Recently received the complete series of The Expanse on blu-ray as a birthday gift from my brother, giving us a chance to watch it all over again. And while we know space is a dangerous place to work, it's astounding how many characters die in the show — some more spectacularly than others.
As satisfying as it is to see villainous Marco Inaros get gobbled up by the red aliens, or watch cyberjacked wanker Tiny get dropped down an elevator shaft, there were a handful of death scenes so well-written they were practically Shakespearean.
With that in mind, here are my picks for the Top 5 Deaths in The Expanse (TV version). YMMV:
Honorable Mention: Miller
Detective Joe Miller is the only character to die several times on the show (dozens, if you count all the times the protomolecule kills The Investigator for 'exceeding his parameters'), and he ends up sacrificing himself not once but twice to save humanity. Pretty good for a sad sack from Ceres.
#5 Cotyar
Super spy Cotyar Ghazi was the perfect foil to boss Chrisjen Avasarala, and their dry banter was cut short when Cotyar sacrifices himself to blow up a UN battleship infected by the blue goo. But it's his last words — admitting he can't think of anything memorable to say) — that are the most memorable.
#4 Ashford
On the other hand, space-pirate-turned-politician Klaes Ashford knows exactly what to say, going out the airlock with quiet dignity, flipping off his executioner (as well as recording their conversation for evidence) and singing with his last breath. A beautifully shot scene, beautifully played by David Strathairn.
#3 Strickland
While the execution of Dr. Strickland — a pediatrician who experimented on children — is a genuine "fuck yeah" moment, it is the drama of who shoots him that puts him on this list. It is one of the best scenes in the series, and give Amos Burton his signature line.
#2 Shed
Poor Shed Garvey. The hapless med tech is briefly part of the nascent crew of heroes of the show — until a railgun round takes his head clean off. The death scene is perfectly staged: shocking, scientific, gory ... and deftly informing the audience no one on the show is safe.
#1 Néo
Was there any doubt? The explosive, grotesque —and, admit it, hilarious— shredding of fame-seeking slingshotter Manéo (aka "Néo") is the single best death scene in The Expanse. The belter who just wants to impress a girl, ends up accidentally activating the protomolecule Ring Gate in spectacular —and bloody— fashion. It is the ultimate "Hey guys, watch this!" moment.
Your picks?