The Outpost Review: One Is The Loneliest Number (Season 1 Episode 1)

The first ten minutes of The Outpost Season 1 Episode 1, “One Is The Loneliest Number,” is a mass of utter confusion.

As we jump almost immediately into a fight scene — with no information or background — it feels as though something is totally missing. A quick pause of the show leading to a search on the web, finally assures me, this is in fact the first episode.

As I try to move past the hectic beginning, I start to acknowledge the lack of polish put on this show. Low-grade special effects, married with badly choreographed fight scenes, makes me feel like I have traveled back in time to the mid-90’s.

Seriously, if I found this show while flipping through channels, I would write it off as some rerun the CW used to fill a void in their summer scheduling.

I understand that the CW most likely doesn’t want to go all in on a fantasy show — without a clue whether anyone is actually invested in it — but the production value here really screams “B movie.” If they spent just a few more dollars here or there, I believe everyone would benefit from it.

Speaking of belief, some of the characters are really hard to see beyond the actor. Talon, played by Jessica Green, is really the only character you can get lost in. Numerous people — who pop their head in and out of the episode — are clearly acting. Even Jake Stormoen, as Captain Garret Spears, seems to be trying to hold in a good belly laugh most of the time.

“Nobody comes to the outpost simply to find work. People come here because they are running from something.” – Captain Garret Spears

A majority of other shows I would have turned off by now, to be honest with you. All the negatives piling on each other, really hinders my ability to suspend belief.

I hold out thinking, something has to give. Give me something — anything!

This is where the story comes in. Sure, it is a revenge story, nothing new here. Mean guys kill nice people, but one survives, yada, yada, yada.

The key is the mysteries that you don’t see coming.

What is that beastly arm attached to that starts coming through the portal? What oath is Talon’s mother speaking about? Who hired the mercenaries to destroy the village?

As each question introduces itself, it doesn’t seem like much. At first, it’s like, yeah that’s interesting — but who cares! And then eventually it becomes ― what’s next.

There is just enough intrigue here to keep viewers going for a few episodes. Hopefully, we will get an occasional answer throughout the next couple of weeks that will pay off. I’m praying that this doesn’t turn into the woeful Under the Dome, that I still haven’t washed from my consciousness —blast you Stephen King!

Of course, don’t forget about the ship that has already begun to sail. Jessica Green and Jake Stormoen seem to have a rather fun chemistry. Their playful banter will bring a smile to your face.

I wish they would have waited a little, to turn this into what appears, will be a sort of love triangle. Imogen Waterhouse is adorable with her sass and entitled demeanor. She is a welcome member to the cast, but whatever her relationship is with Captain Garret, I feel could simmer a little more before raising its head.

With it being summer, I am now in binge-watch mode, and as the credits roll, I slowly realize, it is going to be a week until I get another episode of The Outpost. I admit, I feel a little sad. I’m not sure when exactly this show became not only something watchable but almost a guilty pleasure.

Is it because of the lack of quality television in early July? Not likely — summer shows aren’t what they used to be.

Maybe it is because of the fun new species I’ve met along the way. No, that can’t be it either. The beasts play such a tiny part in the story.

Whatever the reason is, I am attached.

Maybe not enough to make it through the season, but attached enough to look forward to next week. Looking forward to a Tuesday is really saying something.

What did you think of this episode of The Outpost? Who is your favorite character? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Outpost airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.

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