Ep 1. Safe

The Expanse is a sci-fi TV series set in the future where humanity has colonized the Solar System. In season 2, the crew of the Rocinante, a stolen Martian warship, continues to navigate the complex political landscape and dangers of interplanetary life.

In the first episode of season 2, titled Safe, the Rocinante crew is on the run from both the United Nations and the Martian Congressional Republic after revealing the truth about the mysterious protomolecule. The protomolecule is an advanced alien technology that has the potential to change the fate of the human race, but also has the power to destroy it.

The episode opens with the Rocinante crew, consisting of Captain James Holden (Steven Strait), Naomi Nagata (Dominique Tipper), Alex Kamal (Cas Anvar), and Amos Burton (Wes Chatham), fleeing from a Martian warship. They narrowly escape by using a decoy maneuver and jumping into the unknown territory of the asteroid belt.

Meanwhile, in the Belt, a group of OPA (Outer Planets Alliance) operatives are planning a daring heist on a transport ship owned by the Earth-based corporation Protogen. The OPA, a group fighting for the rights of Belters and against the oppression from the UN and Mars, believe the transport ship is carrying valuable information about the protomolecule.

On Earth, UN Deputy Undersecretary Chrisjen Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo) is investigating the sudden appearance of the protomolecule. She uncovers a conspiracy involving Protogen and the highest levels of the UN, but struggles to stop them without revealing classified information.

Back on the Rocinante, the crew is forced to make an emergency landing on a station in the Belt to repair their ship. However, they quickly realize that the station is controlled by a ruthless gangster named ‘McDowell’ (Andrew Rotilio) who has a personal grudge against them.

As they attempt to complete the repairs, tensions rise between the crew members as secrets and mistrust start to surface. Naomi, who has a past with McDowell, must confront her demons and make a difficult choice.

The episode culminates in a high-stakes action sequence as the OPA operatives attempt to hijack the Protogen transport ship, but are ambushed by the deadly Protogen soldiers. The Rocinante crew becomes embroiled in the conflict and must fight for their survival.

Overall, the first episode of season 2 of The Expanse sets up a thrilling and complex storyline that explores the political intrigue and moral ambiguity of living in a world where humans have colonized space. With its strong performances, sharp writing, and stunning visuals, Safe is a great start to a new season that promises to be filled with danger, adventure, and suspense.