The Best Politician in Science Fiction: Chrisjen Avasarala from The Expanse 

Ya'll deserve an hour of content because...2020. PLEASE share this video if you have a few moments, The Expanse doesn't get enough love!

She also had arguably THE greatest wardrobe in the history of media.

Half the reason I watch the show is for Avasarala. She's smart, cunning, and holy shit her outfits are stunning. I love Shohreh Aghdashloo even more since the show came out.

I was like "Why is it an hour-long?" then I realized it was about Aversarala. Makes sense. It's very long, but it makes sense.

Over an hour and you didn’t even touch on the power of her fashion choices. Still, well done.

Avasarala, in the books, has a loving husband, she is a powerful woman, unapologetic, she is a Mother, a grandmother, a force to be reckoned with, a juggernout, and very feminine. She wages War, she protects the sol system, she guards Earth, the writers made a female character that any woman can have as role model, and Ms Shoreh plays her with such carisma that it is impossible tô think of another actress playing this role, together they became an icon. I love her from season one.

Tensions between Mars and Earth are at an all time high, a cold war is about to go nuclear, both sides set to slit each others throats at the drop of a coin. "I find it hard to believe that a Martian Marine would be fatigued from sitting in a chair."

I like how Amos has a little crush on her.

Managing to gain Bobby's loyalty is an absolutely amazing feat on the part of Avasarala.

A 10-15 minutes video would not do Avasarala justice. Thanks for the in depth. Shohreh plays her so well, and everything she wares is beams with political power and confidense. Magnificent actress and character. Thank you!

"where are you going with this" "Wherever I goddamn like!" Best politician ever 😂 Edit: Palpatine is also the best... I cannot deny that haha

"I worry about people who throw rocks." You're right, she is a billion steps ahead...if you get my drift.

"Nobody could throw rocks that big" The Expanse S5: allow me to introduce myself

This Actress NEEDS a movie of her own, her voice is unique and versatile.

Notice that Avaserala's costumes reflect her intent and emotional focus. When she's at the heights of her power the power jewellery, bling, and gold come out. When she's down on her luck, he accessories shrunk, and give her problems. When she talks about her son, every thing is muted, hard edged, and subdued. When she comes back in power out from the cold, statement jewellery is quickly reinstated. The direction given to the actors and the costuming and accessories being used to their full capacity makes The Expanse a very special show. Hail, Queen Avaserala!

Well, her history isn't over yet. The 5th season of the expanse is coming, and I doubt she'll know the joys of retirement...

Avasarala: One of the most badass characters I know in any tv show.

Shohreh Aghdashloo's Chrisjen Avasarale deserves a movie about her life's journey into intergalactic politics. She is a phenomenal character.

She's what I imagined Leia Organa to be like in the Senate.

That. Was. EPIC! Worth every minute. This was the character profile I have been waiting for. Bravo!

I absolutely adore Christjen Avasarala. Tough, smart, and good in a way not often seen in media. A joy to watch every time she is on screen. Thanks for this. I'm not much of a poetry fan but the addition of it in this video perfectly set and fit the mood. Well done.

This feels like a beautiful love letter to Avasarala... Arjun better watch out...

Who would have guessed the most badass character in earth faction is a fragile old woman?

Avesarala is definitely one of my favourite characters. My only issue with her storyline is that they had to replace the actor playing her husband, Arjun, after the show got un-cancelled. I know it couldn't be helped due to scheduling conflicts, and the new guy was fine, I guess; I never would have had an issue with him had he played Arjun from the beginning. But I did slightly prefer Brian George's version of the character, and his dynamic with Chrisjen, over the new guy's. Plus just changing the actor like that was definitely slightly jarring and took me out of my immersion a bit. I would have felt the emotions behind the fight Chrisjen and Arjun had in season 4 far more sharply had it still been Brian George in those scenes.

Season four only gets more frustrating when season five starts. “Would losing be so bad?” YES! Lots of people are dead now

I like the implication that Shoreh is so good at playing Avasarala due to her own direct experiences. Great video!

As a character study of one of the most nuanced characters in Sci Fi this succeeds Brilliantly! However it was your insight that Bhenazir Bhuto was the historical model for Avasarala that earned you a Subscription!! Well done.

