The Outpost Review: They Bleed Black Blood (Season 4 Episode 5)

It seems like everyone in the world has a word of advice for someone else. Drink more water, carry an umbrella, and make sure to stand up straight. Some of these words can be quite helpful, while others are just ramblings of a loudmouthed fool — it can be hell deciphering which ones to heed.

Apparently, this is also true for our lovable friends at the Outpost.

The Outpost, Season 4 Episode 5, “They Bleed Black Blood,” puts several characters in situations where they get to choose to listen to those around them or lean on their own understandings. With pitfalls rising at an alarming rate, Tobin, Talon, Garret, and even Munt get nearly unlimited chances to make educated guesses or heed the advice of fools.

Early on in the episode, Tobin and Garret have a heart-to-heart about the Outpost’s new queen, Falista. She appears out of control, ruled by her kinj, and bloodthirsty. Garret points out repeatedly that this isn’t the Falista Tobin fell in love with.

As Garret deals out words of wisdom to Tobin, he does not step as lightly as he should. He uses harsher language than is needed, causing Tobin to go on the defense.

When a person is advising on someone that is cherished, it is hard to listen to the bitter truth. We paint lovely pictures in our minds and want nothing to destroy them. Sadly, we ignore glaring imperfections in the shading, shadowing, and overall execution.

Since Garret speaks the truth in love, Tobin can put aside his anger and focus on the meaning behind the words. His feelings are hurt, but Garret’s point is valid. Tobin decides to talk Falista into releasing her kinj.

Tobin: Give up your kinj; give it to somebody else.

Tobin quickly leaves Garret to appeal to Falista, hoping he can talk some sense into her. He is coyer than Garret with his approach to his wife, making it seem as though he is doing her a favor. Let’s retire from this hectic lifestyle, and give up that darn kinj while you’re at it!

Although Tobin does his best to play it smooth, Falista sees his intentions as being devious. 

In all honesty, Tobin doesn’t have a desire to leave behind the throne. He uses this ploy to soften the blow of his ultimate request. His aim is noble, but his approach negates the fact.

Using less than honorable tactics to do something positive hurts your character — making you appear as an untrustworthy friend. 

Falista sees this for what it is and refuses his request — I can’t necessarily blame her. Tobin should have been upfront with his wife, giving her the respect she deserves and hashing it out like adults. Instead, he has just angered her.

Frustrated, Tobin goes off to talk to Munt. He isn’t looking for advice from Munt, only to find some solace in a close friend. Tobin ends up with both.

When we speak to our friends, we share our personal stories. Through these personal stories, we sometimes hand out life lessons, teaching others how to navigate similar terrain. 

Munt speaks of how he handled situations with his mother. He went along with what she said to protect her. Agreeing with her meant sticking close to her side — the best way to keep her safe.

Upon hearing these words, Tobin has an epiphany. He must do everything he can to protect Falista, even if that means feigning approval of her judgments.

I feel Munt at no point wanted to tell Tobin how to deal with Falista. He simply had no intent with his words, only to share a moment of his life. 

This is why we have to be mindful of what we say. Someone is always listening and interpreting the meaning of our words. 

Happy with this new nugget of knowledge, Tobin feels the need to assist Munt similarly. Tobin has had his fair share of romantic relationships, so he seems best suited to guide Munt in the ways of love.

Munt listens carefully to Tobin’s well-intended words, taking them as gospel. He doesn’t take in the factor of his personality or Warlita’s. This ends up being a huge mistake. 

We often assume that if something worked well for someone else, it will work equally well for us — but that simply isn’t true. 

Simple scenarios don’t always have the same solution. Personalities weigh heavily into each situation causing unpredictable circumstances. 

If someone is a hothead, it may be safe to assume how they will react in a given situation, but add in someone who is unruffled by dire circumstances, and the variables go through the roof.

Munt or Tobin do not consider this, and the results are a hilarious catastrophe. 

With all these different scenarios happening back-to-back, it is easy to believe that maybe we shouldn’t take advice from anyone. After all, these characters only had small victories at best, no matter the approach.

But I say to you this, look to Talon and Zed or Wren and Janzo.

Throughout the episode, Talon and Zed run into different perils. Each time they stop for a second, communicate openly, and debate the best way to move ahead.

Janzo and Wren act nearly identical. Surveying the possible outcomes and weighing the pros and cons of each situation.

Neither set of friends get caught up in their feelings or untruths. They rely on honest, well-thought-out ideas to prosper. Of course, this doesn’t fix every problem they come across, but it makes their situations less dire. 

In most scenarios, Garret, Munt, Falista, and Tobin, handle things with a singular mentality. But Janzo, Wren, Talon, and Zed, come to conclusions with a hive mind, looking out for the best in the entire party. 

This rather fun episode keeps us on our toes while highlighting the importance of the decisions we make. We can look out for ourselves, we can look out for others, or we can simply look out for everyone involved. 

I truly feel that the last option is the best way to go through life because no answer blankets every situation.

What did you think of this episode of The Outpost? What will happen when they arrive at The Capital? 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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