"I don't wanna lose myself in love again,But my heartbeat, yes my beating heart,
My heartbeat keeps on hammering."
- "Heartbeat" - Bad Company
Previously on Outcast we have seen Kyle try to come to terms with his new found 'powers' of exorcising demons. Episode One dealt with Kyle and Reverend Anderson aiding Joshua Austin exorcise his demon to a positive and crucial end. Episode Two, which aired a few weeks ago, showed us through flashbacks Kyle's fractured relationship with his mother and how he lost her to demonic possession.
We are still unclear as to how and why Joshua and Sarah's exorcism had differing results, but that is what this first season hopes to answer. The third episode, "All Alone Now", shows us a new character, Blake, plagued by demonic possession and how Kyle and the Rev hope to rid him of his affliction. This new case is definitely different than the other two we have seen so far this season and is already proving to be a difficult task for our two heroes.
At one point in the episode Kyle tries reasoning with Blake (or the demon within?) saying he wants to learn why he is an 'Outcast' and what that term really means. Although we don't get much in the form of sensible and modest answers, Blake tries to appeal to Kyle's emotional state and his feelings for his family by attempting to trade visitation for Blake getting the 'demons' to leave Kyle and his family alone. An obvious ploy to deter the Rev and Kyle from furthering their intrepid exorcism on him, Blake states it would take a few years for the request to come to fruition. As Kyle seemingly has enough, he removes himself from the room and runs into Luke. This is where we see Luke, unknowingly, appeal to Kyle's own emotional state and we see how Kyle sympathizes with this man who is trying to make sense of a situation that he has no control. Kyle, having experienced first-hand how theses demons can rip everything you love from you, does the right thing and goes back to attempt to help the Rev.
This chapter in Outcast also gives more screen time to the 'B' and 'C' story lines. I'm really intrigued by Sidney, played wonderfully by Brent Spiner, and what he is up to exactly. I'm certain he is the one who killed the overly polite and friendly neighbor to Kyle, Norville. He most likely did this to keep a closer eye and tabs on Kyle and his comings and goings. The other story lines were from Mark and his wife, Megan. Mark is continuing his search in the woods and collecting evidence from the trailer he and Chief Giles found last episode. I'm not sure what it is that is going on in the woods or how that ties into the main story, if at all, but it's an interesting plot point nonetheless. Megan, on the other hand, is doing some reconnaissance of her own and looking into a man, Donnie Hamel, she knows from her past. What his connection is to Megan is still a mystery, but it definitely has her all shook up enough to make it an important element in the next few episodes.
What I enjoyed most about this third episode is that the gore and bleakness that is Kyle's world is still going at full speed. Most shows I know of seem to let up around the third or fourth episodes when it comes to the action or horror, but Outcast is operating on all cylinders through the first three episodes with no evidence of letting up. The blood and havoc are plenty in 'All Alone Now' and Outcast is quickly becoming my new favorite show on television at the moment.
Music from the Episode
- "Heartbeat" - Bad Company
When Blake and Luke are bowling
- "Send Me Your Love" - Fletcher Johnson
Megan's car stalls as she sees Donnie outside the hotel
Things To Notice
- Scripture from the episode, Isaiah 1:18 - "Come now, let us settle the matter, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Blake says this to the Rev.
- I thought it was interesting when Blake tells the Rev why he killed Luke's wife. He says, "Well, that is a long complicated story. And even if I were to tell you, I don't think you would comprehend it." I think we would all like to know that complicated story, Blake.
- I loved the conversation the Rev and Kyle had in the car on the way to the prison. The Rev quotes scripture to Kyle, more precisely Mark 6:7. "Calling the Twelve to him, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over impure spirits." The Rev then goes on to state that 'Jesus likes the buddy system'.
- Kyle's touch showed us something else this episode. When he finally touched Blake, Blake understood who Kyle really was and calls him 'Outcast'. What does the term mean to these demons?
- Did you notice...When Kyle says to Blake, "Don't f@#$ with me", Blake responds with, "Heaven forbid." Is that a literal reference to Kyle having Heavenly 'friends' or somewhat tied to Heaven? I just thought it was an interesting response by Blake and something that should be noted as we move forward.
- I have said this since the first episode, but I think that the Rev would harbor resentment that Kyle has specific 'powers' to combat the evil in this town and the world while the Rev seemingly has relatively none. Do you think this might be a plot point later in the season or the series?
- Why did Megan lose a couple seconds and why did she have frightening visions after Mark came to bed? Also, was there a reason her car stalled when she sees Donnie at the hotel?
- Did you notice...Sidney coughs up black blood (if that is blood). This obviously means he is a demon or worse, right? What is he up to? What is his relationship to Kyle and his mother?
Thank you for reading my Review of the third episode of Outcast - 'All Alone Now'! please comment below so we can discuss the episode and the series some more. Watch for my Advanced Preview of the fourth episode by tomorrow. Have a great week everyone!
