The Outsider

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.

Only 3 episodes in but would probably have watched them all if possible. This is PROPER Stephen King. I've always said his story's should be adapted as series rather than film as there's simply too much narrative to fit into 2hrs plus. Jason Bateman is a brilliant actor and has added directing to his CV which he pulls off brilliantly. The story is dark with some pretty gruesome scenes but you'd expect no less from a Stephen King adaptation. The music is eerie and the direction makes you feel like your an onlooker to the events unfolding. Can't wait for the next episode. HBO does it again. 9/10

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.

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).