Outcasts: Season One

A Sci-Fi Series That Struggled With a Great Premise, Got Noticeably Better, And Ended In Eight Episodes
There is no denying the impressive track record of efficient, surprising, and fun science fiction programming that the BBC network has championed. Whether it is the contemporary Dr. Who, the risque Torchwood, the fast paced Primeval, the original Being Human, the intriguing Survivors or any number of other older programs--there really is a bit of everything for fans of the genre. The 2010 series "Outcasts" may be one of the more divisive of recent entries. Upon its television debut, viewers seemed to be instantly supportive or vocally dismissive. As with any TV show, people are going to think what they are going to think--but BBC ended the show after its eight episode first season run due to lack of a significant viewing audience. At once, the decision is completely understandable and somewhat disappointing. There is no denying that the show had some significant flaws, but as the episodes progressed--it seemed to be working itself out. Whether or not it would ever have...

Characters too entrenched in their roles...
In Outcasts, thousands of people have escaped a ravaged Earth and journeyed to the planet Carpathia to rebuild the human race. Eventually, the ships with new colonists stop arriving. This series begins 15 years after the establishment of the colony, with 70,000 inhabitants. Unfortunately, a "plague" killed many of the original children, and the reproduction rate of the colonists is approaching nil. Many of the colonists seem to have a history; in a way, they are 'outcasts" from Earth. In addition, there are outcasts from the colony, who want their revenge on Carpathia.

There are 8 episodes of this series, and it ends abruptly and without any closure to the many story lines. The characters demonstrate little growth and sophistication throughout the show, and a "mind-reading" device introduced in the first episode is then never used to uncover the truth to real mysteries. Go figure.

I had to see this, since I'm a sci-fi junkie. Rather forgettable, but I...

Brilliant but canceled
A brilliant premise, which was well-crafted, but cut short before its time. Some reviews have called the show boring or plodding -- and I contest that. "Outcasts" is a mystery in addition to SF and its slow-boil works to that end. So many people expect thrill-a-minute excitement -- with explosions! and dinosaurs! and ridiculous jump-cut action sequences every two seconds..."Outcasts" is decidedly not that. And "thank goodness", I say.
If you enjoy a 70's style pacing and filmic style, with nuanced performances, by three-dimensional & oft-flawed characters, and carefully-crafted/plausible art direction...this show is for you. If you want a blockbuster show to gorge on popcorn to, well then, look elsewhere.

Click to Editorial Reviews