode is easily the strongest of the series. “Home” is brilliantly crafted, delivering a huge emotional impact. The music, particularly Clinton Shorter’s “Milowda,” is incredibly moving and perfectly enhances the powerful scene between Miller and Julie. It’s a fitting farewell to them as their ship crashes on Venus, and Miller’s sacrifice ultimately saves Earth.

Tensions between Earth and Mars are at an all-time high, with Earth suspecting Mars of sending a dangerous object, Eros, towards them. It’s a tense standoff, and many lives are at risk. The show, “Home,” skillfully combines realistic science fiction with emotional drama, making it enjoyable for a wide audience. Anyone looking for a powerful and moving television experience should definitely watch this episode from Season 2.

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2026-01-13 05:06