Ashford is the embodiment of the phrase, "beware an old man in a profession where men die young". I liked him from the very beginning as a scoundrel-type character, and I grew to like him even more as the show went on. He didn't cling to his old ways, and proved that even an old dog can still learn new tricks. I saw the writing on the wall and knew he'd probably meet his end, but he did so making the belt a better place.
@@researchandbuild1751 Unfortunately, the show was a mess and therefore not too good of a start to get to know him. Fortunately, he's such a great actor that he still delivers even when he only got such little room to perform, and therefore not too bad of a start to get to know him.
They knew exactly what they were doing when they casted him as Ashford :D And believe me, I asked and Daniel Abrahams himself answered "When you get David Strathairn, you know it’s gonna be a fan favorite. If we’d cast him as a fern, the show would have been Ferns in Space. Also, a genuinely lovely man to work with. Smart, kind, professional."
this show will never be the same without Ashford I thought when he was introduced he would be another corrupt character trying to steal belter leadership. but no he was a good man, and an even better belter. I genuinly cried a bit when he died, but god dammit he died with honour. RIP beratna
Toppov DeJungle they needed to edge Marco, who still doesn’t look intimidating; maybe I’m too aggro cis-macho, but he looks younger than his son, not like Che Guivara who I’m guessing they were going for
Ashford...a very layered character...dripping with flaws, but being fully aware of them. He was willing to overcome his flaws to seek a better outcome for his people...and for the rest of the human race. He was a truly well written character.
I never got the impression that Ashford "wanted" to attack the Rocinante ... it was more that he had to stop a war, and there was no other alternative.
@@berthulf The gates are open Beretna. The galaxy and beyond is a poorer place. The Innas, the Beltalowdas, the Dusters and all humanity are at a loss of such an Old Pirata! He will live forever in our hopes.
Ashford is such a great character when it comes to his flaws and how he changes plus I liked his personality Rest in peace Ashford Drifting through space
I was team Camina, so I hated him when he showed up. As who he ACTUALLY was became apparent, I warmed up to him, and understood his character. When he died, I was genuinely sad. This is what a good character is, portrayed by a great actor.
@@twenty-fifth420 I'm a man, so I definitely didn't cry at that scene. I'm just saying there were some ninjas cutting onions standing just behind my back....
Currently going through my third binge-through (I guess I could just say binge 🤷🏾♂️) and my wife went from "I hate these kinds of shows" & "you've already seen this 🤬" to me having to bring back and rewatch episodes because she fell asleep on them, lol. I've created an _Expanse_ loving monster 🤦🏾♂️
I wasn't expecting to like Ashford in the TV series because his character in Abaddon's Gate is such an incompetent asshole. I was also bummed when I realized that there was no "Bull" Baca. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that aspects of Bull were written into the characters of Ashford and Drummer, who became two of my favorite characters in the TV version of the series.
for those who haven't read the books ashford is the captain in the beginning then a mutiny occurred then he becomes captain and tries to use the behemoths laser to cut the ring in the process he kills sam for trying to halt the mods to the laser
Im just dying to know why he didn’t just take Marcos with him. It was so uncomfortable to watch a badass get floated by a retard and Naomi’s son. Should have just gone “Noami is looking for you” **Goodnight marcos** hero ash ford. But instead we had Ashford die for no reason for other people to be the hero. It’s so poorly written. They’ve just removed him to give the main cast more screen time which is tragic.
I just discovered and finished all available Expanse episodes within the last two weeks. I'm heartbroken that I've run out of episodes. I loved Ashford at every single turn, agonist and antagonist but never a villian. With more depth than all the characters in modern Star Wars combined. Very sad to see him go but he went out with style and at the moment with the whole series fresh in my mind his death scene is the one that stuck in my mind the most.
Ghat DANG it I'm upset he's gone. Just a frikkin' awesome character. An old-school pirate in a new-school world, trying to go legit and do the right things in situations that have even the most morally upright floundering for answers. A crusty old pirate trying to be "the good guy" in situations that have no right choices is just so fantastically compelling that it makes me positively pissed we didn't get to see more of him.
To the execution dock i have come Tili go to the execution block for to sail I was sick and nigh to death but I vow with my every breath For go with wisdom ways when I sail
It would've been fun to to see Klaes Ashford and Chrisjen Avasarala interact with each other. I feel that would've made for some intresting character moments. Sadly that never happened
@@fatalshore5068They would have been best friends almost immediately. Vitriolic ones who shoot more barbs than you can think of, but they'd get on very well, both being older, experienced people who've come to the realization that things HAVE to change.
