‘The Outlaws’ Recap: ‘Season 2, Episode 5’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘The Outlaws’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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More often than not, stories that feature a harrowing experience for the character or characters, tend use the end of the story to reflect upon everything they experienced, and understandably so. For the end of the journey is when we can look back upon that experience and gain understanding of what it taught the character and us as well. Plus, it is the perfect way for the story to wrap everything up in a neat little bow, since it brings everything around full circle. But while that is a wonderful way to close out a story, the reality of the lessons that we learn is that they don’t always arrive at the end of the journey. Sometimes they come to us in the middle of the experience and give us clarity and an idea of where we should take our lives when the mess does end and that’s something that stories should focus on more.
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Because that’s how we really learn in life and because, it offers up better storytelling. Where we learn organically from the character and truly watch them grow before our eyes, which is always the endgame for a tale such as this and seeing them learn sooner, makes for a more satisfying experience. Where the lesson has gravity and well, this more fluid and organic, and realistic approach to lessons is top of mind today, because it appeared in the next episode of The Outlaws on Prime Video. For when we catch up with the gang, here, they’re nearing the end of the journey. For the last payment was about to be sent to the Dean and that reality, prompted several characters to reflect and look ahead. Since Frank came to realize he could now be a better granddad and make up for lost time and John, well he came to learn that standing up for himself would need to be in his future to find happiness and agency. 

Which in a way, made it appear as though this story was going to focus heavy on reflections in a supremely traditional manner, just earlier than expected. But since this is a crime series/comedy unlike any other… it found unique ways to teach the characters their lessons. Since Lady Gabby found out about the money laundering and seemingly lost it over such matters. Only to reveal that was cool with it and upset she wasn’t included. Which basically helped to teach Greg and several others the importance of being honest in everything we do and how that honesty can avoid all kinds of trouble and worry. Since getting her in from the get-go would have avoided so many missteps and of course… the series still had more important lessons to teach the characters and more important moments of reflection for them to ponder upon, one of which… was sour in nature.

Because this is a story that taught Rani… that sometimes the bright idea we think we have to solve our problems, is more trouble than it’s worth. Because this is a story that featured another close call with the cops, since they were close to figuring out how the operation worked and how it connected to the community center, and it saw quite the twist come into play with the Dean. Because despite a few setbacks here and some problems with the plan, eventually, the Dean got his damn money and that should have been the end of it. But when the Dean took into consideration how great of a job Rani and her friends did in getting him back his money, and how smooth the operation was running, he decided… to bring her and the gang into his service. Lest they pay the price dearly for defying him and well… by going this route the stage is now set for a powerhouse season finale.

One that will force these heroes turned impromptu drug dealers… to think of a new way to get the hell out of this mess. In a manner that will no doubt be their greatest challenge to date, so they avoid jail time and the wrath of a supremely ruthless drug dealer. But before we ponder on how that will happen, we need to celebrate one smart tale. One that really did offer up some fine musings on life and some important moments for these characters. The kind that really did grow them now before the final battle and set the stage for their future after all if they can escape this nightmare. Since there is now hope for Ben’s mother and a chance for reconciliation there, and he might be able to go into business with Rani as well and the others, might finally find the peace and second chance they seek. Provided of course they can beat the Dean and well, that means it is time to hit play on the next episode and see if they are able to pull off such a feat. Until next time.

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