‘The Outsider’ closely follows Stephen King's novel, 1st 3 episodes to introduce grieving cop and murder night

The upcoming HBO show 'The Outsider' stars actor Ben Mendelsohn in the role of detective Ralph Anderson, a cop who is charged with investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy and who himself is grieving
Ben Mendelsohn and Yul Vasquez in 'The Outsider'. (HBO)
Ben Mendelsohn and Yul Vasquez in 'The Outsider'. (HBO)

Ben Mendelsohn will be seen playing the lead role in the upcoming HBO show 'The Outsider'. The actor will portray the role of a cop who investigates the death of an 11-year-old boy, while he is also grieving the loss of his son. His loss influences his investigation, enough to use methods that are considered unorthodox.

The episode synopses that have been released by HBO indicate how the show will begin with the popular teacher Terry Maitlin being accused of murdering, molesting and mutilating the 11-year-old boy, however, the circumstances surrounding the crime are unusual. Though Ralph makes a public arrest after gathering evidence against Terry, something doesn't seem right.

Episode 1's synopsis states "Ralph makes a very public arrest but is perplexed by Terry's seeming indifference to hiding his crime. After Terry's wife Glory (Julianne Nicholson) calls their attorney Howie Salomon (Bill Camp) for assistance, a bewildered Terry produces an ironclad alibi during interrogation."



 

It is this evidence that propels Ralph into seeking the help of a private detective. This comes after a wrench is thrown in the investigation and Ralph is forced to take leave of absence.

So after conflicting evidence surfaces, Ralph is certain there is much more to this crime than meets the eye. The facts that arise after his joint investigation with Holly (Cynthia Erivo) is shocking. 

In the meanwhile, detective Jack Hoskins (Marc Menchaca) who has taken over the investigation into the death of the young boy seems erratic. From the synopses, it is clear that the show closely follows the book authored by Stephen King.

The synopsis of episode 2 also indicates Terry's daughter Jessa (Scarlett Juniper Blum) is going through something strange. The synopsis states that Jessa claims "she's been visited by a strange man in her room at night." Does this have any connection to the murder of the young boy? 

Ralph continues to investigate the case as episode 3's synopsis states that " [he] continues to scrutinize the confounding circumstances surrounding the night of the murder."

'The Outsider' premieres January 12 and will air on HBO at 9 p.m. 

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