The Ultimate Guide to the Mysterious Protomolecule in The Expanse

The Protomolecule, an enigmatic substance originating from beyond our solar system, triggers a series of events that permanently alter the cosmic environment in The Expanse. This blend of organic and mechanical biomimetic alien technology possesses unimaginable power. Pushing the limits of human understanding, this unsettling and unstable substance thrusts humanity into a deep existential fear. Confronted by its relentless presence, the characters of the science fiction series embark on a perilous quest to decipher the mystery of the Protomolecule and grasp its objectives before it engulfs all in its wake.

The Origins of the Protomolecule

In the Expanse TV series, the origin of the Protomolecule is unveiled through various storylines that span multiple seasons and episodes. It is closely intertwined with the enigmatic alien civilization, commonly known as the Ring Builders or the Builders, who once inhabited the far reaches of the galaxy.

The true nature of the Protomolecule and its link to the Builders is first explored in the episode titled "Cascade" in Season 2. Fred Johnson (Chad L. Coleman) plays a pivotal role by providing crucial information about the origins of the Protomolecule. He discloses that the Builders, an advanced extraterrestrial species, created the Protomolecule as a means of manipulating the very essence of the universe, giving them immense power and control over space and time.

Season 3 of the show unveils a deeper understanding of the origins of the Protomolecule. In the episode "Dandelion Sky," James Holden comes face to face with a vision of the alien civilization responsible for creating the Protomolecule within the Ring, a mysterious structure built by the Builders. This encounter grants Holden valuable insights into the immense technological capabilities of the Builders and their ultimate destiny.

It's important to note that the TV series diverges from the books in terms of the Protomolecule's origin. The books, especially The Leviathan Wakes (Book 1 of The Expanse series), provide a more detailed exploration of the origins of the Protomolecule. The book delves into the discovery of the Protomolecule at Phoebe Station and the subsequent investigation carried out by characters like Detective Miller (portrayed by Thomas Jane in the TV series) and James Holden.

Understanding the Abilities of the Protomolecule

The Protomolecule's powers are incomprehensible to humans and are gradually revealed throughout the TV series, profoundly impacting the characters and their universe.

In Season 1's episode "CQB," viewers witness the initial displays of the Protomolecule's capabilities. When Julie Mao (Florence Faivre) becomes infected, she becomes a crucial character. This bio-mechanical substance exhibits an astounding ability to alter living organisms, blending their genetic material with its own and creating disturbing and unnatural hybrids. The Protomolecule becomes a catalyst for radical transformation, blurring the boundaries between life and machine.

The powers of the Protomolecule reach catastrophic levels as the story unfolds. In "Home," an episode from Season 2, Eros, a celestial body infected by the Protomolecule, undergoes a horrifying transformation. It morphs into an enormous bio-organic structure that defies gravity and possesses chilling intelligence. This nightmarish scenario highlights the Protomolecule's ability to manipulate matter on a massive scale and alter reality according to its desires.

While the TV series mainly depicts the Protomolecule's abilities visually, the books offer additional insights. In Caliban's War, the second book in The Expanse series, readers discover that the Protomolecule has the potential to create portal-like wormholes, enabling instant travel over vast distances. This power carries the potential to reshape the future of humanity.

The Impact of the Protomolecule on The Expanse Universe

The Protomolecule's impact on The Expanse universe is catastrophic, causing a cosmic disruption that profoundly affects the lives of its inhabitants and fundamentally alters the basis of human existence. This malicious force, possessing insidious abilities, leaves an indelible imprint on the show's central characters.

In the Season 2 episode titled "Paradigm Shift," James Holden and his crew aboard the Rocinante find themselves entangled in a brewing interstellar conflict. The Protomolecule, once unleashed on Eros, contaminates the Nauvoo, an asteroid-converted warship. This contamination metamorphoses the Nauvoo into a terrifying amalgamation of bio-organic technology, showcasing the Protomolecule's capacity to corrupt and reconstruct technology on a cosmic magnitude.

As the story progresses, the reach of the Protomolecule's influence stretches far beyond mere vessels and celestial bodies. In the episode "Immolation" of Season 3, a shocking revelation takes place, exposing the vast impact of the Protomolecule. This revelation comes in the form of the Ring, an enormous structure that materializes in the outer fringes of the solar system. This otherworldly construction defies conventional understanding and serves as a foreboding passage to uncharted realms. It ignites a frantic competition for power and dominance, as various factions strive to exploit the enigmatic secrets of the Protomolecule for their individual agendas.

The books delve even deeper into the consequences of the Protomolecule. In Corey's "Babylon's Ashes," the sixth installment of The Expanse series, the aftermath of the Protomolecule's release is extensively explored. The catastrophic events accompanying the emergence of the Ring result in widespread devastation, causing a delicate equilibrium of power, with humanity teetering on the verge of extinction.

The impact of the Protomolecule reflects the characters' battles against uncontrollable forces, highlighting their own insignificance in the face of cosmic turmoil. It serves as a chilling reminder that humanity's destiny is intertwined with a greater tapestry, where the notions of identity, power, and purpose are constantly shifting. The Protomolecule embodies the universe's apathy, leaving a disturbing and profoundly impactful imprint on The Expanse.

You can watch all seasons of The Expanse on Amazon Prime.