With all of the supernatural/horror/horror-lite/zombies-with-attitude TV shows coming out nowadays, it can be hard to pick out what’s actually worth your time. Whether or not you watch it, there’s no doubt that “The Walking Dead” started a major movement in horror television.
Procedural dramas like “Supernatural” and docu-dramas like “Ghost Hunters” used to be basically the only option. More and more we are treated to serial dramas like “Wayward Pines,” “American Horror Story,” and “Damien” (mentioned with the obligatory sad face :(). Even the classic procedural model has gotten a new spark of genius with shows like “iZombie” and the most recent season of “Supernatural.”
It can be a lot to keep up with. Even when a new show from the eternally incandescent mind of Robert Kirkman comes around, it can slide under the radar. Hell, let’s be real here; it’s fucking exhausting to keep up with everything you should know as a horror fan. So with Kirkman’s “Outcast” being made into a new series on Cinemax, I saw my opportunity to help. Without spoiling anything, here is what you should know about “Outcast” before it premieres on June 3rd.
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So far, Kirkman’s “The Walking Dead” has proven itself to be more influential than some dictators, spawning two successful televisions shows, a talk show, multiple games, on top of being one of the highest rated continuing comic series. Love it or hate it, fans of the comic know that the show diverges from its source material, featuring similar set-pieces with significantly altered outcomes and cast. As time has gone on, the two have come closer together, but there were some serious creative diversions in the first few seasons.
If the first episode of “Outcast” is an indicator, it follows much closer to the comic series than “The Walking Dead” did. It’s hard to tell at this point, of course, but many of the scenes, shots, and conversations are direct transfers from panel to screen. There are minor changes in characterization and ordering of events, but basically everything you see in the first episode is from either the first or second issue of the comic.
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Though also based on a Kirkman comic series, don’t expect a repeat of “The Walking Dead.” “Outcast” is a totally different world with a very different feel. It isn’t a Battle Pope shift in tone, but Kyle Barnes’ fight against demons is a much more personal affair than Rick’s struggle to keep his group together. There are far fewer characters to keep track of, and interpersonal drama is much more focused. This is about Kyle and Reverend Anderson learning how to fight evil together.
To that end, “Outcast” takes the established concept of possession in a new direction. Just because they use the terms “demon” and “exorcisms,” don’t think this is more Christian fan-fiction. I actually hesitate to call them demons, but even Kyle hasn’t figured out a better term yet. And just because they are exorcising doesn’t mean white men in frocks are shouting incantations while a child bends her back painfully. There’s as much punching and biting as holy water and scripture. Demons aren’t interested in corrupting your soul or opening a hell portal. For them, it’s all a battle for survival.
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What we know so far is that Kyle is what is known as an “Outcast.” As to what that entails (or what they are outcasts from), not even the comic has revealed yet. What it means for Kyle is that demons have been fucking with him his whole life. Possession seems to follows those around him like the plague. For all the problems this causes, it also seems to give him some power to hurt and even destroy them. If all this sounds vague, it is. In the two years that the comic has been around, we’ve only gotten hints as to the grander schemes and specifics of the relationship between Outcasts and demons. This isn’t a “possession-of-the-week” procedural, and their trial and error approach leads to as many failures as successes. Snippets of the story begin to paint a larger picture, and there is a grand conspiracy to unravel, but don’t expect a shocking reveal or sweeping resolution to each episode.
If you’re anything like me, you hate getting into a series just to find out it got cancelled before any real resolution. It sucks to commit to up to twenty-some hours of content only to be left high and dry. Well, there’s good news on that front, since even before the premiere “Outcast” has been renewed for a second season. Does that actually surprise anyone? It’s a Kirkman production; the guy is basically golden. Since it seems like this series is much more under his control, you can bet it will follow the comic and try to tell the full story. However, unlike “The Walking Dead” and Invincible, it seems at this point like it’s all leading to a specific end. While “The Walking Dead” will go on as long as people are alive to act monstrously, “Outcast” is all leading up to something major. That doesn’t mean it will be short. Like I said before, we’re two years into the comic, and nowhere close to a finale.
So if you are looking for a bleak, depressing, and brutally violent take on possessions, “Outcast” will deliver. Don’t expect a lot of fun and frivolity. These are deeply flawed and troubled characters facing an uncompromising and sinister threat. It doesn’t kill off characters like “The Walking Dead,” instead crushing your hope that anything might turn out well. It’s visually stunning, and Patrick Fugit nails the quietly troubled, yet explosive Kyle Barnes.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait until June 3rd to check out the first episode, “A Darkness Surrounds Him.” Watch it below courtesy of Cinemax:
As someone who has read the whole comic series, I have high hopes for the show. Seeing the demonic expulsion some to life was wonderfully disturbing, and the shot of the kid eating his finger was shocking even when I knew it was coming. Kirkman is in charge, and who better to make sure the IP is treated well? Look for the TV premiere on June 3rd, and stay tuned for our continuing coverage. I hope that I did my part to give you a bit of insight into the world of “Outcast.”
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