Tag Archives: outcast

TV Review: Outcast Episode S1E9 Close to Home

Outcast CinemaxKyle goes looking for Allison; Megan gets shocking news; and Anderson turns a bad situation into a worse one.

Outcast really shakes things up with this episode, and at the same time provides a very interesting contrast between Kyle and Rev. Anderson.

Based on the Skybound/Image comic by creator Robert Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta, this episode really emphasizes that the season has been setting Rev. Anderson and Kyle in opposite directions. As one has gained control over things, the other has been losing control. It’s really interesting and while it’s been going on throughout the season, it becomes very apparent here.

What I think is really great is Kyle’s growth when it comes to his daughter. This is really highlighted here where he’s on his own and has to deal with more domestic things like getting her to school and settled at her new home.

There’s also a big twists when it comes to the women on the show, and the less said the better. The episode really has two big shifts and what’s at the end is especially a solid change that I didn’t see coming.

With one more episode to go, the episode really ups the drama and tension. So much I wasn’t expecting and great to see the series is able to keep me on my toes this many episodes in. The series continues to impress and I can’t wait to see how the first season wraps up. Much like The Walking Dead, this series has elevated a genre that has played out and breathed new life into it.

Overall Rating: 8.65

TV Review: Outcast Episode S1E8 What Lurks Within

Outcast CinemaxRev. Anderson becomes increasingly alienated; Sidney’s revelation stuns Kyle.

Outcast reveals a hell of a lot in this episode which has Sindey laying a lot of things out to Kyle such as what is happening and why it’s happening around Kyle. While the word “demon” is never spoken, it’s interesting and just creepy enough to give me chills. Add in some history of Sidney that’s just downright fucked up, and you have an episode that does a hell of a lot with the time it has.

Based on the Skybound/Image comic by creator Robert Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta, this episode begins to lay things out as battle lines are clearly being drawn.

There’s also an interesting thing done with this episode with there clearly being good and bad as far as the battle to come, but even that clear line has a lot of gray. We think Sidney is as evil as they come but it turns out what’s inside may be better than what it took over for.

And for me that’s the most fascinating thing about this episode. Just when you think things are going one way, I’m not so sure that’s indeed what’s going on. And again Kirkman twists a genre we except one thing from, but get something slightly else.

This episode draws a lot of lines and it shakes things up a lot too. What’s the truth? What’s a lie? We have a few more episodes to find out but this series is only getting more interesting and entertaining as it goes on.

Overall Rating: 8.45

TV Review: Outcast Episode S1E7 The Damage Done

Outcast CinemaxKyle and Allison reconnect to their past; and Rev. Anderson overdoes it during Remembrance Day.

Outcast is fascinating in this seventh episode which moves so many stories forward and by doing so gives us parallel stories that make each other stronger.

Based on the Skybound/Image comic by creator Robert Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta, this episode is about Megan Holter and Allison Baker who both express or come to realize what has happened to them. Both in their different ways are violated and it’s almost this dual track is to emphasize that.

I can’t say for sure if Kirkman has purposely used the demonic possession trope as a way to explore rape and violating a person’s body, but this is the episode that makes me think there’s something there.

It’s an emotionally powerful episode for both characters and actresses who explore and express their pain in different ways. Both create the same result, a heartbreaking episode.

There’s also Remembrance Day which we learn is the death of numerous miners in the town. That results in a meltdown by Rev. Anderson, but what’s more interesting is that it’s also used to show off Kyle’s power. His touching of individuals and their reactions is a fascinating touch that shows how infected the town is.

This episode is an amazing one where so many stories move forward and the actors give emotional performances that are all top notch. A fantastic episode of a series that’s delivered so consistently.

Overall Rating: 8.65

TV Review: Outcast Episode S1E6 From the Shadows It Watches

Outcast CinemaxRev. Anderson’s powers are tested; Patricia reaches out to Kyle; and Sidney issues a warning.

