Episode Guide
Episode 1 -| Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 2 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 3 -| Review Score – 3.5/5 Episode 4 -| Review Score – 4/5 Episode 5 -| Review Score – 3.5/5
Season 2 of The Outlaws on Prime is a hit because it is serious and wrapped up in a light-hearted comedy. Season 1 had its rough edges, but season 2 perfectly manifests that idea and more.
This season, the outlaws have to work together to get out of their last season’s mess. They also have to face personal demons that threaten to derail their lives. This requires the group working together and helping each other out in both situations.
The Dean has an overwhelming presence in this season’s storyline, compared to the mere mention of his existence in the last. He demands that the outlaws repay his money – that Frank, Myrna, and John have already spent – along with interest.
The outlaws in this story are left to deal drugs on their own and make the operation an efficient one so as to adhere to the given timeline. That pretty much sums up the overarching storyline within which Merchant and his team also carve out space for personal alliterations common in the lives of the outlaws.
Season 2 is especially brilliant for its much more complex handling of thematic exposition that was left untouched in the last. It seemed that Merchant and co were just finding their feet with the story and characters in season 1. They seemed reluctant to explore the characters and themes more than anything that didn’t have to do with the underlying plot. ..
This season, within the same number of episodes and run time, the writers do a much cleaner job of taking relatable and emotional moments from the outlaws’ lives and creating storylines where they’re allowed to be imperfect and vulnerable. It is no argument that they are collectively the most endearing. But seeing the likes of Rani, Gabby, and John go through meaningful change during the season’s course was a special occasion to celebrate.
Season 2 of “The Crown” outdoes its predecessor by a long hop, introducing fresh themes not necessarily hinged on various cultural and societal contexts that the characters belong. One of the reasons for calling them fresh is that they aren’t confined to the traditional norms of race, gender, and economic bias. ..
Rani’s journey is not just a product of her own actions; it’s the result of a calculated nudging by her brain. She doesn’t just go along with what she’s told, she calculates and evaluates everything before making decisions. This isn’t just a rebellious side; it’s an intelligent and calculated one.
The second season of “Stranger Things” does a better job than the first of developing its characters and story. Almost all the seven main characters are given enough screen time and attention, which resolves one of the problems with the first season - the risk of concentration. ..
Merchant and company did a great job of spreading the runtime out among the different characters who are so different from each other and bringing something unique to the table. This allowed for a layered narrative that viewers weren’t stuck with navigating a one-dimensional theme park-like situation. They had the option to try different rides and experience different emotions. The changed choices in execution also brought forth a new challenge for the cast. ..
The actors have all reprised their roles from the first season. Rhianne Barreto, Christopher Walken, and Eleanor Tomlinson, perhaps had the most altered outlines, with Ben being the outlier in the group. I did not like how his character was treated and developed in season 2. It seemed like he was still the same person from season 1. Granted he was the main focus of attention as well, but we ought to have been given something different to work with.
The Outlaws is unique in that it features stories with a strong moral center. Every arc and most episodes end with a resolution that emphasizes the importance of trust, earnestness, and love. Withering the storm didn’t fall on isolated pair of shoulders, even though the script had compartmentalized different functions to them all. Season 2 is a delightful recurrence of a compelling family drama with enough thrills and laughs to give you a comfortable weekend watch. ..
