Ep 7. Windmills

As the crew of the Rocinante continues their search for Julie Mao and answers about the protomolecule, they find themselves struggling to stay ahead of both the law and their enemies. In episode 7, titled "Windmills," tensions rise as the team faces new challenges in their quest for the truth.

The episode begins with the crew still reeling from the discovery of the protomolecule on Eros station. Holden (Steven Strait) is forced to make a difficult decision when he receives a message from Anderson Dawes (Jared Harris), the man who claims to have stolen the information from Julie Mao's computer. Dawes demands that Holden hand over the protomolecule in exchange for Mao's location, but Holden knows that the substance is far too dangerous to allow it to fall into Dawes' hands.

Meanwhile, Naomi (Dominique Tipper) and Amos (Wes Chatham) continue trying to cover up their involvement with the explosion on the Scopuli, but their secrets begin to catch up with them. Amos faces a tough decision when he is asked to help cover up the murder of one of their fellow crew members, and Naomi must confront the truth about her past and her relationship with the OPA.

As the Rocinante sets a course for Eros station, tensions between the crew members continue to mount. Alex (Cas Anvar) is frustrated with Holden's leadership and the risks he is willing to take, while Holden struggles with the weight of responsibility for the safety of everyone on board. The tension comes to a head when they discover that their ship has been commandeered by a group of Martian soldiers, and Holden must fight to regain control before it's too late.

Throughout the episode, there is a sense of foreboding as the crew navigates increasingly dangerous and uncertain terrain. The show does an excellent job of building suspense and tension, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats as the characters face one obstacle after another. The writing is sharp and well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns that keep the story fresh and exciting.

One of the standout aspects of this episode is the strong character development. Each member of the crew is given a chance to shine, with their individual struggles and motivations coming to the forefront. From Holden's dilemma over the protomolecule to Naomi's guilt over her past actions, every character is given depth and complexity that makes them feel like real people.

The acting is also top-notch, with the entire cast delivering powerful performances. Steven Strait is particularly impressive as Holden, conveying the character's inner turmoil and conflict with nuance and subtlety. Dominique Tipper also shines as Naomi, bringing vulnerability and strength to the role in equal measure. Wes Chatham, Cas Anvar, and Shohreh Aghdashloo all do excellent work as well, rounding out a talented ensemble.

Overall, "Windmills" is an excellent episode of The Expanse that raises the stakes for the crew and promises more thrilling adventures to come. The writing, acting, and direction all come together to create a suspenseful and engaging hour of television that is sure to satisfy fans of the show. Whether you're a newcomer or a die-hard fan, this episode is not to be missed.