The Outsider is a 10 episode show by HBO that is based on the novel by Stephen King. It follows the book quite accurately. So if you've read the book, you're in for a treat.

The pacing is quite slow. Some reviewers commented on that. But don't let that keep you away from the Outsider. Instead of fast-paced storytelling we get to know the characters really well, see them in their surroundings. That's why we feel more for them, when something bad happens to them and are afraid for them. And lots of bad things do happen.

The acting is excellent throughout. Especially Ben Mendelsohn, Cynthia Erivo and Paddy Considine are great. But the other actors play their chatacters convincingly too.

The story is really finished after the 10 episodes. Some people commented on how the ending of the show was anti-climactic but I disagree. We get to see the final confrontation and also the aftermath of it. I liked that we don't leave the action directly after the showdown. Life doesn't end after an important event. The important thing is how we move on after such an event and keep living our lives. The Outsider gives us an idea how the characters will cope in the future.

And yes, The Outsider is mysterious but not very scary.

So, should you watch it?

Yes, if you are into character driven drama, if you like a good mystery that is actually cleared up, if you enjoy good acting, if you don't mind a slower story-telling, if you like shows like Twin Peaks.

No, if you look for jump scares, if you look for a horror series like Supernatural or movies like Insidious, if you have a short span of attention and if you think Stephen King just stands for angry clowns.

Personal note: I wish HBO would take on "The dark tower" and turn it into a proper tv series. I'd love to see the result by the filmmakers who made The Outsider.