Stephen Merchant has starred in various movies and TV shows, but his newest series, The Outlaws, recently appeared on BBC 1, filling UK TV screens with suspense, laughter, and a lesson on morals. An unlikely friendship group, which included a solicitor, a student, and a celebrity, formed under the constraints of community payback.
As the petty criminals took to restoring a community center under the watchful eye of Diane, their differences in personalities started to show. But with their conflicts and disagreements came a common ground of loyalty, as they were constantly aiding each other in getting out of trouble.
Diane
“I’m Docking You 2 Hours For Being Late. Do You Want Another 2 For Being A Smart Aleck?”
Upon meeting the group she is in charge of in episode 1, Diane makes it crystal clear that she takes her job very seriously and there is no room for misbehavior. She has a standard of work that she expects to be met by each ward and will respect them in return, even if she has a naturally humorous disposition.
The proof of Diane’s loyalty to her job really comes into play when one of the group, Gabby, turns up late on the first day. Her celebrity status does not faze Diane in the slightest, as she threatens her with extra work because of her inappropriate conversation. Diane’s commitment to her job comes first, no matter who she comes up against.
Greg
“Friend Of Mine Said That She Called Ahead. I Was Supposed To Pick Up A Prescription. Which I’m Beginning To Realise Is Not For Gaviscon Extra.”
As perhaps one of the most surprising participants of the community payback, Greg, a solicitor, has no intention of causing upset or harm to anyone. After being hired by Gabby to help her make plans for a new festival, he carries out the work required, even when she is off gallivanting.
At a boat party in episode 3, Gabby phones Greg, asking him to pick something up for her. Unbeknownst to Greg, that ‘thing’ is drugs. The reality of what he is getting dawns on him once he’s face to face with the gang he has to meet. Being from a completely different world, it wouldn’t have been out of the question for him to run away, but Greg’s loyalty to Gabby remained intact, as he continued with the task.
Gabby
“I’m Sorry.”
The loyalty shown in The Outlaws doesn’t mean that the series hides from dishonesty or unkindness. In episode 3, after using Greg to collect drugs for her and Greg’s colleague Spencer, Gabby quickly observes that Spencer is a bully.
Her realization combined with her friendship with Greg influences her decision to throw Spencer’s phone in the water. She goes back to the office to see Greg and apologizes for leaving him to sort out her project. For a moment, her reliability towards Greg faltered, but was soon resumed as she understood her mistake.
Esme
“Are You Going To Hurt My Brother?”
The humor can sometimes turn to dark comedy in the series, as serious topics are tackled. Having to fend for themselves, Christian and Esme have no parents to turn to for guardianship. As Esme’s brother, Christian feels a great responsibility to protect her. But it’s not a one-way street.
In episode 4, Esme gets the impression that her brother is going to be in danger, and confronts the people she believes to be a threat with a gun. The young girl takes up an unfamiliar weapon with no thought for herself because her brother is the most significant person in her life.
Christian
“Listen to me, I have nothing to lose. You do.”
In the last episode, after his narrow escape from Malaki, Christian winds up back at the community center with the rest of the group. Diane tells him to “come quietly,” as she thinks she knows he shot someone, which isn’t the case.
Christian is more than willing to take the blame for what his sister did. Esme tries to own up to the shooting, but Christian is adamant that he takes the punishment because she has a better future ahead. Even though the relationship between the two siblings is occasionally tumultuous, their loyalty to one another still stands, to the extent of having to face prison.
Frank
“I’m Trying To Win Him Some Street Cred.”
For some of the offenders, it’s their first time committing a crime. For others, like Frank, it’s not their first rodeo. His daughter is well aware of his antics and isn’t impressed by his way of living. He wants to make amends with her, and subsequently, with his grandson, Tom.
As a young boy that isn’t the most popular of students at his school, Frank convinces him to throw a party, which could also impress a girl he likes. As an extra incentive for people to turn up to his party, Frank asks Gabby to make a celebrity guest appearance in episode 2. Frank may not be the most innocent of people, but sometimes he does what he can to assist his family.
Myrna
“The Only Way That This Ends, Is With Him Staying And You Walking Out That Door.”
In the final episode, Malaki seeks out Christian and his sister after his gang-mate Spider was shot. Malaki soon catches up with them at the community center, along with the rest of their friends from the group. He makes it clear that they want to take Christian, but that’s not what Christian’s friends want to see happen.
Leading the defense, Myrna stands in front of Malaki and carefully explains to him what is going to happen. As Malaki has a weapon, there was every chance that Myrna could get badly hurt, but her relationship with Christian was at the forefront of her mind.
John
“You Can’t Let The Police Hunt Him Down Like A Rabid Dog.”
John initially has no interest in getting close to anyone in the group. He comes across as being set in his ways, and his sarcasm is present in nearly every conversation he has.
After Rani tells him they plan to look for and help Christian in episode 6, he gives an impression of not wanting to be involved, but Rani can see through it. At the time they choose to meet, John turns up. Some of the others are shocked to see him, but the decent man in John couldn’t be suppressed. He knew these were more than just people he had to do community service with and he didn’t want to see Christian in trouble.
Jerzy
“I Had A Call Out.”
Rani is brought up to be a respectable woman by her Mother, Shanthi, and her Father, Jerzy. With the prospect of attending Oxford University, she’s a bright young lady. As a friend to Christian, Rani chose to get involved with helping him in a frightening situation, by taking her dad’s van.
In episode 3, the police caught up with the drug house robbery, and when Rani’s family was questioned as to why her dad’s van was present at the scene, her father immediately steps in to pretend he was called out to work. Neither parent abides criminal behavior, but when faced with the law and his daughter, Jerzy chooses Rani.
Shanthi
“Jerzy Is Nervous About The Authorities.”
Rani and her family don’t get the chance to discuss a cover story before the police arrive to find out why Jerzy’s van was at the scene of a crime. Her parent’s loyalty was an immediate reaction to the questioning in episode 3. After Jerzy gives a cover story as to why his van was seen, Shanthi backs his reasoning and even goes on to explain why Jerzy didn’t think to contact the police after seeing a man with a gun.
While The Outlaws isn’t a typical British cop show, the intensity of police interaction is portrayed. It’s obvious both parents are nervous at the questioning, but the unwavering commitment to their family comes naturally and without a moment’s thought.
Check out our interview with star and co-creator Stephen Merchant here.
