Outer Range

I am almost finished with season 2. This is a very engaging story and I'm usually very anxious to see the next episode. When I started season 2, I realized I didn't catch a lot of critical parts of season 1 and I had to go back and rewatch parts of it. Either I have a really bad memory or the story is just too confusing to grasp the first time around. It was also helpful for me to go online and read a recap of each episode written by random people. So, if you're willing to put a little work into it, it's a fascinating story with a little sci fi thrown in. I would say the acting is superb. Josh Brolin, Lili Taylor, Imogene Poots are very good. It seems like season 2 is going at a much faster pace than season 1 but, again, you really have to pay attention. As others have mentioned, the singing and music choices are annoying and a few times I had to fast forward because it was like nails on a chalkboard. This is a gritty western type series with some fist fights, hunting scenes, and horse chases. I usually don't like that type of film, but this one has caught my attention.

Outer Range is a bit of a slow burn, adding to the struggle to watch the series, but I watched anyway because I was desperate for new content and there was just enough interest in the storyline to keep me watching. This series had supernatural overtones which I liked. Conceptually, this show is a bit out there. The story and Imogen Poots' character, Autumn Rivers, along with a few other characters were a bit wack-a-doo. Her presence and motive is uncertain and a little weak in terms of character development and story-building. Josh Brolin and Lil Taylor's performances were strong. Some scenes or episodes were a bit of a struggle to watch, but, overall, it was good, and I'm glad I watched it because there was a pay-off at the end of Season 1, and I came back looking for more in Season 2.

Lots of intelligent reviews about this show already so I'm going to just take this opportunity to talk about the amazing performances. In particular, Lili Taylor. I did not know I needed Lili Taylor as rancher matriarch in my life, but oh I really did. How I enjoyed watching her just own this part! The way she zig zags from wife to mother to slightly unhinged to feral while also somehow simultaneously heartbreakingly vulnerable and back again with absolute mastery. Even if I didn't like the show I'd watch it just to see what she's going to do next.

Fortunately I do like the show and am looking forward to season 3. I have absolutely no idea where it's going from here, but the easiest way to watch is just to accept it as it comes. I'm not even trying to figure it out. Just watch it and enjoy the surreal wonder of it.

There is a built up tension in the series that made me want to watch more and more episodes. However, it has some fundamental problems. The characters react quite strangely to human situations, for example the loss of relatives. Some of them even have robotic behavior in certain situations, such as Perry Abbott, and others have annoying behavior that makes you uncomfortable as a viewer, such as Autumn. In general, it feels like some of the characters suffer from psychiatric disorders for no apparent reason while others who are supposed to suffer from problems due to difficult past experiences, are too calm.

The plot is sometimes confused and some of the details in certain chapters are not relevant to the continuation. Despite this, I am waiting for season 3.

This show doesn't meet you half-way. It doesn't throw in 'eye candy' scenes or give you particularly likeable characters or hold your hand in any way. You have to either pay attention and fully-engage with it or go watch something else.

If you do stick with it, you'll be enjoying one of the most original, thought-provoking dramas in a long time. The central conceit is outrageous, but it works because the film-maker's commit to it and to delivering it in a very specific tone.

It's great to see a drama that takes bold risks with story-telling and, had it fallen flat, it would be still be laudable for that intention alone. But it doesn't fall flat - it works as a fine, ambitious piece of quality, high-end TV. Really looking forward to seeing where it goes in season 2.