Syfy's The Expanse introduced viewers to the force known as the Protomolecule, a presence that haunts the show and unveils terrifying possibilities within the universe. James S.A. Corey's book series, which inspired the show, captivated fans with the dark allure and chilling implications of this substance.
The Protomolecule, a mysterious substance from outside our solar system, sets off a chain reaction that forever changes the cosmic landscape of The Expanse. It is a blend of organic and mechanical biomimetic alien technology, wielding unfathomable power. Stretching the boundaries of human comprehension, this eerie and volatile substance plunged humanity into an abyss of existential dread. In the face of such a relentless force, the characters of the sci-fi series engage in a treacherous dance, attempting to unravel the enigma of the Protomolecule and understand its motives before it consumes everything in its path.
The Origins of the Protomolecule
The Expanse TV series unveils the origin of the Protomolecule through multiple storylines spanning multiple seasons and episodes. Its origins are closely tied to the mysterious alien civilization known as the Ring Builders or the Builders, who once inhabited the distant reaches of the galaxy.
The Protomolecule's true nature and its connection to the Builders are first explored in the Season 2 episode "Cascade." Fred Johnson (Chad L. Coleman) provides crucial information about the Protomolecule's origins. He reveals that the Builders, an advanced extraterrestrial species, constructed the Protomolecule as a means of altering the fabric of the universe itself, wielding immense power and control over space and time.
However, Season 3 delivers a more profound understanding of the Protomolecule's origins. In the episode "Dandelion Sky," James Holden (Steven Strait) encounters a vision of the alien civilization that created the Protomolecule within the Ring, a mysterious structure constructed by the Builders. This encounter grants Holden insights into the Builders' vast technological capabilities and their ultimate fate.
It's worth noting that the TV series diverges from the book series regarding the origin of the Protomolecule. In the books, particularly The Leviathan Wakes (Book 1 of The Expanse series), the Protomolecule's origins are explored in more detail. The book delves into the discovery of the Protomolecule on Phoebe Station and the subsequent investigation led by characters like Detective Miller (Thomas Jane in the TV series) and James Holden.
Understanding the Abilities of the Protomolecule
The Protomolecule possesses bewildering powers that defy human comprehension. Throughout the TV series, its transformative nature is gradually revealed, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of characters and the fabric of their universe.
In Season 1, viewers witness the initial manifestations of the Protomolecule's abilities in the episode "CQB." Julie Mao (Florence Faivre) becomes a pivotal character when she gets infected by the Protomolecule. This bio-mechanical substance demonstrates an astonishing capacity to reconfigure living organisms, merging their genetic material with its own and giving rise to grotesque, unnatural hybrids. The Protomolecule becomes an agent of radical transformation, blurring the line between life and machine.
As the story progresses, the Protomolecule's powers escalate to cataclysmic levels. In the Season 2 episode "Home," Eros, a celestial body infected by the Protomolecule, undergoes a horrific metamorphosis, evolving into a colossal bio-organic structure defying gravity and exhibiting chilling intelligence. This nightmarish scenario emphasizes the Protomolecule's ability to manipulate matter on an astronomical scale and bend reality to its will.
While the TV series primarily explores the Protomolecule's abilities through a visual medium, the books provide additional insights. In Caliban's War (Book 2 of The Expanse series), readers are exposed to the Protomolecule's potential for creating wormhole-like portals, enabling instantaneous travel across vast distances. This power has the potential to reshape the fate of humanity.
The Impact of the Protomolecule on The Expanse Universe
The impact of the Protomolecule on The Expanse universe is disastrous. It causes a cosmic upheaval that reverberates through the lives of its inhabitants and reshapes the foundations of human existence. This malevolent force, with its insidious powers, leaves an indelible mark on the show's key characters.
In the Season 2 episode "Paradigm Shift," James Holden and his crew aboard the Rocinante find themselves caught in the midst of a brewing interstellar conflict. The Protomolecule, once unleashed on Eros, infects the asteroid-turned-warship, the Nauvoo. This infection transforms the Nauvoo into a terrifying bio-organic hybrid vessel, demonstrating the Protomolecule's ability to corrupt and reshape technology on a cosmic scale.
As the narrative unfolds, the Protomolecule's impact extends far beyond vessels and celestial bodies. In the Season 3 episode "Immolation," a devastating revelation occurs. The Protomolecule's influence is unveiled in the form of the Ring, a colossal structure that emerges in the outer reaches of the solar system. This extraterrestrial construct defies serves as an ominous gateway to unknown realms. It sparks a frenzied race for power and control, as various factions vie to exploit the Protomolecule's secrets for their own agendas.
The books provide further insights into the Protomolecule's impact. In Corey's Babylon's Ashes (Book 6 of The Expanse series), the aftermath of the Protomolecule's release is explored in greater detail. The devastation caused by the cataclysmic events of the Ring's emergence leads to a fragile balance of power, with humanity teetering on the brink of annihilation.
The Protomolecule's impact mirrors the struggles of the characters against uncontrollable forces, as they grapple with their own insignificance in the face of cosmic upheaval. It serves as a haunting reminder that humanity's fate is intertwined with a greater tapestry, where the boundaries of identity, power, and purpose are forever changing. The Protomolecule becomes an embodiment of the universe's indifference, leaving an unsettling and deeply resonant mark on The Expanse.
All the seasons of The Expanse are available on Amazon Prime.
