The Outpost is CW’s new summer series that revolves around a young woman named Talon (Jessica Green) who is the sole survivor of a race of beings known as Blackblood’s. It is a story of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and revenge as Talon journey’s to avenge her friends and family who were massacred. There isn’t much unique about this show just yet as it starts out feeling like just about every other action adventure show that has preceded it like
Xena,
Hercules,
Cleopatra 2525, and
Legend of the Seeker. Judging from the first episode, it may struggle initially to craft its own identity, but the potential is there for it to build into something uniquely its own. It is a fun show and as long as you go into watching it with realistic expectations this should be an entertaining summer viewing experience. This show clearly doesn’t have a large budget, but the writers and performers did the best with what they were given and managed to produce a fun hour of television.
The majority of this episode focuses on drilling into the viewer that without question Talon is a loner content with being on this mission alone. She does on occasion let down her ironclad walls, but she’s been hurt enough times in her life that trust isn’t something she gives out easily. She is fierce and doesn’t take flak from anyone. Talon's journey leads her to a desolate fortified outpost where the other series regulars are introduced, Garret (Jake Stormoen) is a soldier who does seem to at least make a tiny dent in Talon’s emotional defenses and Gwynn (Imogen Waterhouse) has a tumultuous first meeting with Talon but there is friendship potential between them. Gwynn also happens to have some sort of relationship with Garret, but what they are to each other isn't clear. The first episode establishes what could be a rather complex working relationship between the three of them as they each come with some sort of complicated baggage. The ending of the episode involves a fight complete with bloodshed, an ominous message, and a rather ambiguous final shot that could make for some interesting stories to follow.
Series lead, Jessica Green, has some acting roles under her belt but is new in the role of a series lead. Shows succeed or fail on the shoulders of the lead and while she is clearly talented her naiveté as a lead is obvious at times. There are moments where she really nails a scene and others where she clearly struggles to capture the essence of the moment. However, despite the stumbles, she does respectably shoulder this episode and it’s clearly evident why she was cast in this pivotal role. As she comes into the role and settles into the material she could be a strong lead for this series. She is clearly a talented actress with a ton of potential to help drive
The Outpost to great heights.
The Outpost is fun summer entertainment. The plot moves at a fast pace and this first episode does a good job of setting up the storylines that will drive this season. This show is not perfect, but for those that really loved those old syndicated action-adventure shows, this should be an enjoyable story to follow. Go into it with realistic expectations and just settle back for some good fantastical action-adventure television.
The Outpost premieres on the CW on
Tuesday, July 10th at 9/8c. If you are outside of the US, it will air on international Syfy networks, so be sure to check your local schedule to see when and where you can watch this show.
Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments. Is this a show you'll be watching? If so, what are you most hoping will happen within the story?