Outcast is all tension in this episode that has various players jockeying for position. Mostly the episode is Rev. Anderson coming to the realization that he’s really bad at his job and that the people he thinks he had performed exorcisms were a failure. The other half of the episode is Kyle coming to grips with his destiny and abilities and that he needs to work with the Reverand.

Based on the Skybound/Image comic by creator Robert Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta, the series is fantastic at setting up the mood and plays with the tension quite well. This episode is a lot of build-up and things come together and should hurtle things forward.

The series has one a really good job of teasing just enough to keep you going, but not enough that you know everything that’s going on.

I’ll say, out of all of the episodes, this one is the weakest in that other than a few key scenes, it feels like an episode that could have been a part of other episodes. It’s slow, but it’s a key episode because it really moves things forward as either hands are played or certain decisions are made.

Outcast continues to be one of the best comic adaptations of the year, and if you’re a fan of the comic or of horror, this is a show you should be checking out.

Overall Rating: 7.35

TV Review: Outcast Episode S1E5 The Road Before Us

Outcast CinemaxKyle urges his estranged wife to meet with him; Chief Giles is suspicious of his best friend and shadows him.

Outcast really ups the tension with this episode as Kyle is convinced his estranged wife is still possessed but is she? I seriously have no idea!

Based on the Skybound/Image comic by creator Robert Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta, the series is a fantastic religious horror story brought to television. And it’s one that is slowly teasing out exactly what’s going on. At its heart, the series is much like Kirkman’s other work and its true focus is the characters, not the scares.

This episode really dives into Kyle’s relationship with his wife and by having us question all the exorcisms that have been completed we wonder if this one was successful too. But, his wife has no idea what occurred and has been fed the story that Kyle was abusive towards her. Their child unwilling to speak up, she’s just uncomfortable around her mom and wants to be with her dad. It’s an interesting discussion around spousal rights and abuse and I’m sure much can be written about this aspect alone.

And it’s that tension of who and who isn’t possessed that works so well in the series. There’s clearly failures, but, is it everyone? Have there been some successes? We don’t know for sure, but from what we’ve seen, not likely.

The series has done an amazing job at building the tension with each episode and drawing us into the mystery. There’s all sorts of allegories that can be discussed about the idea of sleeper possessed individuals, and that’ll get explored at other times, but right now, this continues to be one of the best comic television adaptations out there.

Overall Rating: 8.35

TV Review: Outcast Episode S1E4 A Wrath Unseen

Outcast CinemaxThe intrigue intensifies in town as Anderson uncovers startling news about someone close to him, and Megan holds fast to her secret.

Outcast does so much with its time in this fourth episode. The series intelligently packs in so much information with a simple sentence or a small moment. Multiple characters are given so much depth and, at the same time, the episode manages to move the main story along, while giving a hell of a revelation to that too!

Based on the Skybound/Image comic by creator Robert Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta, the series dives a bit more into the horror aspects of the show, even pulling out the “quick jump” scare a few times on the episode. It’s something that the series hasn’t done a whole lot, so pulling it out this far into the series is impressive (and shows some restraint for going the easy route).

The episode revolves a lot about Megan, and we learn much more about the person she noticed in the last episode. That has her showing off her strength and is used in ways that also adds to other characters and sends one in a rather interesting direction. That interesting direction also touches upon modern day issues concerning our police force. It’s a small touch, but one that’s fantastic to see in a show.

While Outcast is a horror show at its core, it’s so much more as this episode shows. Much like Kirkman’s other creation, The Walking Dead, the show is about the characters at its core. They may be dealing with the supernatural, but they’re also very human. Each episode has built upon the last and keeps on surprising in what might be one of the best comic television adaptations of the year.

Overall Rating: 8.35

SDCC 2016: More Skybound Exclusives including Saga Figures, Outcast Vol. 2, Walking Dead Compendium Vol. 3

Skybound is rolling out more exclusives for San Diego Comic Con 2016. They previously announced an item for The Walking Dead and another for Outcast, and now we have items from Saga, and more for Outcast, and The Walking Dead.

They’ve also announced they’ll be announcing exclusives every day this week!

