The Expanse S4E1 "New Terra" New Beginings and new Character Pairings

 Karen, Lou, and Jesse discuss The Expanse Season 4 premiere "New Terra," praising its effective setup that juggles multiple storylines while reestablishing character dynamics. They debate Chrisjen Avasarala's strict ring-gate blockade and her friction with Nancy Gao, weighing Earth's unemployment crisis against fears about protomolecule risks and colonial-style resource grabs. The panel highlights Holden's visit to his welcoming family, Naomi's painful gravity treatments and first steps on Ilus/New Terra, and Holden's ongoing connection to the Miller "investigator." They cover update calls that check in on Clarissa in prison bonding with Amos, Drummer's recovery and new role near the gate with Ashford's uneasy duties, and Bobbie's post-discharge struggle on Mars. On Ilus, they discuss the settlers, Murtry's arrival, rising tensions, and a mysterious metallic "locust" attack, then give episode ratings