Interesting that Holden isn't responsible for logging the distress call from the Scopuli in the book. It's a small change in terms of plot, but that act, in the TV series, sets up the character as a do-gooder for the entire run. Besides, it gives him a much more active role in launching the whole story; through the forgiveness of the (surviving) crew-mates, it makes the bond they share much deeper right from the start; and, it establishes a sort of justification for Jim to be the leader beyond that he had that role in their old command structure since the audience can sympathize with him feeling responsible for "getting them into that mess", at least until we've seen more of him properly leading.

Honestly, I was expecting that mostly the book would compare favorably to the TV series since that's usually my experience (won't get into the reasons for that), but I really like this change vs what's in the book. I wonder how much of that is due to Franck and Abraham being writers and executive producers for the series. Either way, I think this reading will be more enjoyable than I hoped if I get to dig into changes like the above. (For instance, it looks like Mars and Earth may be somewhat less hostile at the start of the book since there's a joint military force mentioned, so I'll be interested to see if that's just for pacing, or if it bears more on key plot points.)

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I'll continue to make some commentary on the book(s) as I read... unless I forget or get too busy.