The Expanse's Forgotten Rocinante Crew Member Never Gets The Credit They Deserve

Audiences continue to resonate with The Expanse TV show and books thanks to its compelling characters, but not every Rocinante crew member gets their due. Based on the beloved novel series by James S.A. Corey, it wasn't long before The Expanse show earned a positive reputation in the sci-fi realm. Airing from 2015 to 2022 and quickly becoming one of the best military sci-fi shows of all time, The Expanse holds up well today. While the show's storylines are brilliant, it's the characters who keep viewers hooked.

Starring Steven Strait as James Holden, captain of the Rocinante, The Expanse is as much a political thriller as it is a sci-fi adventure. This makes the relationships between the crew members key pieces of the story's tension. Set against the backdrop of humanity's colonization of the far reaches of space in the future, The Expanse roots itself in real emotional stakes. However, sometimes The Expanse show drops book details, which can change the audience's perception of the world.

The Expanse season 1 differs from the book in many ways, and how certain characters are portrayed onscreen makes it easy to overlook their value. Detective Joe Miller (Thomas Jane) is a vital part of the Rocinante team, and his role pushes The Expanse to reach its full potential. Miller is as much a part of the Rocinante as the series' major players, and he defines the early seasons of the show.

Miller (Both Versions) Should Be Considered A True Member Of The Rocinante's Crew

Joe Miller is an anchor of The Expanse's early seasons, and his time aboard the Rocinante proves that he's as much a part of the crew as anyone else. All seasons of The Expanse keep the audience on the edge of their seats, but it's Miller's investigations into Julie Mao's (Florence Faivre) disappearance and his sometimes brutal determination to get to the truth that distinguish him from other characters in the series.

While Miller's role in the TV show differs slightly from his character in the books, both versions demonstrate how he eventually pushes back against the corrupt systems around him. The reader gets deeper insight into Miller in the novels, but most of his core traits and relationship with the crew are present in the show. As a foil to Holden, Miller and his investigative storyline ease the viewer into the world of The Expanse.

He's a character considered a little rougher around the edges than some of his counterparts aboard the Rocinante. Miller provides perspective and is able to make tough choices when necessary because of his background in police work. Though Miller begins his journey as a hardened investigator on Ceres, once he joins the Rocinante, he evolves. It's because Miller learns to think before he shoots and finds common ground with Holden that he becomes a true member of the Rocinante.

Miller Is Closer To The Rocinante Crew In The Expanse's Books

Part of the reason Miller is frequently overlooked in the show is because of his deeper emotional weight in the books. The friction between the other crew members, particularly Holden, and Miller can make it easier not to consider him part of the inner circle on the Rocinante. When intricate novel series like The Expanse are brought to life onscreen, certain details and nuances can't be fit into the structure of a TV season.

Since Miller is one of the characters whose point of view is written into the first book in The Expanse series, the reader inherently gets a more intimate understanding of what makes him tick. In the novels, Miller has more opportunities to demonstrate his loyalty to the other crew members. While Holden and Miller clash, they have an understanding and respect for each other that translates to the rest of the crew, making Miller's eventual death hit even harder.

The Expanse season 2 changes genres, leaning away from the noir and detective narratives that defined Miller's arc, and leading to the style and tone of the remainder of the series. Miller joining the crew's mission after learning of Julie's death proves that he was capable of more than people realized and cemented his place on the Rocinante. The Expanse continued to evolve after Miller's passing, but his impact is still felt, both in the TV show and the books.