Weapons of The Expanse – S1-E8

This is kinda the big detective episode – everyone is hunting for clues – who killed the Donnager, who is Lionel Polanski, where is Julie Mao…! But that does not mean it is completely devoid of weapons action.

The first instance is another «do as I say» moment with Holden threatening their stowaway spy, where we get another look at a Martian standard service pistol. In the books these are described as being able of firing both careless «standard» ammo and recoilless ammo – check out the weapon’s profile at the link above for my thoughts on how that likely works!

Then, as they board the stealth ship, Amos has found a Martian assault rifle again.

Next weapon we see is on the recon drone Alex deploys – or at least that is what it looks like – in one of the pods under its fuselage.

A nice piece of consistency next – as the drone heads over from the Roci to the stealth ship, note that one of the breaching pods is missing, presumably the one used to board the Scopuli.

Next we see the Roci firing a torpedo/missile at the abandoned stealth, which we now know is called the Anubis. Note the gas thrusters firing fore and aft to turn it around following its soft launch.

Next we are introduced to Eros station with another gorgeous set of CGI shots. Note how the station/asteroid seems to be rotating along is short (from left to right), not its long axis.

And then we get a small cameo – walking into Eros station just in front of Miller we see the two authors The Expanse books – Ty Frank and Daniel Abraham, who in the later seasons are also both producers and writers on the show!

Next, when Miller tries some aggressive persuasion techniques with the Eros dock master and is rudely interrupted by local security, he is threatened by another UN pattern hand gun (recognizable by the light on top of the barrel that we have seen Miller use.)

And then the big gun scene of the episode – the hotel lobby shootout! First to draw is Amos who pulls out a Martian hand gun. Then the female member of the tactical team pulls her gun (before instantly being put down by Amos.) In reality this is another modified airsoft, based on the Umarex Walther Red Hawk.

Next we see a converted revolver – a Chiappa Rhino 50DS, carried by another member of the hit squad.

And then we get a a futuristic-looking submachine gun that is really popular in sci-fi shows, the TDI Vector, but here missing both stock and foregrip. Not expecting to do a lot of aiming here either!

Followed by one of our clearest shots yet of a Martian handgun – MMC (Martian Marine Corps) markings clearly visible. And also – seems to have absolutely no recoil…!

And Holden even recognizes what is rarely an issue in TV shows – «we are running out of ammo!” (Which happened pretty fast….!)

And we get a rare appearance of a hand grenade! But we never get to see its effects…!

Because of course, our heroes are saved by Miller – who afterwards decides he wants a new gun, and even takes a moment to compare and contrast! He quickly decides to go with the Rhino! (Which some have suggested is due to the fact that the more modern pistol is a so-called “smart gun” which can only be used by one person, while the other isn’t. Though personally I think Miller figured size mattered…!)

Then, as they enter Julie/Lionel´s room, we see that Martian handguns have integrated lights too.

And then we are introduced to what is clearly the biggest weapon of them all…! And the plot thickens!

And that’s it for episode 8! Again, we see the preference for handguns, short range, high volumes of fire, little or no recoil for most weapons, limited armor penetration (though they go through heads alright…) Also limited percussive effect, and no ejected casings, even from the submachine gun.