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The world of The Expanse is about to get much bigger with the upcoming The Expanse: A Telltale Series. The game is set within the universe introduced in James S.A. Corey’s novels that were brought to life in the hit sci-fi show. But what exactly is this new game going to be about? Whether you are a hardcore fan of the series or a newcomer to The Belt, we have you covered. Here is a quick review of everything we know from the show and how it will play a role in the upcoming Telltale game.
Summarizing The Expansive Expanse
While The Expanse started as a series of novels by author James S.A. Corey, many fans are probably more familiar with the television show. The sci-fi show ran for six seasons from 2018 to 2022. The first three aired on Syfy, while the final three moved to Amazon Prime after a cancellation.
The show takes place hundreds of years in the future when humans have colonized much of the Solar System. Politically, power over this much larger human territory is split over three factions: The United Nations of Earth and Luna, the Martian Congressional Republic on Mars, and the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA). Much of the show’s action takes place on Earth, Mars, the asteroid belt between Jupiter and Mars, and the main protagonist ship, The Rocinante.
Six Seasons Of Space
As Mars and Earth teeter on the brink of war, a police detective searches for a missing woman. The oppressed people of The Belt, known as Belters, yearn for freedom and a voice within the government. Meanwhile, the surviving members of a mysterious attack band together to form a ragtag crew aboard a new ship, The Rocinante.
For the first couple of seasons, The Expanse follows this inevitable war, the shifting politics of space, and the investigator’s case. Eventually, it is revealed that an extra-solar bioweapon, known as a protomolecule, is responsible for much of the turmoil occurring throughout space. But the human problems of politics and power overshadow the need to band together and stop this alien threat.
Thankfully, it turns out that the protomolecule is actually helping humanity survive. It opens a portal to habitable worlds, allowing for even further space expansion and exploration. For the final few seasons, the focus shifts to the war between the factions of Earth, Mars, and The Belt. Specifically, a rogue Belter fleet known as the Free Navy begins a campaign to destroy the Inner planets.
Notable Names
The Expanse actor Thomas Jane portrayed the Investigator Joel Miller for the first two seasons. His search for the missing Julie Mao leads to the discovery of the protomolecule and eventually embroils a ton of characters in this plot. The main crew of The Rocinante comprised of James Holden (Steven Strait), Alex Kamal (Cas Anvar), Naomi Nagata (Dominique Tipper), and Amos Burton (Wes Chatham). These four undertake the mission to discover what the protomolecule is and to prevent humanity from self-destruction.
Other notable characters include UN executive Chrisjen Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo), Martian Marine Bobbie Draper (Frankie Adams), and Head of Security Camina Drummer (Cara Gee). It is this final character, Camina Drummer, that is poised to play a large role in the upcoming Telltale game. So let’s take a closer look at her role in the show.
Camina Drummer
Cara Gee portrays Camina Drummer on The Expanse. She is a strong-willed, no-nonsense Belter. Her resilience and ability to adapt to situations allow her to survive through several close calls.
Drummer was born on the largest asteroid in The Belt, Ceres. For years, she worked the docks before a chance meeting with Anderson Dawes. Their friendship would allow her to become a highly trusted member of his OPA faction. From there, she would join Fred Johnson’s faction on Tycho Station and become his second-in-command. Eventually, she travels The Belt with her own crew and ship.
Throughout the series, Drummer deeply connects with the Rocinante’s crew, especially Naomi. When the Free Navy reveals itself and begins its campaign of violence across the universe, Drummer helps oppose the faction.
The Expanse: A Telltale Series
The Expanse: A Telltale Series is bringing Cara Gee back to space to reprise her role as Camina Drummer. This new venture from Telltale focuses on Drummer as she explores the unknown dangers of The Belt aboard The Artemis. Taking place before season one, players will get to scavenge wrecked ships in zero-g, overcome mutinies, and fight back against pirates.
While longtime fans of The Expanse will enjoy the familiar settings and characters of the game, you don’t necessarily have to see the show to enjoy the ride. In fact, the folks behind it ensured that it served as an excellent on-ramp for those looking to delve into the sci-fi series.