The Expanse has been such a wonderful watch the past six years. It’s a rare sci-fi show that actually integrates a lot of real science and physics into its narrative – like having ship’s thrusters fire “backwards” to slow down in space. More than that, though, it has had some of the most compelling female characters I’ve ever seen on TV: leaders.
Indeed, Naomi Nagata, Bobbie Draper, Camina Drummer, and Chrisjen Avasarala are undoubtedly some of the baddest bishes in space. They’ve saved the day with both their brains and their brawn, and have been a whole lot of fun to watch over the show’s 6 seasons.
Martian Marine Bobbie Draper (Frankie Adams) made me realize there are far too few Kiwi accents in space. Watching her team up with the wonderfully-sweary Earth politician Chrisjen Avasarala (played by Shohreh Aghdashloo) has been one of my favourite TV dynamics to watch ever. Over the seasons, their characters earn each other’s respect and admiration, despite being from two different worlds that are often at odds with each other. Bobbie is the ultimate space soldier, and every time I see her in her Martian mech suit, I know she’s going to somehow save the day. I put her among my favourite TV characters ever.
Belter vigilante Camina Drummer (Cara Gee) possesses the swagger in space that I need to embody here on Earth. Her authoritative command, assuredness, and eye make-up exude #LeadershipMaterial. Countless times she has had to make difficult decisions that war with the ideologies of her “Belter” people. Her character has shown how hard it can be to make toughs calls, especially when there are lives at stake and the pressure of your people’s expectations on your shoulders. But, ultimately, she has listened to her internal compass, recalibrated it where needed, and plotted the best course ahead, no matter how difficult that may be. Oh Captain, my Captain.
Naomi Nagata (Dominique Tipper) is revered as one of the greatest tech whizzes in and out of the Belt. Everyone relies on her for her brilliance – and brilliant she most certainly is. She is basically a Space MacGyver, finding solutions to even the most impossible of problems. Watching the almost-entirely male crew of the Rocinante take her lead, without question, has been wonderful to watch. She demonstrates how to own your craft and truly excel.
Finally, Chrisjen Avasarala exudes Head-Bitch-In-Charge energy. Played by Shohreh Aghdashloo, who has arguably one of the best voices in the business, she is a force to be reckoned with. And some do, as she navigates an ever-changing political landscape that often sees her falling out of favour. Throughout the seasons, we see her evolve to form unlikely friendships and allies, like that with Bobbie Draper, and roll with the many punches she is faced with. Plus, her style is *chef’s kiss*.
I will truly miss this show. Not all seasons have been as gripping as others. The first season started out as more of a “Who done it?” detective mystery (that I enjoyed) – and there was Season 4 with a lot of exoplanet eye-goo – but the final season is finishing strong. Most of all, however, I will miss these compelling characters who have illustrated how to be a female leader: confident in their abilities, owning their excellence, and being unapologetically themselves. Here’s hoping we don’t have to be 200 years into the future before we see more like them.
The final episode of The Expanse airs on Amazon Prime this coming Friday, January 14th, 2022.
