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Started watching The Expanse (lemmygrad.ml)

submitted 2 days ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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Had a few days off so binged the first two seasons of the show. It is really fun. Has got me itching to play Mass Effect 2.

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[–] [email protected] 6 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (1 children)

I've only read the novels and partially watched the series, but imagining it as sort of an 'anti-trek' is pretty accurate. It's a rather depressing view of our immediate future. The setting is very interesting and I overall like the novels, but it's fair to say it's not for everyone.

And since it's the 'grad I should mention that you get an overwhelming sense of libness from the authors. A huge plot point is the exploitation of a new underclass that turn into irreverent terrorists who commit the worst crime imaginable. They're not vindicated in any way by the end and aren't even the 'primary' antagonists of the plot. In fact the crushingly cruel conditions of this new underclass aren't even ever resolved. The universe just moves on without them. If stuff like that bothers you, consider it a fair warning.

Otherwise - I do generally recommend.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago)

A huge plot point is the exploitation of a new underclass that turn into irreverent terrorists who commit the worst crime imaginable.

I think this is pretty harsh.

spoiler

The Free Navy is portrayed as a radical subset of belters who have gone rogue from the legitimized, Fred Johnson-led OPA government. Our POV character from the Free Navy is Filip Inaros, whose whole arc is becoming disillusioned with the group and walking away. Their motivation does not justify the genocidal attack on Earth, but is certainly a legitimate grievance -- there are millions of belters who will not be able to adapt to the gravity of the new worlds, and so they may well be left to die out or be re-subjugated. They think "the universe will just move on without them."

And the cruel conditions they're subjected to are resolved: belters become the dominant power in the 30 years between where the show ends and where the books pick back up. The ones who are willing and able have essentially unlimited real estate to settle on in the new worlds, too.