Actually, they also wrote the TV screenplays, so most of the changes you see are the authors exploring variations on the same story working around the casting and differences in the medium - and of course they have the showrunner and others collaborating with them.
Personally I'm sad that Klaes Ashford is gone as he was one of my favorite characters... but his ending was pretty rock solid. If nothing else this just reminds me how good The Expanse is because it didn't just throw away a good character like lesser sci-fi would have. It gave him a meaningful death.
Lol and then there's Alex, who died so suddenly and inexplicably with so little consequence considering his role in the show. Real life politik creep ultimately finds its way into everything.
@@tackytrooper apparently they wrote that before his on-set behaviour was revealed. It certainly was sudden but I didn’t find it inconsequential - in fact his death hangs over all of season 6 and heavily influences each character (including some of the conflict between characters).
@@tackytrooper Alex's death was very much justified. It was nice to finally see some consequences of the G-forces we'd been warned about for five seasons, and the show had already established that basically anyone can die. With the actor's real-life behavior it ended up being necessary, but its consequences reverberated throughout the sixth season and I think it worked well enough.
Ashford was definitely the old salt dog that we needed and wanted. It was so heart breaking how that story ended. He is such a complex character though, I swear we could have several episodes on him and not quite cover everything about him.
Ashford is a prime example of The Expanse character development and depth. To begin with, he seems like an old belta pirate, pushing his anarchic views of leadership, dog eat dog, if you are unfit, I will fill the gap-mentality. But the more he speaks, the more actions he takes, you cant help to love him in the end, just when you actually got to know him - just like a real person you met at the bar tagging along your friend. And by the gods that fucking air lock entrence with guns blazing was a complete badassery move. Loved that scene. Rest in peace, belta. The belts position in the Sol system will never be the same without you.
That was a great character study Ben. One thing about the show which always gladdens my heart is how great the 'non-core' characters' actors are, from Series 1 onwards. The Expanse hits not just gold, but platinum with 90 % of its actors.
when you first see Ashford, you see him as a villain or antagonist, but quickly you realize he's a noble and brave man that truly cares for others and puts their safety over his own
One thing the Expanse taught me, any person can be redeemed in the end. Your past doesn't dictate your future. Ashford was my favorite character. He was a good man, he would do anything for the greater good. RIP
Ashford was my favorite character by far. When he died on the show my jaw was on the floor. I thought "something's coming to save him" right up to the end. He completed a perfect character arc.
I was pissed when Ashford replaced Anderson Dawes's character as a faction leader, these writers and this actor did such a good job that I forgot about about Dawes. Now I miss the ghost knife ... :(
Strathairn owned Klaes. The parallel that sticks in my mind is Robert Duval in Lonesome Dove. This is what television does best, enable an actor to use the long form to build and inhabit a character in multiple dimensions.
Excellent point. These two productions are hands down the best TV ever made, and are in my top 5 cinema (which actually has 10+ by the time I get thru naming them).
Well his wisdom is also born from tragedy like Iroh and his character builds upon wisdom of his long, LONG life. I might argue Ashford has become more of a pragmatist, willing to kill just in case while Iroh has become half a pacifist. Throughout all the story up until his capture, he essentially kept combat to minimal casualties. It wasn't until he was locked into a prison at the betrayal of his nephew (kind of like how Ashford goes out, being 'betrayed' by Marco.) that he decided to shed his pacifism for a similar, albeit, still merciful right to fight back.
Blessed are the old men who plant trees, the shade of which they will never sit. Edit: And never underestimate the danger of an old man with nothing to lose.
The beauty of the character of Ashford in the show was that he was truly selfless, and even though we don’t see how he’s come to this way of living, the way David Strathairn embodies the character, you can tell it was a personality trait that was hard-earned. He was a true Belter in the fact that he put the safety and well-being of everyone before himself; as one should in a life of limited air, food, and water. The other great piece of storytelling the show pulls off is how he passes these lessons- and essentially his torch- onto Camina in the scene where they are both pinned by the heavy machinery in the Behemoth. By sacrificing herself, Camina essentially dies and is reborn with a new outlook on what it means to be a Belter, and what peace actually means; a lesson that Ashford passed on to her. Man, I just love The Expanse. It’s Star Trek for the 21st Century.