In fact, I googled the actress. She was born in Iran and first, she fled to the UK at young age because of political reasons. She then went to a political university to understand, what actually caused her to flee her homecountry Iran. She then moved to the United States. So she is acting well as a politician in the movie, because she actually really faced harsh times in her real life and graduated a political university.

She owns every scene she’s in.

Avasarala is easily one of the smartest characters in science fiction.

That camera shot at 10:24 is masterful. Avasarala is far enough away that you can't really see her eyes closely, and the lighting along with her makeup makes her look like a grinning demon. You are seeing what Erinright is seeing and you get a good idea of the threat she is directing his way.

Chrisjen Avasarala is definitely my favorite character on the show (along with Amos and Bobby), my eye immediately gravitates towards her, and not just for her jaw dropping wardrobe (shoutout to the costume department). In Chrisjen we have a character who is charismatic, cunning, has a wickedly sharp sense of humor, and hidden warmth, a combination we rarely get to see in tv/movie characters. Plus I could listen to her curse people out all day😁

Palapatine VS Avasarala is what I would like to see lmao

This is a masterpiece. Thank you for all the love you give The Expanse.

What is this, Generation Prose? /s But seriously, this was amazing. Now I understand why in recent weeks you've been somewhat avoiding making Expanse content. You probably had this clogging up the pipeline for a while now, I'd bet. Such a long video on a specific character from a show that's not necessarily the next Game of Thrones in terms of following proves beyond any doubt that Ben is hopelessly addicted lol. Also if ANYONE thinks Ben is insane and doesn't realize how long this video is, 26:27 . He's very aware, lol.

Deep State Mamacita is my all female, Industrial/mariachi fusion band

This vídeo is pure Gold with Diamonds; thanks a lot, Ben. A big hug to you.

After watching that grand masterpiece for free . i believe i and many others should buy some merch. All the time and effort truly paid off for us. That was one of the best character dives i ever seen. Sincere thanks to everyone who put this ❤

I could listen to her curse for an eternity

57:27 Spot on. Having gone through my own tragedies, I can sympathize with this detachment and living life like a ghost, only alive to do a job for some greater good that honors what was lost.

I can't believe I spen 1:04:30 watching this.The Expanse is so good. I really love your job here. I waiting for next video.

Hope they show her daughter's next season. The show never mentions them...but the grand kids are obviously not her sons.

Love this actress, such a classy lady, makes me laugh when her character let's loose with a 4 letter tirade, she even makes that look and sound amazing.

It isn't just me. I am not surprised how you feel about this character. Despite her ruthlessness, it is easy to admire her. I look forward to more of her on the show.

This is definitely the best Generation Films video so far

This woman is SUCH A BADASS!!! And the language… this is a woman after my own heart!

I'm positive she was one of the Quarian admirals in Mass Effect

Suggestion: The best Dictators and Monarchs in Sci-Fi.

I didn’t know what to think of this when I started it. You F’ing nailed it. In a way I kind of feel better about my life, almost smarter than before watch it. The complexity, the imagery. Impressive, great job buddy!

She is a leader, that's what she is. She's got this motherly caring and also fierceness, she's good but will do what it takes to accomplish her goals. Would follow her wherever she's leading

She is everything that makes the Expanse great. Complex and multi faceted.

This was incredible! Felt like watching a documentary in the best way possible.

BRAVO for going Above & Beyond the other content out there. Bravo Good Sir. 👌🖖

1st Arjun was best Arjun

Just finished catching up on the show and I have to say the character writing/acting is just so phenomenal! This breakdown of one of the most interesting characters was well made! To the point where halfway through I was screaming, "She's a Mother!!" And then it hit! Well played sir! Well Played!

