Television Review: Remember the Cant (The Expanse, S1X03, 2015)
Remember the Cant (S01E03)
Airdate: December 16th 2015
Written by: Robin Veith
Directed by: Jeff Wulnough
Running Time: 43 minutes
The third episode of The Expanse, titled Remember the Cant, marks a significant shift in pace compared to its predecessor, as it opts for a more subdued tone with substantially less action. However, this decrease in action is more than compensated for by a notable increase in world-building and character exposition, which provides a richer understanding of the intricate universe that the series inhabits.
Similar to the previous episodes, Remember the Cant weaves together three separate yet indirectly connected plots, each contributing to the overall narrative arc of the series. The first storyline picks up where the previous episode left off, with the public video message sent by Holden and the crew of the Kairos. This desperate attempt to save their lives before being boarded by the Donnager appears to have achieved its intended purpose, as the citizens of Ceres are now aware of the destruction of the Canterbury and its devastating impact on the already meager water supply. This revelation sparks widespread resentment among the Belters towards both Earth and Mars, culminating in violent riots. Amidst this turmoil, Detective Miller continues his relentless pursuit of Juliet Mao, a quest that leads him into contact with the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) and its local leader, Anderson Dawes. Meanwhile, Miller's partner, Havelock, attempts to immerse himself in the local culture by learning Belter patois from a prostitute named Gia (played by Sara Mitich). However, his efforts at cultural assimilation are short-lived, as he soon finds himself cornered, attacked and stabbed by the Loca Greiga gang.
In parallel, the aftermath of the video message is felt on the Martian ship Donnager, where the surviving crew members of the Canterbury are being held as prisoners. The Martians, employing clever interrogation tactics, use the revelations about the crew's past to sow discord among them. It is revealed that Holden has a complicated history, having been dishonorably discharged from the Earth Navy for refusing to fire on a Belter ship. Alex, on the other hand, is disclosed to have spent twenty years serving in the Martian Congressional Navy, a fact that significantly impacts his relationships with his crewmates. Perhaps most intriguingly, Naomi Nagata is shown to possess an advanced physics degree, making her vastly overqualified for her role on the remote ice hauler, and raising questions about her true loyalties and motivations. When brought together, the Martians skillfully manipulate these revelations to turn the former crewmates against each other, exploiting their personal histories to extract information. Holden is eventually summoned by the ship's commander, Captain Yao (played by Jean Yoon), in a meeting that hints at the possibility that Naomi might be an OPA agent, especially considering that the Donnager is being shadowed by a mysterious ship.
On Earth, the plot unfolds with Chrisjen Avasarala expressing her concerns to Franklin Degraaf (played by Kenneth Welsh), the UN ambassador to Mars and an old family friend. Degraaf, who loves and admires Mars and even wants to retire there with his gay husband Craig (played by Philip Akin), is told about the potential involvement of Mars and its stealth technology in the attack on the Canterbury. Avasarala fears that Mars might be preparing to attack Earth itself, prompting Degraaf to contact his Martian friends in an attempt to gather more information. The increased chatter at Martian communication hubs leads Avasarala to conclude that the Martians were indeed surprised by the attack, similar to everyone else. This realisation comes at a significant personal cost to Degraaf, who loses his diplomatic credentials and is banned from Mars, feeling manipulated and betrayed by Avasarala's actions. The end of their friendship serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes and personal sacrifices that come with playing the game of interplanetary politics.
Remember the Cant is an intriguing episode that leverages its relatively slow pace to delve into the fascinating details of The Expanse's world. One of the most captivating aspects of Martian culture introduced in this episode is their unique approach to interrogation, where drugs are used not on the interrogated, but on the interrogators themselves. This practice allows the interrogators to perceive lies more effectively, showcasing the Martians' sophisticated understanding of psychology and pharmacology. Furthermore, the episode reveals intriguing details about Holden's past, including the fact that he is the child of eight different biological partners, with his DNA being a mix of theirs. This revelation speaks volumes about the state of biotechnology in the 23rd century and its profound impact on traditional Earth family customse.
Perhaps the most compelling theme of Remember the Cant is the pervasive nature of manipulation, which is reflected differently across various parts of the Solar system. The destruction of the Canterbury, whether part of a broader plan or not, elicits a primal response from the Belters, who express their anger and frustration through violent riots. In contrast, the Martians employ a more cerebral approach, cleverly manipulating Holden and his crewmates to extract information and sow discord. Meanwhile, Chrisjen Avasarala orchestrates her own manipulations, using her friends and acquaintances to further her goals, even if it means sacrificing them in the process. This theme of manipulation serves as a reminder that in the world of The Expanse, nothing is as it seems, and every action, no matter how altruistic it may appear, is motivated by a complex web of interests and agendas. As the series progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that the true battle is not between Earth, Mars, and the Belt, but between those who seek to control the narrative and those who are caught in the crossfire, struggling to uncover the truth amidst a sea of deception and manipulation.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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