The Outpost Review: The Book Of Names (Season 1 Episode 6)
The intensity of Jessica Green’s acting highlights The Outpost Season 1 Episode 5, “The Book Of Names.” Her quick wit and banter with the other characters, takes a show that could be easily forgotten and turns it into a must-watch.
Green always seems to know the right way to play a scene. Whether she is playfully flirting with Janzo or facing down her creature — she always gets the job done.
The opening five minutes sets the tone of excitement for the entire episode. The anger — and dare I say hatred — Talon expresses towards the big ugly beast can actually be felt through the television screen.
When the creature tries to call her bluff, Talon practically spits the words of her native tongue at it. Graceful and violent rarely fit in the same sentence together, but these are the two most suiting words to describe the scene.
While it is a victory for Talon, you can’t but feel a little bad for the murderous beast being belittled like a child. Who knows, maybe this poor thing is just another misunderstood being — a gentle giant perhaps. Okay, I won’t go that far, but don’t forget the tiny reveal in Talon’s flashback.
I really hope they further explore this relationship between the two. It is much more interesting than some boring old love triangle — like the one they only occasionally hint at between Gwynn, Garret, and Talon.
What an exciting conclusion to the season it would be, if the creature carried an injured Talon off into the sunset — Beauty and the Beast anyone?
Maybe I’m taking it too far though. I’ll let your imagination go wild, while I quietly change the subject.
Further on in the episode, I am relieved to see Janzo and Talon going off on a side mission. I’ve gotten a little bored with the constant talks in the cellar between the two colleagues. It is great to see them out and about exploring the land, and revealing more about their interesting quirks together.
Kudos to the writers for making this all feel very natural.
Oftentimes scenes like these can feel forced and scripted. I’m sure some of the juiciest tidbits will come into play later on — as most things have so far this season. And even if they don’t, at least we are able to get a chuckle or two along the way.
It is no secret that Janzo and Talon would make for an interesting ship, but the truth is no one believes it will ever happen. Talon would eat the poor guy alive! With that being said, one can’t help but smile when the word “lover” gets thrown around a couple of times — what a tease!
“Even in death you doubt me.” – Talon
Now let’s not forget the heartbreaking last moments between Talon and the blacksmith. I was convinced he was already dead and wouldn’t be seen, unless in some sort of flashback. Luckily I was wrong!
Green plays it beautifully again, as she goes between wanting to cry and slitting the old man’s throat. This love/hate moment is an extreme example of many of our relationships with our parents. I won’t judge you for shedding a couple of tears.
Talon proves her honor by burying the man herself and saying a few words over his grave. Unfortunately, Marshal Withers has to show his ugly mug to ruin the moment. Couldn’t we have gone one episode without the guy — seriously!
With so much going on, this pesky runt isn’t really needed. His story arc seems to have lost its importance now that Talon’s monstrous friend has left town.
I guess if this is the only downfall of the episode, I can let it slide. I’m just hoping he stays in the background.
Talon aside, the rest of the episode is still able to muster up a bit of excitement with the rallying of troops. The inspirational speech is well delivered, even though it seems to fall on deaf ears.
Normally, this would be a major complaint from me, but they use the scene as an effective way to bring Gwynn —or not Gwynn — into her rightful place. You can’t tell me a burst of warmth doesn’t come over you as they begin to chant for the royal heir. Well, you could, but I’d call you a liar.
As so much unfolds in this episode, it seems tragic as the credits roll. I find myself muttering under my breath as I turn off the television set.
Back to reality I guess. Long hours of overtime, and a general lack of anything adventurous. Not mentioning “the wheel of death” in the cafeteria of course.
My appreciation goes out to whoever runs the CW.
Thank you for relieving my stress for a little less than an hour. Because of you, I am able to take a mini vacation without leaving the comfort of my couch. On a side note, your app really needs improvement.
What did you think of this episode of The Outpost? Are you listed in the Book of Names? 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!
Charles E Henning
Charles E. Henning lives in a quaint town of Illinois with his ever-loving wife since 1998. He is new to writing reviews, but has over thirty years of fictitious writing for his own personal fulfillment. His interests range from science fiction to character-based dramas, but he is a sucker for anyone in a cape.
One thought on “The Outpost Review: The Book Of Names (Season 1 Episode 6)”
I enjoyed reading your review of Episode 6 of The Outpost. In a show like this as a viewer I’m looking to “expect the unexpected”. I may be going out on a limb here but I think the first 10 minutes or so of the episode foreshadow much of what is yet to come. I’m thinking that it’s no coincidence that the dying blacksmith warns Talon about the Dragma (sp?) and the next scene comes up with a never before seen stone-faced girl riding next to the horrible Dred. This girl just nods but knows when the truth is being told and possibly possesses other mystical skills and powers that the writers haven’t revealed yet. I’m guessing that she’ll have a lot to say on how Season 1 winds up. I’m definitely keeping an eye on her.
Comments are closed.