Saga Figure Alana and Marko 2-Pack ($50)

Skybound is proud to present Alana and Marko from Brian K. Vaughn and Fiona Staple’s groundbreaking series Saga, available in action figure form for the first time! Each figure stands 5 inches and is paired with iconic weapons, like Alana’s mace and Marko’s sword. These figures were designed by McFarlane Toys and will be available at our Saga Shop booth #2629B.

Saga-2-pack-package Saga-2-pack-front Saga-2-pack-back

Outcast Volume 2 Hardcover ($30)

This convention exclusive edition collects Outcast by KIRKMAN & AZACETA issues #7-12 in hardcover for the first time!

Outcast Volume 2 Hardcover

The Walking Dead Compendium Three Hardcover ($100)

This limited-run hardcover edition of Compendium 3 is gold foil-stamped and contains The Walking Dead issues 97-144!

The Walking Dead Compendium Three Hardcover

TV Review: Outcast Episode S1E3 All Alone Now

Outcast CinemaxA strange possession confronts Kyle and Rev. Anderson.

By focusing on a murder and possession, the third episode of Outcast lifts the curtain a bit on the history of Reverend Anderson and how he may have more in common with Kyle than first realized.

The episode does a fantastic job of focusing on the two and using their situation to reveal new information for the viewers. And it’s information that adds depth to each showing the show is much more than the scares. Like creator Robert Kirkman’s other work, this too is about the characters more than anything else.

Based on the Skybound/Image comic by creator Robert Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta, the series still is a horror show revolving around religion and demons and the bigger picture is slightly teased here. We get a better idea of who or what the “Outcast” actually is.

This episode isn’t just about Barnes and Anderson though. It gives ample time to give the tertiary characters something to do. And each of those tasks and moments too add depth to each.

This series continues to impress and competes as to being one of the best comic adaptations on television. The story is well paced and the actors feel like they embody their characters, really bringing them to life.

The series may be slow for some, but its ability to build tension through that is a feature, not a flaw, and one of the things I like most of the series. Each episode has layered on more and more to what I’m sure will be an eventual cathartic release.

If you’re a horror fan, or fan of the comic series, this is one show you’ll want to check out.

Overall Rating: 8.05

TV Review: Outcast Episode S1E2 (I Remember) When She Loved Me

Outcast CinemaxWarning his congregation about the evil in their town, Anderson encourages two parishioners, Patricia and Mildred, to be part of his ‘righteous army.’ Kyle takes matters into his own hands regarding his mother. Chief Giles and Mark Holter (Megan’s husband) of the Rome PD investigate a macabre forest ritual. Sarah receives an ominous visit.

The second episode of Outcast is an interesting one in that it runs a dual narrative whose job it is to get us moving to the conflict to come, but also continue to introduce us to Kyle Barnes, the main character played by Patrick Fugit.

Based on the Skybound/Image comic by creator Robert Kirkman and artist Paul Azaceta, the series is a twist on a genre perfected by The Exorcist, but mixed with a small town aesthetic and sub plots of abuse within the family, the series continues to stand out on its own.

As I said, the episode’s focus is to get the ball really rolling and we see that primarily through Anderson and the police investigation. These clearly malicious forces and most likely the mutilation of animals is tied to the possessions that are happening throughout the area. How they’re connected is the big question.

But, while that’s being sent up, the heart of the show is Barnes. We learn more about his experience with his mother as well as his former wife and daughter. All of this while he attempts to integrate into a town that’s weary of him. The apprehension is clear as Fugit deftly plays it all with a slightly withdrawn twist that feels like he’s feeling out the world around him. You can see his weariness of beginning to turn his life around and getting things in order, all the while trying to figure out what’s going on. Mix that all in with a sadness about it all that’s clearly delineated between Barnes and those he interacts with. There’s a dark cloud that seems to follow him and the show plays that off well.

We’re two episodes in and the series feels beyond tense as it builds what’s to come. While the subject of it all may seem familiar, the show is setting itself apart with fantastic acting and little details that sets it apart.

ngOverall Rating: 7.95

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