The Outsider

It started out excellent, but after a few episodes it divert from the book, probably to extend it to ten episodes. Nevertheless it is a good show. Casting is great, and it keeps the tension and keeps you interested even if you have read the book

In Cherokee City, Georgia, young Frank Peterson is found brutally murdered. Police detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) leads the investigation. All evidences point to amiable kids' baseball coach Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman). His wife Glory (Julianne Nicholson) is shocked when he gets arrested on the field. He maintains his innocence and has an indisputable alibi. This case has overwhelming evidences on both sides. With such conflicting clues, Anderson resorts to peculiar private investigator Holly Gibney.

This is like True Detective with a splash of supernatural from by Stephen King. It's got great actors like Ben Mendelsohn doing good character work. It has good atmospherics and great crime drama feels. It's a limited series. I do get frustrated with Ralph as he keeps his denial for too long. The start is addictive. It has its fun surprising weirdness.

Starts off pretty straightforward, but then the plot thickens... and you're hooked. Some of the adaptations of Stephen King's stories end up atrocious messes, but this one has real potential! Sublime acting.

If only HBO would release the entire series at once. I hate waiting for new episodes. ;)

First 2 episodes were very promising and intriguing, directed by Justin Bateman who also performed as a main character. Then the next 8 episodes feel so long, dragging along the story with slow development and minor characters mixing it up.

The reason I kept watching was because of Cynthia Erivo's wonderful performance as Holly. Positive note to Ben Mendonsohn acting too.

In the end, I feel this could have been an 5 episode series or a 2h movie.

Ben has to be the best Australian actor we've had in a very long time. From Bloodline to this... the diversity of his roles and the way he goes about them. He is just brilliant and this may just be his best work yet (Bloodline is tough to beat).