The Outpost Review: The Vex Rezicon (Season 1 Episode 9)

As this season of The Outpost begins to head towards wrapping up, many interesting scenes play out. Admittedly, some are rather predictable — and others just plain lazy — but the reluctant heroes in The Outpost Season 1 Episode 9, “The Vex Rezicon,” is the best twist by far.

First off, I want to apologize in advance for spoiling this turn of events. I usually do my best to avoid any major spoilers in my reviews if I can. Unfortunately, this time around, I can’t help but lay it all out on the line.

So, if you aren’t playing close enough attention —  this is your spoiler alert!

Okay, now with that out-of-the-way, we can discuss Marshal Withers and the Mistress turning over a new leaf.

These two characters have always been a rather annoying part of the show to me. On each episode, they pop up their ugly little heads — just to be bothersome to the main cast.  Some might argue that Janzo falls in line with this category of character, but to me he is lovable enough to get a pass — we wouldn’t see Talon’s playful side without him.

As Withers and the Mistress decide to team up and fight for the freedom of the Outpost, it comes off as a decent surprise. I find myself actually cheering for the two, as they rally the troops to take out the soldiers hellbent on their witch-hunt.

Hats off to the writers here!

The fact that Withers actually denounces the name of marshal — in regret of his life — before the current turn of events, is quite astounding. With all the despicable things he has done thus far, one would think he has no conscience at all. After all, he did murder a woman in cold blood!

The tears in his eyes as he helps Gwynn escape, seem to travel through the screen and into our very own. He has made many mistakes, but at the end of the day, he is still Garret’s father.

He can’t bring himself to say the word “love” as he speaks to Gwynn about his son, and that is actually a good thing here. If he was completely open and honest in this moment, it would take away from the character they have built up over the first 8 episodes. Instead, this adds to the mystery of who Withers is, and how he got to be this way — I’m thinking daddy issues.

When he grabs ahold of his kindred spirit, the Mistress, and convinces her that the Outpost needs her as much as he does, the couple seal the deal with a kiss. This is a great exclamation point to end the scene. It doesn’t arouse the feels as much as I think they wanted it to, but it gets the job done — meaning I’m not as nearly as repulsed as I thought I would be.

“I’m here Talon, because I want to be.” – Captain Garret Spears

Soon their gang of allies are sneaking about the shadows, getting a jump on a few soldiers here and there. One begins to think, this looks a little too easy. Of course, that thought proves to be true just before the credits roll — when the attack comes back to bite them in the rear end.

With all the monologues that Withers recites throughout the episode, it wouldn’t be a surprise to me if this is the last we see of him. It would be great to see him go out as a hero fighting for his home. I just hope that they reunite him with his son, before giving him the last curtain call.

I swear I’ll cry if he looks into Garret’s eyes with his dying breath, and apologizes for the way things turned out.

Since much more happens in this episode then what I chose to focus on, I’ll be kind enough to leave you with a handful of stray thoughts — to keep that thinker of yours busy until next time.

• It seems like a wasted opportunity to have the sea creature’s attack on Garret happen offscreen.
• Hopefully, there won’t be any time for wandering around the desert on the final episode.
• Will the season end with a cliffhanger, or tightly wrapped up?
• Will The Outpost be picked up for another season?
• Talon’s regret for the death of one of her creatures is a bit odd. Maybe a little out of character as well.
• Will the Greyskins catch up to our heroes before they make it home?
• With so many things still left up in the air, one thing is for certain — there is going to be a war!

What did you think of this episode of The Outpost? Will Withers die before he gets to see his son one last time? 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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