As we march towards the final episode of The Expanse, “Why We Fight” moves at a furious pace, touching on multiple storylines as the show frantically tries to bring it all together. It is woven together well, giving several characters get a chance to shine and featuring some truly wonderful moments.
Marco (Keon Alexander) shows off his secret weapon to the world with devastating results, destroying six Martian warships in seconds with his new high-powered rail guns mounted on Medina Station. Upon seeing this, Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo) quickly realizes that she needs to do something, and fast. If Marcos gets behind this station, it will be literally impossible to catch and/or kill Marco. She knows she needs help, an ally, anything or they might lose this war.
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Meanwhile, in a bit of good news, Drummer (Cara Gee) arrives at Ceres station with the supplies stolen from Marco. Avasarala personally thanks Drummer and asks to meet, but is rebuked. Drummer reminds her of what has happened to Belters in the past who have trusted the word of Earthers. Drummer has also received messages from Naomi (Dominique Tipper) who is eager to see her again, while Drummer is still processing events from their past that are still affecting the present.
Holden (Steven Strait) meets with Avasarala about what he’s discovered about traveling through the rings, however, she stops him after showing her dilemma with the rail guns. Avasarala knows she needs help, asking Holden about Drummer, and how she wants her Belter ships to join her in her fight against Marco. This leads to Naomi making the pitch to Drummer on her behalf, and a great scene ensues between Naomi and Drummer, full of anger, frustration, and tears. Cara Gee continues to shine as Drummer, as every one of her fears and frustrations bubble over in this scene.
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Drummer does agree to meet with Avasarala and in another standout scene, they agree, with stipulations, to join forces against Marco. Drummer has no love for Avasarala and Earth and is not shy about this opinion, but she is a good leader and knows this is the right move for everyone. The faceoff between Drummer and Avasarala was wonderful, both strong women, strong leaders, but in desperate need of each other’s help. It is a powerful way to end the episode.
In addition to these dynamic scenes, there were also smaller moments that were just as compelling. Filip’s (Jasai Chase-Owens) relationship/conversation with the Pella maintenance man, the chat between Bobbi (Frankie Adams) and Amos (Wes Chatham), and the opening back on Laconia, where now the Strange Dogs have now been used to bring a young boy back to life. It is the continuation of the strange protomolecule thread that I’m sure will finally explain itself in the finale. But for now, there are only hints of what it all means to the overall picture.
My main criticism, as with other episodes this season, is it’s too brisk. Six episodes are not enough for this vast universe of stories, but saying that, “Why We Fight” used every last minute it had to prepare the fans for what should be a very interesting series finale.
