The Outsider Series Review: Who's Up For A Holly Gibley Detective Agency Spinoff?

HBO's "Outsider" is based on a Stephen King novel by the same name. His works are notoriously difficult to adapt to screen. There are a few excellent ones ("The Shining", "Misery", "Castle Rock", etc) but just as many stinkers. I'm looking at you "The Lawnmower Man" (King sued to get his name off the project), "Cell" and "Langoliers".

The story of "Outsider" begins in Cherokee City, Georgia. The mutilated body of a young boy (Frank Peterson) is found. There is security footage and a number of eye witnesses that say the killer is Terry Maitland. The Little League coach is played by Jason Bateman.

Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelson) is struggling with the death of his own child from cancer. He directs the deputies ti bring Terry ub in the most public way possible. They arrest him at a ball game in front of the whole town. This obviously throws Terry, his wife Glory and their children's life into turmoil. Terry's lawyer has proof that he was some 60 miles away at a teachers conference. How can a person be two places at once? Meanwhile the family of Frank drops like flies. There is tragedy at every turn.

Enter PI Holly Gibley (played by Cynthia Erivo). She is an autistic women who is some type of savant. She can instantly recall pretty much any fact, date, song, etc. This ability has left her an "outsider" all her life. She starts piecing together seemingly unrelated deaths. Will anyone believe Holly (or will more children die and innocent people be blamed)?

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). It is best to go into "Outsider" (based on a Stephen King book) with as little fore-knowledge as possible. Unraveling the mystery is most of the fun. Be warned though. The show is painfully slow at times. It could have benefits from a reduction in it's 10 episodes. I think five episode could have adequately told the story. Having said that, I enjoyed the premise. The actors are all great. Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Holly is a standout. What an interesting character. She is apparently a recurring character in King's novels? I must check out the others. Without her, I dont think I would have made it through "Outsider". What are the chances of a Holly Gibley Detective Agency spin off? I'm soooo in. PS Make sure you stay for the post credit scene.