The Expanse season 3 episode 3 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

Tensions mount on the Rocinante as they debate responding to Julie Mao's distress call, ultimately prioritizing Prax's daughter's search. Meanwhile, Anna struggles with the moral implications of assisting the UN Secretary's war-justifying speech. A Martian Marine aboard the Rocinante claims the ship, leading to a standoff. The UN contemplates a preemptive strike against Martian missile platforms, risking massive casualties. On Io, disturbing experiments on children using the protomolecule are revealed. Avasarala seeks Holden's help in stopping the war and controlling the protomolecule, while Admiral Nguyen takes command of the Agatha King, leading to a catastrophic missile strike in South America.

Full Episode S03E03 Recap

### Scene 1: The Rocinante Crew Discusses the Distress Call - The Rocinante crew debates responding to a distress call from Julie Mao's ship. - Holden decides not to respond, prioritizing the search for Prax's daughter. ### Scene 2: Anna and the UN Secretary's Speech - Anna is asked to help write an important speech for the UN Secretary, aimed at justifying the war. - She struggles with the moral implications of assisting in this task. ### Scene 3: Tensions Aboard the Rocinante - A confrontation arises between the Rocinante crew and a Martian Marine. - The Martian Marine, previously stationed on the Donnager, claims ownership of the Rocinante. - The crew restricts the Marine's access to systems, leading to a tense standoff. ### Scene 4: UN Strategy Meeting - A UN strategy meeting discusses a potential preemptive strike against Martian missile platforms. - The plan hinges on simultaneously destroying all platforms to prevent a retaliatory strike on Earth. ### Scene 5: The Agatha King's Mission - The UNN Agatha King receives orders to investigate a distress call. - The crew expresses confusion and concern about their role in the war. ### Scene 6: Aboard the Guanshiyin - Survivors from the Guanshiyin strategize about how to explain their situation to the UNN Agatha King. - Theo, a character involved, is anxious and frightened about their predicament. ### Scene 7: Experimentation on Io - On Io, children are being used in experiments related to the protomolecule. - Katoa, one of the children, exhibits enhanced physical capabilities as a result of the experiments. ### Scene 8: Conversations on the Rocinante - Discussions aboard the Rocinante reveal tensions and past experiences of the crew. - Amos talks about his past in Baltimore and his path to joining the Rocinante crew. ### Scene 9: Avasarala's Goals and Plans - Avasarala reveals her intentions to end the war and control the protomolecule. - She asks for Holden's help in sending a message to Admiral Souther on the Agatha King. ### Scene 10: Admiral Nguyen Takes Command - Admiral Nguyen arrives on the Agatha King and takes command. - He orders an immediate prisoner interrogation and maintains secrecy about Avasarala's fate. ### Scene 11: Preparing for the Martian Missile Strike - The UN prepares for a preemptive strike against Martian missile platforms. - The operation is tense, with high stakes and potential for massive casualties. ### Scene 12: Dr. Strickland's Justifications - Dr. Strickland defends his experiments on Io, arguing their necessity for understanding the protomolecule. - Jules-Pierre Mao, witnessing the inhumanity of the experiments, orders their termination. ### Scene 13: Unveiling Errinwright's Treachery - Avasarala and the Martian Marine unveil Errinwright's treachery and his collusion with Jules-Pierre Mao. - They seek the Rocinante crew's help in stopping the production of protomolecule hybrids. ### Scene 14: The Aftermath of the Missile Strike - The missile strike results in a catastrophic impact in South America. - The UN faces the consequences of the strike, with millions of lives at risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Holden decide not to respond to Julie Mao's distress call?

Holden prioritizes finding Prax's daughter over responding to the distress call.

What is Anna's task related to the UN Secretary?

Anna is asked to help write a speech justifying the war for the UN Secretary.

Who claims ownership of the Rocinante and why?

A Martian Marine claims ownership of the Rocinante, stating they were stationed on the Donnager.

What is the UN's strategy against Martian missile platforms?

The UN plans a preemptive strike to simultaneously destroy Martian missile platforms and prevent a retaliatory strike.

What mission is the UNN Agatha King assigned?

The UNN Agatha King is ordered to investigate a distress call.

What experiments are happening on Io?

Children, including Katoa, are being used in experiments related to the protomolecule on Io.

What does Avasarala want from Holden?

Avasarala asks Holden to help send a message to Admiral Souther on the Agatha King to end the war and control the protomolecule.

Who takes command of the Agatha King and why?

Admiral Nguyen takes command of the Agatha King for a secretive mission.

What is the result of the UN's missile strike?

The missile strike leads to a catastrophic impact in South America, with potential millions of casualties.

What does Dr. Strickland defend and what is Jules-Pierre Mao's reaction?

Dr. Strickland defends his experiments on Io, but Jules-Pierre Mao orders their termination due to their inhumanity.

The Expanse season 3 episode 3

Assured Destruction