Outcast: Robert Kirkman's new horror series is full of angry demons

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Outcast: Robert Kirkman's new horror series is full of angry demons

June 07, 2016 - 21:35
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From creator of The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman, Outcast is a brand new horror series, which stars Patrick Fugit as the very unfortunate Kyle Barnes.

Philip Glenister in Outcast

By Anna May

From creator of The Walking Dead, Robert Kirkman, Outcast is a brand new horror series, which stars Patrick Fugit as the very unfortunate Kyle Barnes. You’ll soon see why.

Having returned to his home town, the first episode sees Kyle reliving past traumatic events in the house he used to share with his mother, Sarah. In spite of rumours that Sarah was possessed, some townsfolk refuse to believe it, but the local reverend knows different. Philip Glenister also stars as the drinking, smoking, poker playing Reverend Anderson, who seems to have already seen more than his fair share of demons.

Initially, as someone who absolutely loved Glenister as Gene Hunt in Life on Mars and Ashes to Ashes, I found it hard to connect with his Southern American accent. Not to worry, though, because he’s pretty convincing and I’ve happily watched him as an American before, so no big deal for me in the long-term. Also, his character is appealingly rough and ready, so stand by for some indiscriminate punches in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Fire up the cross bro! Sorry…old habits.

Anyone who remembers a TV series called Demons from a few years back will already know Glenister is entirely capable of playing mentor and side-kick to anyone just starting out in a career of exorcism. Sadly, Demons didn’t make it to a second series, so he didn't get the chance to reprise his role as Rupert Galvin. However, it’s fairly similar to the role he plays here, so I’m already committed to seeing this through to the end.

Each episode looks set to focus on isolated cases of possession, but Kyle’s first battle alongside Reverend Anderson provokes the sinister entity inhabiting a small boy into warning him he’s already known to the enemy. Kyle, himself, doesn’t appear to be possessed, but a dark theme emerges as his past is slowly uncovered…and, as other characters are introduced, we’re soon made aware that there’s more to this than just a weekly slap in the face for Old Nick.

As for the dialogue, it's realistic and feels more generous to the viewers than it does the writers. I was allowed to watch and discover at a natural pace, without unnecessary conversations bombarding me with answers to questions I hadn’t even been given the chance to ponder yet. By the end of the episode, I’d found out all I need to know…for now…and I’m looking forward to a gradual uncovering of even more horrors throughout the series that will add to the strength of the story.

I think it’s safe to say, these two loners are destined to team up and face their demons together. One with a cross, holy water and anything else the Devil hates about God…the other with his very own secret weapon. What is that? Watch and find out.

One thing’s for sure, each episode is going to be full of angry demons and shockingly violent scenes. During the first episode alone there is plenty to feast your eyes on, so if you’ve a fondness for a bit of Satan bashing, this is definitely for you.

Outcast: Fox TV – Tuesday, 10pm

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scottss's picture

Along with Preacher, these two shows will be the best thing over summer. Great acting. Interesting opening episodes. I hope the quality lasts!