With the interactions with Arjun, I suspect hers was an arranged marriage or an encouraged semi-arranged marriage as a familial alliance. It most definitely occurred before she started rising in politics or at least politics above a local level where it could be perceived as being following in family footsteps to gracefully dabble in the political realm of men in the much less intense way acceptable of women. At the very least, Arjun expected her to retire, to step back from politics at least a decade before the show begins and chaffs a bit at his secondary role in their family dynamic. Or it could have been the death of their son that broke his support for her political side with him just wanting her to step away from it but also feeling a strong enough commitment to the relationship that had been to not express that. I suspect he was secretly hoping she would lose the election and then retire as he thinks she should. Her pressing on is when it steps past that bound and he tells her to go on without him. That she does is her accepting that the relationship she still hoped was what it once was is not and has not been for a long time. The one screen with Arjun that actually put him in a good light was the dinner with Bobby. Though even there, he goes out of his way to point out how secondary he is to her. I think there is a bit of resentment bubbling under the surface even there.

Got to hand it to the Expanse, for me it is one of the few scifi-fantasy franchises that actually makes something akin to the politicians & the political systems we have on present day Earth interesting. I can tend to tune out in stories when these fictional universes are not run by nobility, the military, or something along those lines. Maybe for me its just due to the oversaturation of politics in the real world.

My favorite charterer in my favorite show. She steals every scene.

Thanks for doing this. I'm old enough that I should have caught the Benezair Bhutto connection. This was very well done, and I had to find a time slot that would be uninterrupted to watch it. On another side note: I'm glad that they are going to release most of the new episodes weekly. I don't have time to binge them, and hate having to avoid spoilers while I try to catch up.

I know this is highly late but I strongly disagree with how you see Arjun here. He isn't trying to bring down Avisarala. He loves her, and she is family to him. He sees how much this election is bringing out the negative side in her, and sees it as damaging to her. He also probably knows that if they weren't opponents, Avisarala and Gao would actually be very good allies (as we see moments before tragedy strikes in Season 5).

Amazing. Did you write all the poetic verses yourself or are those quotes from Shakespeare? I honestly can't tell. I noticed constant references to different kinds of flowers. Her character feels so layered, powerful, and charming, yet is so fragile and, given the perspective of the mother facing an unbearable loss, feels like she is wilting away. The loss of her position only mirrors that. Excellent analysis and metaphors.

Seriously, this isn't me making an insult, at least intending one, but when you slip into poetics, it's not good for the videos or you.

I love how she swears like a sailor. Totally would vote for her.

She is basically Lelouch without geass

I've yet to watch the expanse, but this channels videos have me wanting to get amazon prime again to see it. I found this long format video great, though wile I found the poetry to be good, the execution came off a bit odd from American Ben's normal delivery of lines. Still great job keep up the good work.

Palps orchestrated a war from both sides and was able to get the whole galaxy to give him power.

Book Avasarala most definitely loves Arjun

The analyses that you do are one of my favorite things on youtube by far. You really outdid yourself with this one. Knocked it out of the park! Keep up the fantastic work! Oh, and "shaken, but not deterred" was dangerously close to a certain famous line.

My first impression of Chrisjen Avasarala was shock - Tali never told my Commander Shepard that Admiral Shala'Raan had such a potty mouth! She's definitely among the most intriguing characters in "The Expanse", and Shohreh Aghdashloo is an excellent actress!

Maedeh Hojabri was sentenced to 4 years in prison and 80 lashes for dancing in her home.

"A hero isn't braver than an ordinary person, he (or she) is just brave 5 minutes longer!" - Seemed fitting, as Avasarala isn't without fear - but she knows how to deal with it, unlike many other people who give in to despair or panick! Hell, the Dune-Verse mindkiller quote - "Fear is the mindkiller..." (look it up) fits her, too she lets her fear pass and (usually) remains able to act, even while afraid!

I am a big fan of “The Expanse” and I have to say your breakdown and analysis of Avasarala was amazing . Thank you

Ben, love the poetry as well. You've outdone yourself with excellent analysis ard beautiful poetry. And to think this character was greatly expanded from the book series to give us a focal point for Earther politics in the Earth, Mars & Belt meet new protomolecule/ring paradigm. The Expanse is a game changer story and drama with enough fidelity to real behavior to take us beyond obvious fantasy tv and games. It feels authentic thanks to a terrific cast as well.

Wow, had to fight off tears multiple times with those poetic lines reads...

Great job man! I enjoyed the poetry did quote it or write it yourself. Either way I was enchanted and blown away. Thanks for all you work on this. I see a one man show for you in the future.

