Decrypted: The Expanse—OK, so we broke a few laws of physics here

Decrypted: The Expanse—OK, so we broke a few laws of physics here

This week we speak to Mika McKinnon about being a science consultant on TV shows, among other topics.

Credit: Rafy/Syfy

Welcome to week four of Decrypted: The Expanse, our podcast devoted to the TV we're currently obsessed with. This week, Detective Miller was still left holding the bomb—quite literally—on an Eros station that appears both self-aware (or some value of that term) and able to ignore the laws of physics. Eros is headed right for Earth, where there's an awful lot of mistrust happening in the UN's war room. Is this whole thing a Martian plot?

Of course, we the viewers know that it's really Jules-Pierre Mao and his stooge Errinwright, although the former has disappeared from view, presumably hoping his vast wealth will let him escape the consequences of his science experiment.

Ars Video

Back on Eros, we've finally gotten to see what the protomolecule is really up to. Miller gets to retrace his earlier visit to the station, taking in the pachinko parlor and ending up back at the Blue Falcon Hotel, the last resting place of Julie Mao. Our hangdog detective finally gets to meet his missing person, for the protomolecule has incorporated Julie Mao as its control structure of sorts. With Eros able to break the laws of physics to defend itself, it's up to Miller to persuade it/her not to crash into Earth.

We also get to see the downside of trying to go really fast in space: massive drug cocktails necessary to keep you from passing out under high-G burn. And we think that that kiss is going to divide the audience. To be fair, the show seems to handle it better than in the book.

On this week's podcast, I'm joined by scientist and author Mika McKinnon. We talk about the show, its depiction of science, Mika's work as a science consultant to other productions—including a possible hand in Sharknado—and how to balance the risk of climate change versus volcanos and earthquakes, among other topics.

I'll be analyzing, debating, and dissecting The Expanse every week with a different guest, and we'll post the podcast on Fridays throughout the season. New episodes air on Wednesdays in the US, so you have time to watch before we get into major spoilers. The Expanse season 2 will air in the UK on Netflix, though an exact premiere date hasn't yet been announced.

Listen here:

Listen or subscribe on Stitchr
Subscribe via RSS
Subscribe via the iTunes store
Subscribe on Soundcloud
Listen via direct download

Decrypted is Ars Technica's weekly podcast about the TV that obsesses us. Currently we're dissecting The Expanse. Listen or subscribe however you please above and let us know what you think—ideas, questions, and so on—through the comments section, on iTunes, or via e-mail.