‘Outer Range’ Recap: ‘Ode to Joy’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Tamara Podemski as Deputy Sheriff Joy in Episode 203 of ‘Outer Range’ – ‘Ode to Joy’. (Photo Courtesy of Prime Video.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 204 of ‘Outer Range’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular word that absolutely describes season two of the hit Prime Video series, Outer Range, is unconventional. For this is that rare sci-fi story that follows little of the genre rules. For it leans more into drama and overall humanity far more than traditional science fiction ever has, in fact… it doesn’t really touch on the sci-fi stuff all that often and to top it off, it breaks all kinds of rules when it comes to how it tells its stories. Since every episode is jam packed with fascinating journeys that the show balances well, and it truly is showing no signs of slowing down regarding all this, as evidenced by the next episode.

For ‘Ode to Joy’ did something quite surprising, in that, it shifted its focus from the problems that everyone was dealing with in 2024… to instead showcase the struggles for two individuals in 1886. Specifically, Deputy Sherriff Joy and young Royal Abbott. Who were facing some tough times in the past. Because Joy, who we learned was on her fourth year in the 1800s after going through the black-hole portal thingy, was facing quite the decision. In that, Falling Star had come down with cancer and was barreling toward her end, and that meant Joy was viewed as the right choice to watch over the community and move them forward and she wasn’t sure if she was capable of such heroism. 

But that was put to the test in this tale, since some of the local boys got their hands on a member of the Shoshone community, and well, when faced with the reality someone in the community would suffer… Joy decided it was time to apply some 2024 police training to the Old West. Which allowed for her to quickly put down some of the men that caused trouble and save a life and showcase… the hero she’s always been and will now forever be. Since she also set in motion, the defense of the community, giving rise to real safety from the mob mentality that was taking place in town, and this was just… an amazing storyline that let Tamara Podemski shine as an actor.

However, there was mention that Royal ran into some troubles here as well. All of which for him, related to his father. For his dad, Levi, was just plain rotten in this tale and was constantly badgering his son and making stupid demands of him and of course he dragged Royal along when the time came to hunt for Joy and that led to quite the stunning moment. Because eventually Royal and his dear old dad came face to face with Joy, since she was wounded in the fight and Levi… wanted his son to kill Joy without giving it a second thought. A move that instead prompted Royal to put an end to his father and run. Run so hard and so fast, that he plunged into the black hole that appeared before him… with Joy right behind him.

Which means that Joy was there for one of the most pivotal moments in Royal’s life, and now we know the complete story of how and why he traveled through time, and how Joy made it home, and that made… for one incredible tale. One that saw a hero rise in the most epic manner possible and reminded us of how far we’ve come and how far we need to go when it comes to equality with indigenous Americans, while also giving us a twist that informs us… the black hole is somehow binding everyone together. The only question that remains… is why… and only time and patience will answer that, as we continue our journey through the second season of this fascinating and unconventional show. Until next time.

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