An absolutely wonderful expose of a fabulous character! Thank you! And bravo to actor David Strathairn!! As many agree, hated to see him go, as well. Every phrase in every scene, was uttered with true conviction and purpose. A true joy to see him work. If there's any way his lifeless body could be recovered and brought back to the story...would that be a bad thing? Well, this is science fiction based far in the future, and medical science certainly has progressed.
Another example of how this show transcends the source material. Ashford in the TV series is a way better character than he is in the book. I just loved every scene he was in. R. I.P. you glorious bastard.
I really liked Ashford, he was played by a great actor. I enjoyed his menacingly happy swagger, full of intent and a hidden dagger for his enemies. I was shocked and saddened by his demise. But he left the airlock with bravery and a great song!
Ashford is the proverbial Christ figure in the show. He creates the garden of Eden (by spinning up the Behemoth), fights satin (Marco) to help absolve us of our sins and give us passage to heaven (the ring gates), and ultimate sacrifices himself in the end knowing he did his part (even in a bit of a crucifixion pose as he gets spaced)
I don't know if I've ever seen a character in a sci-fi show ever that went from sketchy and unlikable, to interesting and understandable, to absolutely boss and indispensable, to ***SPOILER ALERT*** gone in such a short time. My heart will forever be broken.
When I saw the scene where Ashford was watching a video of him and his daughter, I knew he would die by the end of the episode.. Such a sad ending for a good man.
Great video, I love Ashford, I was so sad when he left Medina station without Drummer, cause that's the moment you know he would never return that mission. But at least he departed this life in a true meaningful way, remaining the man he was, head up and full of honor. There goes one of my favourite characters, like Miller before and again later, honour to those two belter, heroes of the belt, heroes of the solar system, heroes of humanity. Seriously why my favourite characters always dies? Especially in The Expanse (another character that I loved was Cotyar, honour to him too) xD, but at least they gave them a meaningful and great end.
I remember when David Stratharin showed up in the credits and all but jumped up and down. Such an incredible actor, having so much fun on an incredible show! I would follow Klaes Ashford.
American Ben, It's been to long since I've enjoyed watching Klaes Ashford. He and Amos Burton are my favorite characters. I served and went to war and became so very cynical. Even of the country I served. Well done sir. I'm going to start watching the series again tonight
I am going to miss seeing Ashford. I was really enjoying the character and his complexities. Kudos to actor David Strathairn for his portrayal of a character that everyone had to follow so carefully to realize that they liked him so much that it hurt them to see him go. I too would love to see him back in maybe a mini-series.
He was so, so much better in the TV show then in the books. In the books he was a two dimensional villain that was a literary place holder so our main characters could be moved to action, period. In the TV show his character eats up every scene, in no small part from incredible acting by David Strathairn, and the audience can't wait to see more of him, which makes his death even more painful. I think this was by design by writers, nobody cares about a "red shirt" dying but off a favorite character who has been redeemed and they will cry all the way to their credit card to buy another season ;)
A bit of unresearched trivia: the song Klaes Ashford was singing on the way out the door was clearly (to my old folks ears, at least) based on a couple of old traditional Scottish songs. Listen to Ye Jacobites By Name and also Aiken Drum.
He's the sort of teacher who hopes others will learn from his mistakes rather than have to experience those lessons themselves. A good man? That's a complicated question. But a well-meaning man? A wise man? Definitely.
With your videos on the Expanse, I've started another rewatch of the series (I've watched it several times). Thanks for your quality reviews! Looking forward to finding what I missed/forgotten (like the Medina area on Ceres and now the OPA Medina Station within the Sol Ring Gate).
As much as book Ashford was an incompetent tool, TV Ashford was magnificent, played by a great actor. I shed a tear, and saluted when he floated out of the airlock...
I really love Ashford [Show Ashford is quite distinct from Book Ashford, who pretty much sucks]. His explanation to the two Beltalowda about killing [and loyalties] is super: "He is not only himSELF. He is everyone who cares for him."
RIP Klaes. His death actually affected me more than I thought I would earlier when they introduced him. I wanted him dead the first day. then I wish he never died in the end.
As a MCRN navy lieutenant, i will say Klaes Ashford is the worst pirate i've ever heard of ..... No seriously, martian survival rates after running into him are shockingly low. Avoid at all cost!
I liked Ashford as well. As soon as he came on screen he had a heavy presence and I knew he was going to be a huge character. He also reminds me of my uncle, whom I look up to.
