Welcome aboard to the world of the supernatural, Southern fried style. It’s Robert Kirkman’s Outcast, the Cinemax adaptation of his 2014-2018 Image Comics series. Set in Rome, West Virginia, Outcast is the story of Kyle Barnes, a man haunted in many ways by demonic possession throughout his life, and his return to his hometown of Rome to solve these mysteries after separating from his wife and daughter after his wife’s own demonic possession was misinterpreted as a domestic violence situation. In Season 2, the mysteries of Rome deepen for Kyle, and he’s thrust into the dual roles of demon hunter and caretaker for his young daughter Amber and traumatized sister Megan.
Kyle and Giles look for more allies in Rome, and Anderson and Sidney have a little theological discussion. Everyone else ponders on the definition of mercy. Let’s dive into “Mercy” — and as always, spoilers within.
1. Basement Storage
At long last, we have more insight into the motivations of the Church of the Beacon, and they appear to be based in good. The Church still has Sidney holed up in basement storage, a move that Reverend Anderson isn’t any fan of – – but Dakota isn’t a fan of the good Reverend either, mainly his violent methods for dealing with the demon threat. Dakota prefers to preach the gospel of compassion and community. Remember that her flock all have been through the same ordeal that Sidney (and Megan) have been through, and they fight the war with, well, mercy. (ROLL CREDITS!) Anderson is more of a realist when it comes to where Sidney will fall: “He won’t rise to your compassion.”
Here sets up what looks to be one of the battles for the final two episodes: The first is the obvious one: Kyle and the Reverend versus evil. The second is a battle within that larger one: Dakota versus the Reverend. I hope that latter one doesn’t come to pass; each does have valid points and could learn from the other. They’re stronger together.
Though I am now taking that idea back after seeing Anderson start to carve Sidney up like a Thanksgiving Turkey. Dakota is not going to like this.
2. Know Thy Enemy
Barnes the Senior’s papers leads Kyle to an idea: find out who in town has been taken by the demons and who hasn’t. If the latter, bring them to their side and warn them of the threat. He can come and help when they get changed, but strength in numbers. It’s a noble idea, but from the looks of the opening of this episode, most of this town is already under the influence. How successful will this be? Or is it time to just get the guns and the bombs and fight the Devil’s fire with fire.
3. The Question of Faith
“Superstition and religion are kissin’ cousins, you know.” – Sidney
It’s an interesting statement to consider, and one I would not be surprised has been considered by many a theologian over the years, not just Sidney and Anderson (and Anderson’s knife). How much of modern religion is based in fear? Having attended college in a very conservative, evangelical part of the country, I saw firsthand how much fear was baked into some of those denominations of Christianity, even some aspects of the Catholic faith that was my upbringing. But, my Catholic faith also preaches mercy – – a God that is merciful to his believers, the mercy we are called to show to others.
My Multiversity colleague Kevin Gregory is currently studying for his master’s in divinity at the University of Chicago, and I for one would love to hear his thoughts on Sidney’s assertion.
4. The Ballad of Helen Devere
In addition to a stockpile to rival the Department of Defense, Junkyard Bob’s also been hiding some bodies – – and the story – – of Helen Devere. We knew previously that she was someone Kyle’s dad Simon (he has a name now!) had captured to learn more about the demons, but she was more of a threat than many (except Simon) realized: she was trying to shut out the Beacons (the people like Kyle and his father). She wanted their light and discarded the rest: the human parts. Simon wanted to prevent this rampage so he took the lives of the Beacons before Helen could get to them, under the guise of – – you guessed it – – mercy.
Continued belowIs the death of innocents worth stopping the spread of demonic possession? In every battle there are due to be casualties, but did Simon’s means justfiy his ends – – especially when the demon threat lives on in Rome a generation later?
5. Bad Apples Don’t Spoil the Whole Bunch?
Not everyone in the Church of the Beacon is as wholesome as Dakota. The midwife she refers Megan to is quite fundamentalist in her beliefs, convinced that while Megan is free of the possession, her unborn child isn’t, and she has to be the one to get rid of it via a home-brewed abortion.
Fortunately, Megan is saved by Blake Morrow, a former Death Row inmate with ties to Kyle that Dr. Park saved in the hopes that he would find a new associate to help move past the Merge and bring the demons full circle into the world. Before Blake could accept Dr. Park’s offer (and he was very interested in doing so), he had to deal with unfinished business named Kyle Barnes and Reverend Anderson. He knows who Megan is, having visited her in an effort to find them earlier. Does this change which side he’s on?
5.5 Mommy’s Home
It’s been a long time since we’ve seen Sarah Barnes (Kyle’s mom), but she’s back in the closing moments of this episode – – and being held by a mysterious man that I thought was a really cleaned up Junkyard Bob at first but on second glance doesn’t appear to be the same man. It’s never been established that Kyle’s dad is no longer of this earth. Could this man be Simon Barnes?
Afterthoughts:
– Junkyard Bob’s arsenal puts what lives in the trunk of Baby the Impala to shame.
– More proof that the kids of Rome are a hell of a lot smarter than their adults:
“I’ve heard ‘shit’ before.” – Holly
“Please don’t tell your mom” – Blake
“It’s her favorite word.” – Holly
What did you think? Sound off on your own thoughts in the comments (but be mindful of spoilers)!
