Matt B. Roberts had one hell of a task ahead of him when he signed on as the writer of “A. Malcolm,” Outlander Season 3’s sixth episode. But wow, did he deliver.
As everyone from Ron D. Moore to Maril Davis to Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan have said repeatedly since Outlander began: the show owes a great deal to the people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it all work. We decided it was time to recognize those people who may or may not get a mention on the credits as they scroll by. The first in our series showcased Arron Cuthbertson for his outstanding job with the extras in “The Battle Joined.” We gave a well-deserved shout out to Annie McEwan and the amazing make-up team for helping to create “Cave Jamie” in “Surrender,” and a heartfelt thank-you to Toni Graphia and Matthew B. Roberts for their unique decision to end “Of Lost Things” with a montage set to a re-worked iconic Bob Dylan song. Now it’s time to single out Matt alone, this time as the screenwriter for the unbelievable episode, “A. Malcolm.”
Dear Matt,
I suppose it’s possible at some point in television history, there was a more anticipated episode for a show. The finale of M*A*S*H, perhaps, which ultimately was watched by 121 million people, basically the equivalent to the population of Mexico? The end of Seinfeld? A mere 76 million tuned in for that one.
But in an era of social media that certainly didn’t exist for those shows, I think we can both agree that A LOT was riding on “A. Malcolm”—all of it very public by a fandom that is, um, known for giving its opinions.
I was one of those people. In a post to Ron D. Moore, my colleague Anne and I weighed in about what we hoped the Outlander production team would—and would not–do in its adaptation for Voyager. In that post, I was blunt on this episode in particular. After what I called (in another post) a sexless Season 2 that had lost some of its focus, I wrote: “But on the Print Shop Reunion scene I am begging you to follow Gabaldon’s lead. The woman did it right. From Jamie’s fainting, to their getting reacquainted, to showing photos of Brianna, to eventually and ultimately their reunion sex (yes, Ron, we have got to see this reunion sex. No fade to black. We need to see it.) My two cents on this scene would be this: Ask yourself WWDD (What Would Diana Do) and then read it, and just do it exactly the same. This would be a very good time to cut and paste.”
And while our post was to Ron—because, of course, this was early days and we didn’t know who was writing what episode—dear God in heaven Matt, you GOT it! You did exactly what was needed to render this an emotional, human 74 minutes of amazingness—you did cut and paste some of the best moments of dialogue and scenes. But then you added your insightful dialogue and direction in between to create something that was absolute magic.
Source: Outlander-Online.com
As a writer myself, I can’t imagine the pressure of sitting down to write and keep all those other potentially naysaying voices out of your head. To just allow yourself to trust your instincts and follow your writing gut.
Now I know it was a team effort and believe me, I appreciate Director Norma Bailey’s guts in taking on this iconic episode as her Outlander directorial debut. She is one brave woman. And I also know the editing process is not necessarily all in your control, even though you are one of the executive producers. All that aside, the reality is that the episode starts with the words and those, sir, are all yours.
And so, I say, on behalf of thousands of vested and vocal Outlander fans, thank you. For one of the best episodes of TV ever, for making our PRINT SHOP dreams come true, and for helping to bring Outlander Season 3 back to center.
With admiration from an Outlander fan,
Janet
AMEN!!
This!!! Absolutely!!
Thank so much. Love it. Dont want the shows to stop
Bravo! Amen! Thank you.
Fabulous job! Matt and all involved. It was brilliant
Yes, yes and yes!
The script, as published, was brilliant. Just my thoughts, but I thought the script was better than the edited show. I think I would have liked to see a couple different choices made.
Even so, the show was was terrific. Really a joyful experience. Mr. Roberts has, IMHO, the best feel for the rhythm and chemistry of this material and these actors. It’s obvious he’s a real fan.
Thanks for doing what you do, Matt.
I haven’t looked at the script. Now I have to so I can see what you’re referencing. I’m sure the writers always wish what they wrote was exactly what ends up on screen. I know I generally do 🙂
I think that after 5 viewings in 2 days, I can say that I love this episode as much as I did the wedding episode. Hats off to Matt Carter and the entire crew, especially Cait and Sam who bring Claire and Jamie to life like no one else could.
Matt Roberts? Carter writes a great OUTLANDER column.
So say we all!!
Very well stated. The episode was brilliant and I loved it. Bravo and Brava to ALL involved!
Wonderful, wonderful!
Thank you Matt for Jamie POV in the beginning. Thanks for those human, imperfect moments between these beloved characters. The intimacy through out the episode was slow & beautiful. Thanks for roller coaster of emotions (laughter & Tears). Thank you for even making me yell at the screen at the end of the episode.
Love that yelling at the screen at the end. I did too the first time. By my third watch, though, I was fine with it and thinking it was a clever move.
It was perfect-I too have watched it 5 times. Can’t get enough of Outlander.
I wonder how many times I’ll watch it over time? I have a friend who said she expected she’d watch it every day for quite a while. I totally get that.
Completely agree! Well done!
Thank you. The episode only gets better every time I watch it 🙂
I think it’s very difficult to write scripts for this show. The story told by Diana is immens. So you’re doing a great job! You made the persons very real to to us
Hats off to all involved in this episode. Brilliantly written and acted. All praise to Matt who took on a very difficult job and came through with a stunning show.
Loved 306, A,Malcolm, all involved should be very proud of themselves. How you fitted everything in to the allocated time is amaxi g, thank you Mr. Roberts for your wonderful script! Sam and Cait hit the nail straight with their performances! I have now watched 14 times and love it more with each watching! THANK YOU SO MUCH! Perfect! X
Kudos to the brilliant,magnificent OUTLANDER team of writers,directors,producers, and our glorious Sam & Caitriona,for giving us THE MOST WONDERFUL INTENSELY GORGEOUS “REUNION”!You guys went the distance,and I love you all for it! Please continue these beautifully orchestrated episodes for rest of season! I wish OUTLANDER could be on every single night! I can dream, can’t I?! A creation like OUTLANDER will never be outdone,ever! God bless everyone involved,and may O continue to reign on STARZ for many seasons to come……??
Is it not possible to say anything unflattering about the show? I’ve read all the books and seen all the shows but spot what I see as “not the best”. When asked about her relationship with Frank, why didn’t Clair tell Jamie what he longed to hear? “Frank knew I was still in love with you, so he turned to another woman.” She gave stupid guesses when she should have known he was in the liquor business as he was in France, and the madam was a customer. Dialog with John Grey is more interesting. How could Mr. Willoughby lick the elbow of a woman when said elbow was encased in a long fitted sleeve? With her education, Claire should know it’s “try to” instead of “try and” although many people make that mistake.Does an editor go over the script to look for possible errors or improvements?
Well written thank you letter. And YES, thank you Jesus, Matt nailed that episode. By the time season 4 premiers I will probably have every bit….dialogue….kiss…..movement of that beautiful scene committed to memory! And the credit goes to Diana and mostly Matt!