"The best damn pirate the sol system has ever seen" American Ben. Ben I took off my hat when i saw Ashford get spaced. That was a dark day for The Expanse
Just discovered your channel and absolutely love your presentation style and skills, also if you happen to write your own material, again, I loved the presentation and you have earned my thumbs up and a subscription to the channel. I look forward to watching your other interpretations of the characters from the Expanse!
Ashford is the embodiment of the phrase, "beware an old man in a profession where men die young". I liked him from the very beginning as a scoundrel-type character, and I grew to like him even more as the show went on. He didn't cling to his old ways, and proved that even an old dog can still learn new tricks. I saw the writing on the wall and knew he'd probably meet his end, but he did so making the belt a better place.
I loved his chemistry with Camina. He's well written and VERY well-portayed. David Strathairn is so underrated.
I first saw him in Alphas, he was great
@@researchandbuild1751 Unfortunately, the show was a mess and therefore not too good of a start to get to know him.
Fortunately, he's such a great actor that he still delivers even when he only got such little room to perform, and therefore not too bad of a start to get to know him.
Every single character besides Holden is written flawlessly and very well portrayed. Holden is just your generic sci fi ship captain
@@jonathangodin4775 he kinda has to be tho. So much of the other character's relationships wouldn't be as good if he wasn't there to ground them
he had a small screen time with melba/clarissa and helped her in some way
It's testament to David Strathairn talents as an actor, that makes this character so worthy of admiration.
And the creation of Ashford for the show. Book Ashford is nothing like the old pirata. Pirata Ashford is SUPER.
absolutely!!! I've seen him in a lot of roles and this is definitely the best he has ever been.
Strathairn is criminally under-rated as an actor.
I couldn’t agree more! I noticed that he used belter hand gestures and body language which tells me that he really did his homework on the role.
They knew exactly what they were doing when they casted him as Ashford :D And believe me, I asked and Daniel Abrahams himself answered "When you get David Strathairn, you know it’s gonna be a fan favorite. If we’d cast him as a fern, the show would have been Ferns in Space. Also, a genuinely lovely man to work with. Smart, kind, professional."
this show will never be the same without Ashford
I thought when he was introduced he would be another corrupt character trying to steal belter leadership. but no
he was a good man, and an even better belter. I genuinly cried a bit when he died, but god dammit he died with honour.
RIP beratna
The show is less without him for sure but the impact of the story and it's lore is much better with thanks to his death.
Bitter sweet
And now we lose anoter great character ;(
to think that he was on it for 1 season
Yep. Tears from me too. Such a good character, and so brilliantly portrayed by the actor.
Too many great characters that die. Miller & Ashford were just too good.
The ghost knife of Callisto. What a total bosmang. RIP Beltalowda
Remember da Pirata
Best nickname of anyone ever.
Rest in Peace. Pampah.
I hated losing this character
hellfish2309 ye he was such a great character
Best way for him to die though. Such a great scene.
@@willis32 Not really, he should have shot fucker before got captured. But obviously they trying to save Marco and Francis to confront with Naomi
The only thing I don't like about The Expanse is that they killed off Ashford. I was maddened af.
Toppov DeJungle they needed to edge Marco, who still doesn’t look intimidating; maybe I’m too aggro cis-macho, but he looks younger than his son, not like Che Guivara who I’m guessing they were going for
Ashford...a very layered character...dripping with flaws, but being fully aware of them. He was willing to overcome his flaws to seek a better outcome for his people...and for the rest of the human race. He was a truly well written character.
Megathelos he was a really great character sad to see him die
@@noahcederlund7660 Indeed, but it is an opportunity for character development elsewhere; other characters can forward his lessons-learned.
@ Yes, and yes. However, they need to clear out their execs...and purge any Kennedy acolytes.
“Walked the plank” and sent his recon like a boss. A great demise for a great character
Arrrrhhh I couldn't have said it better miself
He wasn’t sent to his death. He just left the ship to reunite with his old crew mates. Thanks for your service, beratna.
Marshal Michel Ney would have understood him.
David Strathairn is a genius. The chemistry and friction between Ashford and Drummer was one of my favourite elements of the show.
I never got the impression that Ashford "wanted" to attack the Rocinante ... it was more that he had to stop a war, and there was no other alternative.
The belt must police the belt, else the inners will. They really had very little choice there.
I actually got depressed after finishing Season 4 and seeing Ashford die
Then you know the movie and the actor did a good job.