If life transcends death, Then I will seek for you there. If not, then there too.

Awesome video! All hail Avasarala!

YEEEAAASSSSSSS! I have been so waiting for this one!

Chrisjen Avasarala is second to none, and first among equals... the best dress first Grand lady in Science Fiction TV, and movie history for all times... hands down!!!!

She strikes me as one of those almost “Jack Bauer” people. Someone all governments and societies need to survive and do the dirty work the rest of us can’t handle, but someone who does it because she firmly believes she is saving lives even if she has to take them to do so.

This vid is very well done. I just wonder why Ben keeps mis-pronouncing Avasarala.

hottest 68 year old in the world. maybe its her voice idk. melts me. shes more than double my age lol

My goodness, we just got an entire semester's worth of literary analysis in a single 1-hour video. You guys are absolutely amazing! And so is The Expanse. They have so many meaningful, complex, relatable, and inspiring characters that you almost forget how phenomenal the science is, and the CGI, and the action scenes...It's all just soooooo good!

"This video is sooo long." You made me snort. Congrats.

Even when I was listening to the audiobooks before the tv show came out, She was one of my favorite characters. So well written, and superbly portrayed. Great analysis of the character, AB.

46:46 Where does this quote come from- “Those of tender nature must by mandate of the soul, bear goodness among the wicked and leave the heart to plunder”? I will appreciate you help. Thanks.

A brilliant analysis of a fascinating character and a series we will certainly start watching now!!

Wow, what a wonderfully crafted video. I watch a lot of essay videos, but you're different... One thing though, why the pretty tiktok dancer? She stood out as a possibly creepy choice amongst royalty free vids of flowers on the breeze. Otherwise, great points made overall.

Whatever you smoked or consumed while making this video: SEND ME SOME! :D Seriously, a great video :)

@generationFilms It is an amazing video and she is my favourite character in this series followed by Camino Drummer and of course Amos. It is beyond me that she never nominated or won Emmy or any prestigious award for such a stupendous act.

She is one of the few characters in any show that I've seen where if she didn't exist the show just wouldn't work.

And Feminist say we dont like Strong Female Characters , you dont get any stronger , powerful , intelligent , and charismatic woman than this , This is what we like , not an empty shallow mary sue. Avasarala is one my top Female characters of all time . The gravitas of this character is incredible , she owns every scene she is in .

Your commentary and precise dissection of the characters is on point. You totally ROCK dude. Keep up the good work because this is the best scifi action/drama series since the BSG reboot.

Bruh! Awesome job! Absolutely love the breakdown of this amazingly complex character. She intrigued me from the start and keeps my attention when she is on screen. I agree the actress who plays her does a phenomenal bringing her to life and deserves awards. At first I thought this was a compilation of characters for it to be an hour long but definitely worth the watch. Oh and when you wax all poetic are those your words or some long dead poet? Either way it's awesome. When I run for office, your writing my speeches! Watch party for season 5 beratna!

this deserves more views then it has gotten, i freaking love your guys videos on the expanse! they got me to watch it and now i cant wait for season 5!

Chrisjen Avasarala is the Machiavellian ideal with a conscience. Many people take Machiavelli's paraphrase of 'it is better to be feared than to be loved' and leave it at that. That's incomplete. The complete paraphrase actually starts with 'if you cannot have both'. Avasarala very, very much embodies both. And tempers it all with a desire to see Earth prosper, not herself, and to see peace in the System, rather than war.

She's my favorite character on the show actually. I really like the actor portraying her, giving off that tough doesnt take crap but gives it old lady. She's got bigger balls of steel than anyone. Go make Mars squirm under your mag boots!! 👢

The only thing I don't like about that character is the amount of cursing. It does not feel naturally anymore after a while but forced, she is too well spoken to go "f*cking f*ck f*ck" all the time, it makes cracks in the consistency of her character. That is my only complain however. Great actress, great character.

"Wherever I goddamn like!" is my favorite line in the entire series.

Fucking PHENOMENAL friend. May we all take her righteous path. 👍🤙😻🇺🇲💯👌🙌🙏💕