The Expanse: What Was The Punchline For Delgado’s Joke?

Season 5 of The Expanse is back, and it’s another season full of great little details and world-building for those paying attention. One of those details is Admiral Delgado’s joke about Belters, Martians, and Earthers. Unfortunately, neither Avasarala nor the audience gets to hear the punchline as Delgado is interrupted by the arrival of their guest. But, considering the topic of Delgado and Avasarala’s conversation, one can speculate where his joke was going, especially if considering the history between the factions.

Earth, Mars, and the Belt have been in conflict for years, fostering rivalries, hatred, and prejudice across the Sol system. Although the opening of the Ring gates has transformed the political and social-economical landscape of the world of The Expanse, old stereotypes and wounds are still fresh on everyone’s mind. The TV series has done an incredible job building the lore of each faction, giving depth to their specific societies. The tiny details make a great difference, and Delgado’s joke is another example of how the show builds its world.

Although she lost the election to Gao, Avasarala (Shohreh Aghdashloo) has no intention of retiring or slowing down. In fact, when Delgado comes to her with news of a research ship being damaged by meteors, she immediately connects the dots and realizes something is very wrong. Astute as ever, she enlists Delgado to try and convince Gao to tighten Earth’s defenses, but Gao is focused on the Ring colonizing efforts. But that doesn’t stop Avasarala. Frustrated, she seeks the opinion of a scientist from the private sector, hoping to gather enough evidence that an attack is coming.

While they wait for the scientist, Avasarala and Delgado share a drink. It’s during that moment when Delgado begins to tell his joke. Perhaps noticing she’s anxious, he tells her a “walk into a bar” type of joke involving a Belter, a Martian, and an Earther. The Belter walks in and asks the bartender for a Martian whiskey, saying “drinking like my enemy lets me think like my enemy.” The Martian then asks for an Earther tequila and says “drinking like my enemy also lets me think like my enemy.” Finally, when it’s the Earther turn, Delgado is interrupted.

Considering Avasarala’s present arc is all about how Earth’s politics are getting in the way of Earth’s best interests (its safety), Delgado’s joke probably ended with the Earther asking for a typical Earther drink. Earth being, in the end, its own worst enemy. Another possibility is that the scientist’s interruption finished the joke. Once inside, Delgado asks him what he wants to drink, and he says bourbon. Either way, it’s a neat little moment that showcases how well each faction has been constructed by The Expanse with Easter eggs and subtle world-building conversations like these.

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