@@scb-1125 Understatement in this case; phenomenal job. The death of Ashford is the entire system's loss.
i still hope for a great Revange scene.
@@Zubarus oooh you can bet Camina is gonna get hers.
@@berthulf The gates are open Beretna. The galaxy and beyond is a poorer place. The Innas, the Beltalowdas, the Dusters and all humanity are at a loss of such an Old Pirata! He will live forever in our hopes.
Ashford is such a great character when it comes to his flaws and how he changes plus I liked his personality
Rest in peace Ashford Drifting through space
I was team Camina, so I hated him when he showed up. As who he ACTUALLY was became apparent, I warmed up to him, and understood his character. When he died, I was genuinely sad. This is what a good character is, portrayed by a great actor.
Just got my wife into the Expanse. We're on season 4 and she really likes Ashford. Boy is she going to be upset at the end like I was.
Did she cry like I did? Because there was alot of close times in this long series.
But it Ashford's death and singing that got me weeping.
@@twenty-fifth420 I'm a man, so I definitely didn't cry at that scene. I'm just saying there were some ninjas cutting onions standing just behind my back....
Currently going through my third binge-through (I guess I could just say binge 🤷🏾♂️) and my wife went from "I hate these kinds of shows" & "you've already seen this 🤬" to me having to bring back and rewatch episodes because she fell asleep on them, lol.
I've created an _Expanse_ loving monster 🤦🏾♂️
@@ViraL_FootprinT.ex.e magnificient
I wasn't expecting to like Ashford in the TV series because his character in Abaddon's Gate is such an incompetent asshole. I was also bummed when I realized that there was no "Bull" Baca. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that aspects of Bull were written into the characters of Ashford and Drummer, who became two of my favorite characters in the TV version of the series.
Bull will appear later
incompetent... yeah, no... asshole... well, yeah
for those who haven't read the books ashford is the captain in the beginning then a mutiny occurred then he becomes captain and tries to use the behemoths laser to cut the ring in the process he kills sam for trying to halt the mods to the laser
Yeah... I was bummed about Bull as well, I really liked him in the books.
there's a bull now!
Ashford was the character most improved in the transition from page to screen
It be cool to get an Ashford mini series
YES
Yeah, sort like a series about his earlier like
Im just dying to know why he didn’t just take Marcos with him. It was so uncomfortable to watch a badass get floated by a retard and Naomi’s son.
Should have just gone “Noami is looking for you” **Goodnight marcos** hero ash ford.
But instead we had Ashford die for no reason for other people to be the hero.
It’s so poorly written. They’ve just removed him to give the main cast more screen time which is tragic.
Yeah an Ashford spin-off would be awesome
That would be cool yes i even would love it in book form if not his character is a combined one in the books
I just discovered and finished all available Expanse episodes within the last two weeks. I'm heartbroken that I've run out of episodes.
I loved Ashford at every single turn, agonist and antagonist but never a villian. With more depth than all the characters in modern Star Wars combined.
Very sad to see him go but he went out with style and at the moment with the whole series fresh in my mind his death scene is the one that stuck in my mind the most.
Loved the character. Loved the actor who managed to play such a complex character believably.
Ashford is one of my favorite secondary characters of all time.
Zhai Morenn ye he was great
Ghat DANG it I'm upset he's gone. Just a frikkin' awesome character.
An old-school pirate in a new-school world, trying to go legit and do the right things in situations that have even the most morally upright floundering for answers.
A crusty old pirate trying to be "the good guy" in situations that have no right choices is just so fantastically compelling that it makes me positively pissed we didn't get to see more of him.
To the execution dock i have come
Tili go
to the execution block
for to sail
I was sick and nigh to death but I vow with my every breath
For go with wisdom ways when I sail
Tili go....
Aww thanks! I never quite caught what he was saying during the shanty.
Check out the old traditional Scottish songs (closely related to each other) Ye Jacobites By Name and Aiken Drum
Doors and corners, that's where the get you Klaes
You know there was this kid back of Ceres...
Need to talk about that ride kid, next clue to the case.
I think the Camina/Ashford relationship and chemistry is the best I've seen on television since Londo & J'Kar last graced the screen.
It would've been fun to to see Klaes Ashford and Chrisjen Avasarala interact with each other. I feel that would've made for some intresting character moments. Sadly that never happened
I think they would of gotten on spectaculaly
@@fatalshore5068They would have been best friends almost immediately. Vitriolic ones who shoot more barbs than you can think of, but they'd get on very well, both being older, experienced people who've come to the realization that things HAVE to change.
