The Outpost Review: From Paradise to Hell and Back (Season 3 Episode 10)

If we are being honest with ourselves, we understand that not all relationships are created equal. For every loving and positive relationship we see, we know someone else with a negative connection. The Outpost Season 3 Episode 10, “From Paradise to Hell and Back,” examines the inner workings of these more toxic relationships exposing the lies we tend to believe in the name of love. 

As the episode opens, Wren and Yavalla discuss/argue over Yavalla’s source of power. Yavalla claims to love her kinj and the power it brings her, while Wren refuses to believe that her mother is working under her own actions.

Nearly every mother and daughter have a complicated relationship. No matter how good their mother is, the younger woman never wants to become exactly like their senior. It seems like the female persuasion lives in perpetual fear of taking on their mother’s negative traits.

Mothers, on the other hand, feel they know exactly what kind of life their daughter needs to live, and will do whatever is in their power to mold them into a better version of themselves. Unfortunately, this can include a decent amount of meddling. 

Obviously, this creates some not so great circumstances from the start for Wren and Yavalla, but adding in the manipulative power of the kinj multiplies the danger.

Yavalla will rest at nothing to convince Wren that taking the kinj will be the best decision of her life. They will be connected like never before bringing their relationship to its highest level. Skeptical, Wren disagrees with her motives. 

Yavalla: I am a god!

Wren sees The United as slaves to her mother, and rightfully so. They have had no choice in becoming these docile beings who live in a reverie-like state until called into action. They have had no option to refuse Yavalla’s dominance under their own power and a sound mind. 

Seriously, isn’t this the definition of slavery?

For as toxic as Wren’s relationship is with Yavalla, Yavalla’s relationship with The United is even worse. Their forced union paints a metaphoric picture of an abusive relationship.

I will not mince words here, men who physically abuse women are bad, not just bad — they are the worst! They use their power and actions to convince the woman they are with that they are acting in their best interest, while that is far from the truth. 

Yavalla uses the power of speech and mind control to keep her dominance over her people — similar to the way Hitler controlled the Nazis. This is not to excuse every Nazi’s behavior, just a way to put the twisted relationship into perspective. Basically, The United is good and everyone else out of the circle is bad or simply misguided.

The people of The United have no power to resist. They are convinced that they are in a paradise when hell is their actual resting place. 

How is it possible to convince someone that what they consider pleasure is actually killing them? Honestly, it is nearly impossible without an intervention of some sort. 

Wren’s words to her mother about the situation falls on deaf ears, and eventually she is drawn into the group as their newest member. Wren is quickly fooled into feeling what her mother and the others feel. It is like a euphoric drug, blurring reality and taking control.

Wren is powerless to break free from The United — instantly addicted to this synthetic nirvana. 

To a somewhat lesser degree, Tobin and Gwynn’s relationship has begun to grow signs of toxicity. Throwing Falista into the mix only further complicates things. 

All of them are hurting from the decision Tobin made to marry Falista. They have been thrust into dire consequences and asked to act like they are friends.

Gwynn loves Tobin, and Tobin loves Gwynn. Falista, on the other hand, holds to the past when she and Tobin were together. Although she wants what is best for Tobin, she doesn’t have the pure love Tobin has for Gwynn.

This love triangle is fun to watch as heat rises between the three, but I definitely wouldn’t want to be a part of it. 

Hearts are torn in opposite directions and at the same time causing strain on their character and well being. In this situation, do you follow your heart or your head? Sadly, when so much emotion is involved, both could be lying to you.

With raised voices and heightened tempers, the three of them bare claws at each other at various times and in multiple different ways. Their undesirable circumstances bring out the best and worst in them simultaneously. 

Fortunately, their need to fight shows their love for each other. Not one of them becomes docile or complacent. This shows that they can overcome the bizarre love triangle and become better versions of themselves. 

The best parts of us are forged in fire, and not even the test of time can weather the hardened new being we become. 

Gwynn has been proof of this over the last three years. Her character has grown exponentially — molding her into a great ruler over The Outpost. She uses her learned lessons as guides into new territory, and I feel she will continue to do this with her current circumstances. 

Toxic relationships strip us down and can nearly destroy us. But if we see them for what they are, we can overcome the hate and pain and use the pieces to rebuild. After all, it isn’t about how you have fallen, but how you reach the top again.

What did you think of this episode of The Outpost? How will they ever be able to defeat Yavalla? 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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