The Outpost Review: Two Heads Are Better Than None (Season 1 Episode 2)

The Outpost Season 1 Episode 2, “Two Heads Are Better Than None,” starts to weave complicated relationship problems into the captivating mythos of the land.

It is uncommon to become so caught up in a show only a week after its debut, but somehow that is exactly what The Outpost does.

Each character seems to have an intriguing background that mixes in with multiple others, forming what feels like a very believable world — even among the monsters!

“You are too stupid to have done this.” –  Marshal Withers

With the lack of money poured into the special effects, it is a bit of a relief that the creatures that inhabit this world are not a huge focus of the show. Like many people say about The Walking Dead, they are really only there for the ambiance.

This is most likely to change in the near future with the introduction of Talon’s power to invoke those amazing beasts. Okay, introduce is a strong word, but now we know at least that this isn’t some quasi-superpower. Instead, it is a learned skill only known by the Blackbloods.

I love the scene when the beast approaches Talon in her room — I can’t help but hold my breath. This quickly turns into a chuckle, as the confused being leaps out the window. A behemoth running scared from someone who is equally terrified of it — seems like a metaphor for my daily life.

It’s a relief to see questions that were just brought to our attention already being addressed. So many series these days avoid answering anything until the last few episodes. Oftentimes this makes for a rushed mess, and I for one,  am happy that The Outpost seems to be diverting the usual pitfalls.

Of course, as some things are answered, new questions are presented as well. Nothing too outlandish this time around — the most intriguing one has to be the new drug in town.

The cocaine knockoff is apparently a little more lethal than what we are used to on the streets today. It doesn’t take long to deduce the fact that this is most likely what is creating the plaguelings — and our theory is proven right before the credits roll!

Unfortunately, we don’t get the exciting cliffhanger that we received last week — but that doesn’t mean there is anything less at stake. Talon is now the center of attention, and that isn’t very likely to fade anytime soon.

As all eye falls on Talon, each step she takes will be judged. This will be a pain, as she goes about trying to finish her mission. Her lack of stealth really won’t help the fact!

But it seems possible that her revenge plans could go by the wayside, now that the blacksmith revealed she could be the heroine they have all been waiting for —surprise surprise!

No guessing needs to be done here on whether he is right. After all, this is a fantasy show and it needs to fit properly into all the usual clichés.

One cliché that I’m glad to say looks to be absent from The Outpost is a lack of direction. Television shows these days often only have a vague target they head for at the end of the season. Many times — especially on the CW — the shows lose their way halfway through the season by just making stuff up as they go.

Every move The Outpost thus far seems to be well-calculated. Maybe it is because they know they have just 10 episodes to deal with, or maybe they are intent on telling a good story. It doesn’t really matter to me, I’m just enjoying the ride!

What did you think of this episode of The Outpost? What questions are you most excited about getting the answer to? 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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