@@MrBlueBurd0451and both having lost a child…
Developing Ashford was one of the best decisions the TV series made. If there's one opportunity the novelists missed, it was that.
Actually, they also wrote the TV screenplays, so most of the changes you see are the authors exploring variations on the same story working around the casting and differences in the medium - and of course they have the showrunner and others collaborating with them.
Personally I'm sad that Klaes Ashford is gone as he was one of my favorite characters... but his ending was pretty rock solid. If nothing else this just reminds me how good The Expanse is because it didn't just throw away a good character like lesser sci-fi would have. It gave him a meaningful death.
Lol and then there's Alex, who died so suddenly and inexplicably with so little consequence considering his role in the show. Real life politik creep ultimately finds its way into everything.
Yeah, Ashford got a pretty memorable sendoff.
@@tackytrooper apparently they wrote that before his on-set behaviour was revealed. It certainly was sudden but I didn’t find it inconsequential - in fact his death hangs over all of season 6 and heavily influences each character (including some of the conflict between characters).
@@tackytrooper Alex's death was very much justified. It was nice to finally see some consequences of the G-forces we'd been warned about for five seasons, and the show had already established that basically anyone can die. With the actor's real-life behavior it ended up being necessary, but its consequences reverberated throughout the sixth season and I think it worked well enough.
I love this in depth analysis. You really know how to dissect the characters on The Expanse.
He was in my top 3 characters. Him, the big bossmang Drummer and Amos.
I enjoyed Anderson Dawes and it would of been to see him more.
Ashford was definitely the old salt dog that we needed and wanted. It was so heart breaking how that story ended. He is such a complex character though, I swear we could have several episodes on him and not quite cover everything about him.
his death was not in vain
Again "The Expanse" is one of the BEST Space Opera's, i fucking love all the characters of this show!!!
Great character arc. Comes in as a guy we don't trust and don't really like. Departs as a hero and much loved character.
He was definitely one of my top favorite beratnas!!
Ashford is a prime example of The Expanse character development and depth. To begin with, he seems like an old belta pirate, pushing his anarchic views of leadership, dog eat dog, if you are unfit, I will fill the gap-mentality. But the more he speaks, the more actions he takes, you cant help to love him in the end, just when you actually got to know him - just like a real person you met at the bar tagging along your friend.
And by the gods that fucking air lock entrence with guns blazing was a complete badassery move. Loved that scene. Rest in peace, belta. The belts position in the Sol system will never be the same without you.
That was a great character study Ben. One thing about the show which always gladdens my heart is how great the 'non-core' characters' actors are, from Series 1 onwards. The Expanse hits not just gold, but platinum with 90 % of its actors.
Klaes Ashford - that one old guy everyone secretly want to be their grandpa
In season 3 I like him and even more in season 4. He was just so awesome in calmness and his logic, Marco gonna get whats coming for him.
Well. . Good luck eith that.
when you first see Ashford, you see him as a villain or antagonist, but quickly you realize he's a noble and brave man that truly cares for others and puts their safety over his own
One thing the Expanse taught me, any person can be redeemed in the end. Your past doesn't dictate your future. Ashford was my favorite character. He was a good man, he would do anything for the greater good. RIP
Ashford was my favorite character by far. When he died on the show my jaw was on the floor. I thought "something's coming to save him" right up to the end. He completed a perfect character arc.
" spin the drum!" What a fucking absolute legend. I'm going to use that for something..dont know what yet.
Haha awesome!
The always-excellent David Strathairn set a new high standard, with this character.
I was pissed when Ashford replaced Anderson Dawes's character as a faction leader, these writers and this actor did such a good job that I forgot about about Dawes.
Now I miss the ghost knife ... :(
I still miss seeing Jared Harris, but David Straitharn is so good too.
Ashford was easily my favourite character in the show and his final moments in the show were epic. What a beast.
i was serching for a channel that made great videos on The Expanse, so glad i found you guys.
If you want ship details, check out Spacedock, his videos are actually Expanse (show) canon.
His final scene shooting people while in anti gravity was cool
Strathairn owned Klaes. The parallel that sticks in my mind is Robert Duval in Lonesome Dove. This is what television does best, enable an actor to use the long form to build and inhabit a character in multiple dimensions.
