‘The Outlaws’ Recap: ‘Episode 5’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘The Outlaws’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about the incorrect stigmas that surround crime and the people that commit such acts, courtesy of some fascinating explorations from the Prime Video series, The Outlaws. For this is a series that genuinely wants to help us to understand that a fair chunk of crimes committed in this world, don't relate to stereotypes and malice, and are instead the result of mistakes and misgivings and bad situations, and that those who have crossed that line… deserve a second chance like anyone else, and an opportunity to break the cycle that might be keeping them in a dark place from where it seems there is no escape. But while the show has indeed done a wonderful job of exploring those concepts and change perceptions in the process, it has yet to do something critical regarding its commentary.
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In that, it has offered little guidance as to how one breaks the cycle or what truly motivates change for folks that feel stuck after a life-changing event of this caliber and well… as it turns out, there was good reason to sideline that part of this grand examination. All so that it could arrive at the right moment, when both the characters and the audience were properly ready to move forward and it turns out, that the next episode of this series, was that perfect moment. For with Christian on the run and the Outlaws more or less in a tough place and ready to commit new crimes because they have no other options… the time was definitely right to give them the opportunity to make major changes to their lives and move in a different direction, and this episode provided them with that... by having the majority of these dynamic characters… hit rock bottom.

Because it is only when we are at our lowest, are we able to take an objective look at our lives and what matters and doesn’t matter and make changes accordingly and while everyone didn’t exactly hit the bottom in this tale, there were enough wake up calls here to make a difference. Frank for instance, was finally exposed by his nephew and was forced to own up to his actions at last, giving him great perspective that he’s never experienced before, and he wasn’t the only one forced to take a good long look at their life. Since Gabby finally came to realize that her father really doesn't take her seriously in the slightest and being exposed to that reality hurt badly and forced her to take inventory as well. And anyone who didn’t have that kind of surprise… well their wake-up call came forth by way of what Rani realized about how she and the others... had treated Christian.

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In that, they had stood idly by and let him hurt further and didn’t support him in a real time of need and that wasn’t right, and that in turn helped her to understand that she needed to stop hiding behind the façade she’d built and do something good for a change, instead of following a checklist that gave her no fulfillment. That in turn, motivated her to reach out to the others and point out that they have all built relationships with one another during Community Payback. The kind that were special and binding and that the time was now to quit pretending they weren’t friends and do something to help Christian in his time of need and that resonated with everyone else, save for John. Because they realized she was right, and that this experience was a transformative wake-up call. One that taught them the same lesson that Rani came to comprehend and that allowed for quite the plan to come to fruition.
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Wherein, they would work to keep Diana busy just long enough to get her keys. So, they could break into her hybrid office/storage closet and get everything they needed to know about Christian so they could quickly help him in this dark hour of need. Which is a plan that went off without a hitch. Because ninety-nine percent of them, worked together as a team and made magic happen by coming together in such a seamless manner, and this teamwork and good will was so strong… that it extended beyond the plan when the police showed up to look at that file as well. So that Rani could escape unscathed and oddly enough, that smooth effort brought about quite the surprise as well. Since we came to learn… that Christian isn’t who he says he is. But that little twist will have to wait for another time to explore and in the meantime... we can bask in the wonder of the answer this show provided us with regarding a way forward for folks in this situation. 

In that, objectivity is the key to breaking the cycle and focusing on what the future looks like. Since that will help those struggling to see the root causes of their troubles, and how that traps them. Which in turn should motivate them to want to do things differently and walk a better path and it was just incredible to see almost every character here, view their lives in that manner at last and demand change and push for it and accomplish wonders in the process and well, that’s a wonderful way to set up the season finale of this saga. Because just like that, this story is suddenly filled with hope and there is a real chance at redemption here for the Outlaws, if they can stay the course and keep their eyes on the prize and it will be interesting to see what comes next for this motley crew, now that they are mostly unified and determined to save their friend in need. Until next time.

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