The Outpost Review: The Mistress And The Worm (Season 1 Episode 3)

The Outpost Season 1 Episode 3, “The Mistress And The Worm,” cuts away from the action and gives us a little more background on the characters that we have come to love.

I hate to say it, but this episode is the shows first act of filler. There really isn’t much juicy information to learn along the way — aside from a few chuckles — I feel I am walking away empty-handed.

The few little tidbits we do receive along the way are delivered in the worst way possible. A sloppy description of how Talon is connected to the creature she summoned isn’t very satisfying. Whatever happened to the writer’s rule of show, don’t tell?

As I hear the blacksmith’s explanation of the Blackblood’s relationship with these beasts, it practically goes in one ear and right out the other. Ironically enough, even Talon herself is confused by the entire discussion and asks to have it spelled out for her. With the answer being — just tell it to go away and mean it — the whole scene feels like a missed opportunity.

The only thing this segment really does, is make you further ponder the blacksmith’s role in Talon’s life. I wonder if it is possible that he is some lost relative of hers.

Could the last episode of the season have the blacksmith quoting Star Wars? “Talon, I am your father,” seems possible at this point.

The other intriguing relationship wheeling around this time, is Gwynn and Talon. With Gwynn’s insistent need to be besties with Talon, it feels like she is more than likely hiding something. This wouldn’t be much of a shocker — as it seems every character has at least one secret hidden in their closet — be it big or small.

“I know you have a secret, and you want to keep it that way.” – Marshal Withers

This whole “fire and ice” scenario in Gwynn and Talon’s bond, makes for a few smiles. It really feeds into both characters, making them more believable and likable. At this point, I am more embedded in these ladies friendly courtship, than I am in Talon’s budding romance with Garret.

Speaking of Captain Garret Spears, it seems he is practically useless in this episode. With not being much more than a listening ear, his absence wouldn’t make a large impact on the plot. Sure, there is that near kiss on the balcony, but since it doesn’t pan out, I’m sticking to my guns.

With Garret’s dad, Marshal Withers, constantly poking his head around every corner, he has become quite annoying — and I’m not talking Kimmy Gibbler annoying. Every show has its own likable pain in the neck character, and The Outpost attempts to follow suit. Something doesn’t quite connect Marshal Withers to the viewers they way he is intended to.

Maybe if he actually mumbled the words — rats, foiled again — I could grow to like him more.

The thing that quite possibly annoys me most on Episode 3, is the incessant mention of the Grayskins without showing one. The Grayskins have been mentioned repeatedly throughout these first few episodes, yet they are lucky to have been on-screen for a matter of 5 minutes thus far. In fact, I can’t even recall what they look like.

I would understand if they were wolves. After all, everyone knows what a wolf looks like, or a least can conjure up an image when the word is thrown around.

But Grayskins don’t exist! Nobody outside of the The Outpost has ever experienced an encounter with one.

This takes me out of the world that has been painstakingly created, and reminds me that I am just staring at a television screen. If other mythical beasts were mentioned slightly more often, maybe this could relieve the effect it is currently creating. But if this continues to happen, it could permanently hinder the amount of escapism this show delivers.

When all is said and done, the credits roll and I stifle a yawn. Not the most entertaining 45 minutes I have spent this summer.

That isn’t to say that this is the worst thing on television though. It is nice to catch up with a few of our newly made friends, even though it doesn’t amount to much.

It beats watching reruns, and is sure a heck of a lot better than caching up on missed episodes of The Gifted!

What did you think of this episode of The Outpost? Did you find anything excessively exciting? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

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

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!