Excellent point. These two productions are hands down the best TV ever made, and are in my top 5 cinema (which actually has 10+ by the time I get thru naming them).
Im i the only one who feels like Ashford is Uncle Iroh of The expanse?
Haha didn’t think of it this way but it’s a good point
Well his wisdom is also born from tragedy like Iroh and his character builds upon wisdom of his long, LONG life.
I might argue Ashford has become more of a pragmatist, willing to kill just in case while Iroh has become half a pacifist. Throughout all the story up until his capture, he essentially kept combat to minimal casualties. It wasn't until he was locked into a prison at the betrayal of his nephew (kind of like how Ashford goes out, being 'betrayed' by Marco.) that he decided to shed his pacifism for a similar, albeit, still merciful right to fight back.
He even has an iconic song that he sang to his now dead child, so yup
Blessed are the old men who plant trees, the shade of which they will never sit.
Edit: And never underestimate the danger of an old man with nothing to lose.
I really liked his character he went out like a true boss
The beauty of the character of Ashford in the show was that he was truly selfless, and even though we don’t see how he’s come to this way of living, the way David Strathairn embodies the character, you can tell it was a personality trait that was hard-earned. He was a true Belter in the fact that he put the safety and well-being of everyone before himself; as one should in a life of limited air, food, and water.
The other great piece of storytelling the show pulls off is how he passes these lessons- and essentially his torch- onto Camina in the scene where they are both pinned by the heavy machinery in the Behemoth. By sacrificing herself, Camina essentially dies and is reborn with a new outlook on what it means to be a Belter, and what peace actually means; a lesson that Ashford passed on to her.
Man, I just love The Expanse. It’s Star Trek for the 21st Century.
That must be the best pirate I've ever seen!
Yo Ho
@@russellmarra8520 YARRGGGHHH!!
The Pirate Adventures of Klaes Ashford! In the tone of Black Sails.
An absolutely wonderful expose of a fabulous character! Thank you!
And bravo to actor David Strathairn!! As many agree, hated to see him go, as well. Every phrase in every scene, was uttered with true conviction and purpose. A true joy to see him work.
If there's any way his lifeless body could be recovered and brought back to the story...would that be a bad thing? Well, this is science fiction based far in the future, and medical science certainly has progressed.
I'm Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite show on TV.
Another example of how this show transcends the source material.
Ashford in the TV series is a way better character than he is in the book. I just loved every scene he was in.
R. I.P. you glorious bastard.
I really liked Ashford, he was played by a great actor. I enjoyed his menacingly happy swagger, full of intent and a hidden dagger for his enemies. I was shocked and saddened by his demise. But he left the airlock with bravery and a great song!
Could you do a video on the intro sequence? I think it’s the best intro ever as it shows so much without a single word.
Excellent tribute for Ashford. Maginifically played by David Strathairn.
the expanse is my favorite tv show by far, was kinda sad when klaes died
Ashford is the proverbial Christ figure in the show. He creates the garden of Eden (by spinning up the Behemoth), fights satin (Marco) to help absolve us of our sins and give us passage to heaven (the ring gates), and ultimate sacrifices himself in the end knowing he did his part (even in a bit of a crucifixion pose as he gets spaced)
He was my favorite character. I wish he lasted longer.
I don't know if I've ever seen a character in a sci-fi show ever that went from sketchy and unlikable, to interesting and understandable, to absolutely boss and indispensable, to ***SPOILER ALERT*** gone in such a short time. My heart will forever be broken.
Well... When Ashford makes you cry..
When I saw the scene where Ashford was watching a video of him and his daughter, I knew he would die by the end of the episode.. Such a sad ending for a good man.
again, props to the actor for doing such a great job with the role - David Strathairn, Good Night, Good Luck, etc.
Great video, I love Ashford, I was so sad when he left Medina station without Drummer, cause that's the moment you know he would never return that mission. But at least he departed this life in a true meaningful way, remaining the man he was, head up and full of honor.
There goes one of my favourite characters, like Miller before and again later, honour to those two belter, heroes of the belt, heroes of the solar system, heroes of humanity.
Seriously why my favourite characters always dies? Especially in The Expanse (another character that I loved was Cotyar, honour to him too) xD, but at least they gave them a meaningful and great end.
Great work man, I have been searching for this kind of analysis and commentary on such a fascinating story.
the first character in a long time that makes you hate him then gradually love him. he's the jamie lannister of the series.
Show Ashford was such an incredible improvement over book Ashford. David Strathairn was incredible.
