Good news – we can get new family and friends pour ourselves a dram and, through the magic of technology, enjoy it together! Each Saturday at 9:00 p.m., we’ll be LIVE blogging the episodes to bring you a two-screen experience into the world of Outlander. Like the Outlander Cast podcast, it will be SPOILER FREE for non-book readers.
So get all your post-18th Century gadgets ready and settle in, because the best things in life should be shared with a buddy. Hi, buddy.
Now let the show begin…
[9:02 pm] Weekly title card riddle – tank wheels! A road! We’re getting some flashbacks in this episode. Err, flash forwards? Geez, this time travel thing might not ever get easier to grasp. Also, this episode was written by jack of all trades Matthew B. Roberts, who is as talented a photographer (run to Twitter and follow him if you don’t already) as he is a writer and producer. Share the wealth, dude!
[9:08 pm] Even atop a Scottish hill in a battle training camp, production designer Jon Gary Steele has outdone himself. Again.
[9:14 pm] “What kind of food is this trying to be?” I am dying. On our trip to Ireland and Scotland a few weeks ago, my bestie asked us the same thing during breakfast on day one when she was served black pudding. Her husband wisely jumped in and said “quinoa, babe. It’s quinoa.” It was a better route to take than explaining to her the whole pork blood thing. If she’s reading this – Kris, sorry not sorry.
[9:15 pm] I know Claire is struggling, but as a viewer I love these flashback scenes as a way to get us back to a Claire-centric story in the midst of a very Jamie-led story line. The voiceovers are necessary in some places, but this is a moment where showing is far more powerful.
[9:16 pm] Je Suis Prest, indeed – any time their theme is a backdrop to these more intimate conversations between Jamie and Claire. And to be clear, I’m also ready for ANYTHING you want to show us in this moment. Hint, hint.
[9:21 pm] Let’s also give a warm helloooo to a shirtless and grubby Graham McTavish. Now THIS is a silver fox we can get behind. Don’t judge, you’re all thinking it so I’ll just be the one to say it. Side note: I also love that Highlander battle training uses the “shirts vs. skins” method to pick teams like we’re in an ‘80s gym class.
[9:22 pm] “…I was teaching men to fight when you were still sucking off your mother’s tit. So, I think know a wee bit more about this than you do.”– Dougal, keeping it classy but effective. It’s no corn grinder analogy, but damn, the man always manages to get his point across.
[9:24 pm] “Oh well he, uh, is a better man than I.” – Dougal. Thanks, Captain Obvious.
[9:25 pm] “And I’m not sure you’ll grasp the meaning of this either, but Ill try my damnedest – FUCK YOURSELF.” – I hope it’s not too early in the hour to claim my favorite line, because Claire just took the crown.
[9:27 pm] The music, the ever-changing weather and gorgeous cloudscape, the rugged, earthy feel and colors of our Highlanders – this episode is removing any doubt that we’re finally back where we belong.
[9:30 pm] We battled Jamie’s PTSD alongside him during the first few episodes of this season, and now it’s Claire’s turn. It’s almost easy to forget that this “future war” was only a few short years ago for her, so this setting is bringing fresh wounds to the surface.
[9:32 pm] Jamie vs. Dougal is the perfect illustration of why people who lead through inspiration and motivation fare far better than those who lead with fear. #TeamJamie
[9:35 pm] I get that it’s part of the ordeal and makes sense, but I prefer my Jamie and Murtagh to be a jovial whisky-chugging, non-flogging duo. You’d think it’d be tough for Jamie to administer that line of punishment given his brutal past.
[9:39 pm] We have lived through Claire’s memories detailing her time with Frank, but this is meaty and emotional in a new way. Seeing her in action, in her element and reliving even a moment of what she endured on the front lines puts us in a place to better understand why living through “another fucking war” is going to be an immense challenge. One that would most certainly be wrought with clinical-strength panic attacks.
[9:40 pm] “If I go back then it’ll just be like lying in that ditch again – helpless and powerless to move, like a dragonfly in amber.” And there it is. Also, is there anything more non-verbally powerful than a forehead kiss from a loved one? This was Jamie’s way of saying “Mo Nighean Donn” without saying it.
[9:42 pm] Apparently the production crew got a 2-for-1 deal on bad wigs, what with Young Simon’s last week and William Grey’s this week. I’m all for cost savings, but please stop raiding the high school drama club’s costuming trunk.
[9:45 pm] Another week, another impromptu theatrical offering from Claire Fraser. Girl loves her some drama club. This one, however, is my favorite. Sam and Cait look like they’re having so much fun here and I LOVE it. And don’t get me started on Murtagh struggling to keep a straight face.
[9:49 pm] Please don’t flog yourself. Please take your shirt off. Please don’t flog yourself. Please take your shirt off. Please don’t flog yourself. THE SHIRT IS OFF. Collarbones.
