Outer Range Season 2 Review : The second season of this multi-layered drama struggles to find its focus

Story: Royal Abbott is still wrestling with the time travel mysteries connected to the hole, while Cecilia realizes that her granddaughter has been abducted by Rebecca. Meanwhile, the Tillersons have succeeded in getting the Abbott ranch put up for auction by the court.

Review: There’s no denying that the core plot of ‘Outer Range’ is highly intriguing, and the second season only enhances this appeal. However, the repeated usage of a non-linear format and the time travel plot points becomes jarring over time. The frequent jumps between eras can be so confusing that it becomes difficult to follow the main storyline. If you have the luxury of time and patience to track all the events, this mystery drama can be quite engaging. Otherwise, it may come across as confusing and tedious show. ‘Outer Range’ season two feels like a mishmash of complex stories and multiple timelines. With numerous characters each having their own arcs, the plot is nuanced, but at a leisurely pace, it all spirals into a mess.

The second season picks up where the first left off, with Royal Abbott (Josh Brolin) still grappling with the mysteries of the hole and increasingly suspecting that Autumn is his granddaughter, Amy. He confesses to Cecilia (Lili Taylor) that he has kept many secrets from her. After Amy’s abduction, Cecilia concludes that the kidnapper is none other than Amy's mother, Rebecca (Monette Moio). A bond begins to form between Royal and Autumn, while Rhett (Lewis Pullman), upon hearing about Amy's disappearance, abandons his plans to elope with Maria (Isabel Arraiza). Meanwhile, the Tillersons secure a major court victory, with the ruling that the Abbotts' ranch will be auctioned if they fail to post a $500,000 bond.

While the multiple timelines add intrigue to the plot, much is also lost in them. It's evident that even the screenwriters struggled to weave together the various storylines. The transitions between 1886 and the present only add to the confusion, especially when Perry travels through time and meets a young Royal Abbott. The time travel episode involving Joy and the Indians seems completely unnecessary and look disconnected from the main plot. The biggest issue with this season is that, despite introducing many new twists and mysteries, most remain unresolved.

The series excels in terms of performances. Josh Brolin as Royal Abbott and Lili Taylor as Cecilia Abbott fully embody their characters. Brolin is outstanding as the ranch owner bewildered by the mysterious appearance of a hole on his property. Imogen Poots delivers a very believable portrayal of Autumn, whose character undergoes significant changes in the second season. She handles the complex and nuanced role with great skill. However, the writers have not given the Tillersons the same attention, focusing more on the Abbotts, Autumn, and Joy. Also, the character of Maria, played by Isabel Arraiza, was prominent in the previous season but is reduced to a mere footnote this time around.

At its core, ‘Outer Range’ is a cerebral and philosophical drama, best appreciated by diehard fans of the series. When the plot remains focussed on family issues, it provides an immersive and gripping experience. However, the introduction of multiple timelines takes a toll on the joy, making the story more convoluted.