The Outpost Review: Under Yavalla’s Control (Season 3 Episode 5)

No matter who you are life is hard. Rich or poor, black or white, king or pheasant, we all have varying difficulties every day. And right now on The Outpost, life is excruciatingly troublesome.

The Outpost Season 3 Episode 5, “Under Yavalla’s Control,” shows us not only how to live through several hardships, but encourages us to take the heavy trodden road to the greater good.  

With The Outpost under great duress, it would be much simpler for our favorite characters to take the easy way out. They could feign ignorance until a chance of escape presents itself, or simply give into Yavalla’s control. Let the credits roll and move onto the next show. 

But then they wouldn’t be considered heroes now would they?

No, heroes fight for what is right — no matter the cost. They put themselves in situations that could cause them great harm to bring justice into the world. 

After Gwynn meets with Tobin at the end of Season 3 Episode 4, Garret and Talon assume the worst. It only makes sense that the kinj would be passed to Tobin immediately to expedite the Priestess’ plan. 

Garret and Talon could leave their friend and move onto other means of rescue. Come on, it is more than likely a lost cause. No use playing in the fire. 

On the contrary, they decide that even though it is the tiniest of chances that he isn’t being controlled, it is worth the risk. 

Imagine having to take one of your best friends by surprise in a dark alley. Not for fun, but to gain the upper hand on them. That sounds like the beginning of a pretty horrible day for me. 

A bag over his head, and purposely knocking him unconscious spells out a kidnapping, plain and simple. There aren’t many ways to whitewash it. 

Once subdued, Garret and Talon add insult to injury by locking him in a cage. Not a 10×10 cell, but a claustrophobic cage. Nowhere to sit, squat, or even stretch out.

A cage strictly meant for a prisoner. 

A confused Tobin asks every question he can spout off while still under the cloak of darkness. It gives us a good laugh as he wonders if he is dead and headed into the afterlife, but for Tobin it has to be a bit terrifying. 

Although the end justifies the means, this situation could have ended much worse. Luckily, Zed’s kinj comes in handy, proving that Tobin is on the up and up. Tempers are defused and allies are made once again.

Later on, the cutest new couple to hit television so far this season — Janzo and Wren — discuss ways to end Yavalla’s reign of terror. Again, there are simple ways to go about this. As they converse, each easy method slowly falls apart, spelling disaster for all who are involved.

Only one way seems most likely to work — kill Yavalla for everyone’s freedom. 

It is pretty self-explanatory why Wren is disgusted by the prospect. Who could blame her? I don’t want anyone to harm someone in my family, let alone stand aside and let them be murdered!

How could Janzo even suggest such a thing in Wren’s presence? Oh, I know. He is looking to achieve the greater good.

Janzo: This is a bad bloody plan!

Janzo is upfront with his girlfriend. He doesn’t want to beat around the bush or mix words. He simply wants to deliver the message of what everything could boil down to.

This is not an easy thing to explain to the woman who you only recently connected with, but he does it out of love and concern.

Under playful banter, heightened tempers, and extreme frustration, Wren agrees that if worse comes to worst she will not get in the way if things go awry. 

Throughout this whole ordeal, Tobin experiences a sense of uselessness and feels the need to rescue Gwynn from the clutches of evil. He can’t stand to see his love being controlled against her will and must do something to help her. 

When the suggestion comes about that they take Gwynn by force, Tobin is reluctant. He doesn’t want to bring harm her way, let alone force her into a cage until they can “fix” things. 

I’ve never visited a loved one in jail but I can imagine it is truly heartbreaking. Seeing freedom torn from their life must be excruciating, and even more so with you having a hand in their capture. 

Fortunately, Tobin realizes that this may be the best thing to keep her safe from not only Yavalla, but herself as well. Acting against your own will can become quite problematic when it comes to health and safety. 

Tobin doesn’t go into the decision lightly. He tells himself that if this is going to work, he will have to put himself in extreme danger to make things work under the guise of a sheep giving himself up to the wolves.

Of course, this wouldn’t be The Outpost if things didn’t go off less than splendidly, causing Talon to make an unexpected sacrifice. 

A wonderfully choreographed fight scene ensues the rescue of Gwynn giving us a couple of breathless moments not knowing who will exactly win the battle. Heroes and villains are perfectly matched, each gaining the upper hand at pivotal moments. The fight isn’t done until one has fallen.  

Talon’s blade is the victor, but at what cost?

She makes a decision much as Tobin did on Season 3 Episode 4. Ultimately Gwynn is saved, but her heart is crushed in the process. 

Gwynn will experience such loss when she finally gets in control of her own body again. One can’t but feel bad for her already.

This woman has faced such tragedies in her young life. Death, dishonor, and flat-out betrayal — yet still, she fights to be a just queen.

How will she face the aftermath of all this hell she has been a part of? Only time will tell.

Talon isn’t done choosing the hard road for this episode though. With the escape of the prisoners and The Outpost left without a leader, she must step up and become something she never wanted to be.

She is the common tie between Blackbloods and humans — the only one who has fought for the betterment of both sides. What better person than Talon to lead them in their next step towards harmony? 

Still trying to cling to her lone wolf status, Talon isn’t feeling the leadership role.

Ruling over one set of people must be hard enough, but Blackbloods, Blackfists, and humans have different goals and morals. How can one unite a group unwilling to compromise with each other?

How poetic for an episode like this to air during this extremely controversial election. 

People are torn between friends and family, looking for a leader out of the darkness. Should they go on as they did before or choose a higher path?

With different morals and standards, it is easy to view people with opposing views as the enemy — but truly they are not. 

They are trying to do what is best, even if that means taking the hard road. It may not be the most popular decision, but try to realize, they believe what they are doing is right. 

Just like the Blackbloods, Blackfists, and humans, we must unite under empathy. 

We all know how it feels to be cast down. Take this time to raise each other up under one great nation.

What did you think of this episode of The Outpost? How large will Yavalla’s army grow on the way to The Capital? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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

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