The Outpost Review: This Is One Strange Town (Season 2 Episode 2)

Talon is usually the first name that comes to mind when one thinks about The Outpost. She is a strong female lead who is always ready to kick some serious butt, whether it is the Prime Order or the Gray Skins.

The Outpost Season 2 Episode 2, “This Is One Strange Town,” goes a long way in showing that Talon isn’t the only force to be reckoned with.

Since the series debut, Imogen Waterhouse has always done a wonderful job portraying Gwynn Calkussar. She is essential to running the small town and also weaves the other character’s tapestries neatly together. Unfortunately, this causes her to sometimes feel like a side story more than a focal point. 

When Talon runs into Gwynn at the bar — who’s pleasantly plastered — it seems as though nothing has changed much. Gwynn spews out a bit of comic relief, giving us a chuckle — which is typically Janzo’s job. As Talon and Gwynn’s conversation progresses, Gywnn admits an unknown truth that spells out almost certain disaster for the Outpost. 

Between Garret’s death and the lack of allies in the fight against the Prime Order, Gwynn seems all but defeated. Talon, being the loyal friend she is, doesn’t allow Gwynn to wallow in her misery. She points out to Gwynn that this defeatist attitude is unlike her, and can lead to many deaths in the long run.

While this little pep talk doesn’t do a whole lot for me, Gwynn takes it to heart and uses it to develop a plan and bolster the troops into action.

Gwynn’s lack of experience is shown to us when she is within her chambers, but she never lets anyone — short of a close companion — in on the secret of how scared she actually is.

This is a great picture of how it must feel to be royalty — hiding one’s true feelings to achieve the greater good. It is almost like being a parent at times.

Her colleagues doubt her plans, but not necessarily her abilities. Gwynn’s white lie about having allies on the way shows her level of confidence in what they can all achieve together. 

The Outpost is the obvious underdog in the battle to come. Even if Talon can get control of her powers in time, the likelihood of the town winning against all the surrounding areas is only slightly more feasible. The deaths that may result in battle could still render the small town nearly vacant.

Who wins if there are only a few left surviving?

There is no doubt that Gwynn knows this deep inside, yet her brave front says otherwise. Waterhouse does an excellent job of playing both sides of the coin, flipping back and forth between them in public and in privacy.

Gwynn: I will not replace Garret with just anyone!

My favorite moments of this episode have to be Gwynn’s interactions with Tobin. She sees this man for exactly what he is the moment he arrives at the gates of the Outpost. 

Tobin tries his best to use his boyish charms on her, but Gwynn isn’t having it. She calls him out every chance she gets, watching his every move with skepticism.

While she doesn’t see his ultimate motive coming, it doesn’t stop her from avoiding it — at least not yet. Although Talon has actual fisticuffs with Tobin, Gwynn’s verbal brawl with him is more satisfying.

With the death of Garret and having no real counsel to speak of, Gwynn is more vulnerable than ever. I’m sure Tobin and his crew see this all and that is why they choose to act when they do.

I have a feeling that Gwynn will eventually begin to doubt her decision just like Talon is currently doing. It is hard not to believe what others say about you — even if you know they have an agenda of their own. Nagging persistence can manipulate just about anyone. 

So if this does happen and Gwynn falters on her decision, don’t be too hard on her for it. She is only looking out for her little town and not necessarily her own best interests. Gwynn has proven again and again that the Outpost is of utmost importance to her — neglecting her own needs in favor of her people.

If you haven’t yet watched the episode, don’t worry. It isn’t all doom, gloom, and drama. They leave plenty of time for Gwynn to play matchmaker between Janzo and Talon.

These segments between the chambermaid and Janzo are a hoot. Seeing Janzo done up as a “studly” version of himself is just bizarre enough to work. Okay, maybe not, but it is fun to watch nonetheless.

I’m a bit surprised that Talon takes notice of these changes in Janzo right off the bat. It makes me wonder if maybe — just maybe — Talon and Janzo could one day become a couple.

With the supposed death of Garret Spears destroying the love triangle that included Talon, a slot for love interest has been opened. Could this be a reverse version of Arrow’s Olicity in the making? Only time will tell for certain.

I guess there could also be some sexy male Blackblood that emerges from the portal at some point and sweeps Talon off her feet. This could maybe even put Talon in a similar situation as Gwynn. 

But I digress from making too many predictions on future episodes. I’m more the type who likes to see things pan out — enjoying the ride the writers set us upon. 

As you can see, even the portions of the episode that do not directly pertain to Gwynn, are still set in place by her highness. This proves her role in the series is now becoming more important than ever. It will be interesting to see if she keeps on this upward trend, making Gwynn’s name equal to Talon’s — instead of just an afterthought. 

The thought of these two ladies running the show together is rather exciting. It takes a lot of fortitude to temporarily write out a male lead, but this episode indicates that they can do fine without one.

What did you think of this episode of The Outpost? What did you think of Imogen Waterhouse’s performance? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Outpost airs Thursdays at 9/8c on the CW.

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