"I was going to say sorry"
thats how you make a funny sarcastic badass
Made me hate Inaros, man S5 really will be personal.
Yesssss!!
I remember when David Stratharin showed up in the credits and all but jumped up and down. Such an incredible actor, having so much fun on an incredible show! I would follow Klaes Ashford.
Loved this character, n him and Camino were essential together. I hope it continues, even after his loss. Great commentary:)
American Ben, It's been to long since I've enjoyed watching Klaes Ashford. He and Amos Burton are my favorite characters. I served and went to war and became so very cynical. Even of the country I served. Well done sir. I'm going to start watching the series again tonight
Thanks for your service, even if it was for the Empire! 😁✌🏻
I am going to miss seeing Ashford. I was really enjoying the character and his complexities. Kudos to actor David Strathairn for his portrayal of a character that everyone had to follow so carefully to realize that they liked him so much that it hurt them to see him go. I too would love to see him back in maybe a mini-series.
He was so, so much better in the TV show then in the books. In the books he was a two dimensional villain that was a literary place holder so our main characters could be moved to action, period. In the TV show his character eats up every scene, in no small part from incredible acting by David Strathairn, and the audience can't wait to see more of him, which makes his death even more painful. I think this was by design by writers, nobody cares about a "red shirt" dying but off a favorite character who has been redeemed and they will cry all the way to their credit card to buy another season ;)
Actually, he was scared at the end, but he held it in like a boss.
A bit of unresearched trivia: the song Klaes Ashford was singing on the way out the door was clearly (to my old folks ears, at least) based on a couple of old traditional Scottish songs. Listen to Ye Jacobites By Name and also Aiken Drum.
Dude, you honestly have a touch for this shit.
And, I wish Ashford was still around.
Thanks man!
The uniforms were his idea. What a boss.
He's the sort of teacher who hopes others will learn from his mistakes rather than have to experience those lessons themselves.
A good man? That's a complicated question. But a well-meaning man? A wise man? Definitely.
With your videos on the Expanse, I've started another rewatch of the series (I've watched it several times). Thanks for your quality reviews! Looking forward to finding what I missed/forgotten (like the Medina area on Ceres and now the OPA Medina Station within the Sol Ring Gate).
As much as book Ashford was an incompetent tool, TV Ashford was magnificent, played by a great actor.
I shed a tear, and saluted when he floated out of the airlock...
i had to give a salute and a tear when he was left drifting into space, singing his song
I really love Ashford [Show Ashford is quite distinct from Book Ashford, who pretty much sucks].
His explanation to the two Beltalowda about killing [and loyalties] is super: "He is not only himSELF. He is everyone who cares for him."
the "iN a mInUTe!" gets me every time
I 💙 Ashford. Rest in peace my pirate friend. He walked the plank like boss!!
One of my favourite characters in the show for sure, he exhibits so much apparent contradiction, growth, and tenacity in such a short amount of time.
RIP Klaes. His death actually affected me more than I thought I would earlier when they introduced him. I wanted him dead the first day. then I wish he never died in the end.
As a MCRN navy lieutenant, i will say Klaes Ashford is the worst pirate i've ever heard of .....
No seriously, martian survival rates after running into him are shockingly low. Avoid at all cost!
But you have heard of him
@@kostakatsoulis2922 dang, you beat me to it. LOL!
@@Rubicon2305 eh, you'll get it next time, it's pretty rare for me to get a good clapback like that before someone else
@@ChineduOpara uh no?
@@ChineduOpara oh ok
Loved this analysis. Thank you❤
I don’t see any comments mentioning this, but I for one love your poems.❤
Still waiting for a video on captain james holden.
We miss you bossman.
I liked Ashford as well. As soon as he came on screen he had a heavy presence and I knew he was going to be a huge character.
He also reminds me of my uncle, whom I look up to.
"The best damn pirate the sol system has ever seen" American Ben.
Ben I took off my hat when i saw Ashford get spaced. That was a dark day for The Expanse
Aye.😢🙌
Great tribute to an excellent character! Well done sir!
Just discovered your channel and absolutely love your presentation style and skills, also if you happen to write your own material, again, I loved the presentation and you have earned my thumbs up and a subscription to the channel. I look forward to watching your other interpretations of the characters from the Expanse!
I am so glad they turned a lame and awful character from the books into one of the most legendary ones in the show. Really well done.
Yes. We will all miss him.
Brilliant and eloquent as always!