The Expanse is being hailed as a return to smart sci-fi shows, declared 'better than Battlestar Galactica'

SyFy has finally produced something that isn't MegaTyrannosaur vs. NefariousChairLeg

If yesterday’s very silly Star Trek Beyond trailer left you bemoaning the lack of sci-fi films/TV shows that focus on the human condition rather than space blasters and one-liners, then salvation might be on the way from SyFy (of all places).

So what’s the premise?

‘Hundreds of years in the future, humans have colonized the solar system. The U.N. controls Earth. Mars is an independent military power. The planets rely on the resources of the Asteroid Belt, where air and water are more precious than gold. For decades, tensions have been rising between these three places. Earth, Mars and the Belt are now on the brink of war. And all it will take is a single spark.

It is within this future that The Expanse begins. The series follows the case of a missing young woman that brings a hardened detective and a rogue ship’s captain together in a race across the solar system that will expose the greatest conspiracy in human history.’

Who’s behind it?

The Expanse is based on an acclaimed series of novels of the same name by James S. A. Corey. It was developed for too by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby, the team behind the pretty good Children of Men and the not so hot Cowboys & Aliens.

What are people saying?

Geek’s Guide to the Galaxy podcast:

“From the first couple episodes I have to say I like it more than Battlestar Galactica [also a SyFy show, from the days before they went down the Sharknado route]. I think the story is going to be a lot stronger and a lot more focused.”

“I cannot remember the last time a television show made me need to urinate. The tension on the show is really well done. Every show ends with this really great last bit of tension, and you get a little stomach cramp.”

Slate:

“For the past few years - basically since Stargate Universe was canceled - I have been seriously jonesing for a TV show featuring spaceships and intrigue. It’s been a long dry spell.

“But it’s over now. Monday, Syfy premiers The Expanse, a new series that will fill that awful void in your soul. It’s incredible.”

Sounds promising, when can I catch it?

The first episode premiered last night (14 December) on SyFy in the US - the first season’s 10 episode will air weekly. SyFy UK has no news yet on whether it will pick it up.

Getting back to Star Trek, is there any hope?

Not with the films, which are currently in the hands of the Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift director, but fans are hoping that the recently announced 2017 TV series will offer something a little more considered.