[9:50 pm] The Wolf Pack is going on a raid! Dougal, you stay here and um . . . well just stay here.
[9:54 pm] This music. Is there anything Bear McCreary can’t do? Make it available ASAP. And JHRC, they finally got the hang of it . . . our boys look so regal marching! Also, how incredibly awesome and significant to have Claire ride alongside Jamie as he leads his men. And it’s a nice touch allowing Dougal to ride ahead and announce their presence. Sometimes (okay, a lot of times) you really are the King of Men, Jamie Fraser.
[9:55 pm] “No turning back now, Sassenach.” – For any of us. And I love it. We’re all in with you, brave warriors. Je Suis Prest indeed!
[10:00 pm] This episode, for all the kilts. The storytelling didn’t feel forced by the dialogue, the Wolf Pack was back together, we’re squarely and ruggedly back in Scotland and moving forward to a battle climax that, much like Claire, I’m not prepared to witness. But most importantly, the show once again used its power for good – this time by offering screen time to the epidemic of PTSD in military veterans. During a month when there’s a social media campaign to raise awareness for the 22 veterans who commit suicide every day, this episode painstakingly – and realistically – provided a glimpse into the intense struggle felt by the men and women who bravely serve our country and then – just as bravely – try and re-acclimate to life at home. Kudos to Ron D. Moore and writer Matthew B. Roberts for going the distance on this one. And once again, Caitriona Balfe – your work is sublime. Not to Wayne’s World you, but seriously – we’re not worthy.
Episode 2.05: “Untimely Resurrection”
Episode 2.06: “Best Laid Schemes…“
Episode 2.07: “Faith”
Episode 2.08: “The Fox’s Lair“
Episode 2.09: “Je Suis Prest“
Episode 2.10: “Prestonpans”
Episode 2.11: “Vengeance is Mine“
Episode 2.12 “The Hail Mary“
Episode 2.13 “Dragonfly in Amber“
Here we go!
Thanks for going down the rabbit hole with me, Alice… err, Teddie.
Honored, Ashley!
Must Dougal mention Jamie' misfortune?
He's THAT guy, perpetually.
I don't care what anyone says, Dougal is a delight. And, Graham McTavish…I bow to you!
So digging Claire's 1940's look. So army chic. Only Claire could pull that off.
Wait wait, be clear, Anne – i ADORE Dougal. I just mean he's that guy always wanting to be part of the crowd when they just want their own space. And I have a crush on Graham.
She's a damn mythical creature in how EVERYTHING looks good on her.
A+ on the Jamie hair this episode and loving getting extra doses of Jamie's Scottish sounds this episode. Lots of grunts and hmphs and slow rolled, melodic… well… just all those sexy sounds he makes!
Love Dougal; love Jamie more.
You tell 'em, RED JAMIE!!
Dougal — if you think Claire is going to fall for your bull shite you are sadly mistaken, boo!
Jamie is BACK!
And I love Murtagh the most.
I squealed when I heard him called that!
Totally agree about Jamie's leadership style. #TeamRedJamie
Me thinks those two enjoyed that little role play! Yet another acting award for Mrs. Fraser!
they totally did! all the exchanged looks were cracking me up!
Dougal seems genuinely horrified that Jamie has condemned himself to a lashing. See — he's not ALL bad!
King of men – drop the mic!
There really needs to be some fertilization going on about now. Hmph! What gives J&C?????
And I'll say it again, I LOVE Dougal. I'm not sure Jamie and his boys care as much for him as we do.
I'm with you, Ashley, on Dougal. Stupendous character and made all the richer by the magnificent Graham McTavish.
I am starting to suspect that last week's fade-to-black scene was that key moment.
I loved that little interaction too. And it looks like the best sex they had this episode! REALLY odd the show didn't have them make love when Jamie gets back from British camp. It was such a perfect moment for so many reasons: we all need it (starting with J&C, but let's be honest…), the mood was perfect, and it's very in keeping with the couple they are returning to be.
I loved that little interaction too. And it looks like the best sex they had this episode! REALLY odd the show didn't have them make love when Jamie gets back from British camp. It was such a perfect moment for so many reasons: we all need it (starting with J&C, but let's be honest…), the mood was perfect, and it's very in keeping with the couple they are returning to be.
Hell yes he did!
Definitely, YES to the hair! The whole look… package!
Ashley, with you on the clavicles!
Prestonpan is in Sept 1745. Culloden is April 1746. Claire doesn't get pregnant for at least another 5 months. Although, I would have liked to see some attempted fertilization!
Diane – so true. Matthew B Roberts addressed this on Twitter saying that a man as prudent as Jamie wouldn't fit in a quickie (he was probably far more eloquent than that) with a very angry British camp headed their way. I guess, but man of all places to be accurate.
Florida Rose – thank you! Good point to remember the dates and timing, which escaped me.
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