The Outpost Review: Go Ahead and Run (Season 3 Episode 7)

Under Janzo’s command, a new enemy rears its ugly head causing much turmoil amongst The Outpost. Quick thinking between friends keeps evil at bay — at least for the time being.

This episode shows both angles of a relationship. First, true friends want what is best for you, and second, some people are only looking out for themselves.

The Outpost Season 3 Episode 7, “Go Ahead and Run,” begins with Gwynn and The United approaching The Capital. The people of The Capital prepare for an all-out war before they realize they have already been compromised. Although the commander appears to be on their side, he doesn’t really have their best interest at heart.

Of course, this isn’t entirely the commander’s fault since he is under Yavalla’s control, but it still proves a valid point. Just because someone is standing next to you, doesn’t mean they are by your side. 

Trust and loyalty can be easily compromised. A seedling of a rumor can grow quickly into resentment once planted, acting similarly to the kinj in this scene.

Once the betrayal is exposed, actions grow like wildfire overtaking the entire Capital. This scene sets the tone for the episode much like less-than-honest intentions can poison a relationship. 

A few moments later we cut to Garret and Zed discussing the dynamics of their relationship while at the bar. Obviously, their connection is a strained one. While they have at least a few ounces of respect for each other, there isn’t much brotherly love between the two.

This concerns Garret, rightfully so, since they are in dire circumstances together. Who wouldn’t be cautious if their right-hand man wasn’t worried about keeping them alive? 

Fortunately, Zed reveals to Garret that he has nothing to worry about. 

Of course, one’s mind starts to wonder if Zed is only playing lip service to ease the tension between them until he explains himself. 

Zed cares deeply for Talon, and he only wants what is best for her. Typically the best for someone is what makes them happiest. Ergo, since Garret makes Talon happy, he must keep Garret alive.

It is kind of like an algebra problem where you have to figure out what “x” equals.

This really shows Zed’s depth of compassion for his fellow Blackblood. He chooses to work alongside someone he doesn’t particularly care for to keep her happy. This mirrors Tobin’s choice to marry another woman to protect Gwynn. 

Next, we move onto Janzo and Wren who are still struggling with a solution to the whole kinj dilemma. 

Janzo knows what Talon, Zed, and Garret are planning to do to Yavalla. He isn’t keen on the idea but realizes it may be their only solution. 

Knowing that Yavalla’s death would destroy Wren, Janzo does what he can to hide her from the truth.

At no point does he actually lie to Wren. Janzo only shields her from a blatant discussion about what could be inevitable. He simply spares her feelings in her own best interest, steering the others in different directions away from Wren.

This is yet another sign of love. 

Janzo is torn on what path to take. He knows what is best for Wren isn’t necessarily wisest for everyone else, yet he still attempts to serve them both to his ability.

It all seems to be playing out well enough until Garret, Talon, and Zed go off on their undercover mission. 

Putting Wren and Janzo in charge of The Outpost is a huge gamble from the get-go. While their relationship to humans and Blackbloods play out similar to Talon and Zed’s, the leadership role doesn’t come as naturally to them.

Wren: I hate my mother, but I don’t want her to die. She is all I’ve got!

The responsibilities weigh heavy on Janzo’s shoulders, and he informs Wren of this in not so many words. Although he has been given charge of things of less importance, Janzo now has multiple lives in his hands. If he fails in this, people will very likely die.

Wren, hearing the concern in his voice, comforts her man by bestowing confidence in him. 

Let’s face it, Janzo is far from the best choice in commander. His heart is in the right place, but he can be easily intimidated. 

Wren could tell him straight-up that this isn’t going to work out, she’ll take charge, and he can go on his merry way. Instead, she chooses to lift him up.

She understands that although Janzo may not be fit for a commander at this moment, he can grow into the role alongside her. 

Our friends see the best in us, even when we can’t. They see traits of our personality more clearly than we can and help us grow into better versions of ourselves.

This point is expeditated when soldiers of The Prime Order bully their way into The Outpost.

These soldiers are the pits. They come to Janzo asking for sanctuary from the battle they have fought against The United. They feign as exhausted allies only looking for food and rest, but they have much more in store for The Outpost.

Be warned my friend, wolves often come in sheep’s clothing. 

Occasionally in life, someone will come up to you who appears to be in need. A person down on their luck who sees you as just the right sucker to take advantage of. 

Sometimes these are the popular kids at school, other times it is the lazy co-worker with little merit of their own. No matter who it is, be wary of what is in the situation for them. Make sure you see their hand before throwing them an ace.

It isn’t long before the soldiers show their true motives — attempting to takeover The Outpost. 

Even with Wren stepping up while Janzo’s down, these soldiers have some underhanded tricks up their sleeves getting the best of the Blackbloods and humans alike.

Defeat is quickly handed to Janzo and Wren causing them to appear completely defenseless, but Janzo is never without his quick-witted mind. Although terrified and outnumbered, Janzo unravels a plan that doesn’t involve violence or unnecessary death. 

This is the leader that Wren knows Janzo can be. A man with more concern for his people than for himself. Janzo puts himself in harm’s way chancing being utterly destroyed to get food for everyone — what bravery!

Janzo proves himself to be a true friend to all people. He could just give up and let the soldiers take over, but he gambles with his own life instead. 

Real friends often choose to sacrifice themselves instead of asking others to sacrifice for them. It is a key element of love that is displayed in family dynamics, especially between parents and children. 

A father gives up his free time working extra hours to put his son through college. A mother lets go of her dreams to raise her special needs child full-time. These are painful choices, to say the least, but these are choices made out of love and compassion.

Be the friend who puts others first. Sacrifice your alone time to take a depressed friend out for a cup of coffee. Offer five bucks to the homeless man down the street — chances are you won’t miss it anyway. 

Take a page out of Janzo’s book and give all that you’ve got. For some people, it could mean the difference between life and death.

What did you think of this episode of The Outpost? How will Janzo and Wren regain control of The Outpost?  Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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