It’s Sunday morning and I’ve just finished watching Outlander episode 2.2 “Not in Scotland Anymore” for the third time. In the past , I’ve found that it takes me three viewings to be able to just watch the episode for what it is. This season has been no different. The first time I watch, I find my knowledge of the book interferes with my enjoyment. The second time I watch, I’m looking at the episode with a critics’ eye. I watch the third time with my husband who has never read the books. I note when and why he reacts to what is happening on the screen and grudgingly answer his questions (can the man just not read the books already).
MY FIRST VIEWING
After my first viewing, I found myself not being sure I liked the episode. Good Lord, I thought, they put half the book in one episode! It was disorienting and felt choppy to me. I felt that the scenes lacked the impact of the scenes I read in Diana Gabaldon’s book. The scene that was most drastically altered for me was meeting Alex Randall and the news that his brother Black Jack was alive. Ron and crew warned us that this book was much more complicated and therefore more difficult to adapt. Adapt they did.
I also had a question answered for me in this first episode. When pictures of costumes and sets were leaked there was quite some disagreement as to how that would affect fans’ enjoyment of the show. Terry Dresbach, expressed her disappointment and tried to explain why she felt it was best to wait to see the costumes in the context of the story, as designed and intended. She has since backed off..a bit..from that belief, after being impressed by Starz PR campaign using the red dress. Many fans, starved for news about the new season, proclaimed that seeing they costumes only heightened their excitement and they felt seeing the costumes ahead of time would not affect their enjoyment of the show. I wasn’t so sure. I wondered how seeing these images early would affect my viewing. Would I still be able to suspend my disbelief and become immersed in the story?
There was absolutely no way to avoid seeing images of the sets or costumes if you were on social media. I began to wonder if there would be anything we hadn’t seen before the season started! But, surely, I proclaimed they wouldn’t release the image of the red dress whose reveal was an important moment. Jamie’s reaction was one of the funniest and most endearing moments in the book. So, color me surprised when I saw that red creation painted across magazine layouts and even the side of a building. It was a striking image to be sure and even caught my daughter’s attention who has never shown any interest in reading the books or watching the show. So, I’m sure there was some PR savvy employed in deciding to use that image to catch potential viewers’ attention, but I have to say, in this one instance, my enjoyment was diminished. The big reveal moment was ruined for me. I needed to be as surprised as Jamie.
This dress needed to be seen for the first time in the context of the show. It felt anticlimactic and that is a shame because it was filmed beautifully.
MY SECOND VIEWING
The second viewing had me looking at how the story had been adapted. I felt more charitable about the flow and could totally see how most of the changes were going to work. Except, for Claire knowing that Jack Randall lives. As book readers know, the moment that both Jamie and Claire come face to face with BJR was full of suspense and foreboding. However, I have learned to be a bit more patient and to give the writers the benefit of a doubt. They always seemed to bring the story around to where it needs to go and develop the characters to reflect the people I knew from the books.
I was able to appreciate the wonderful creativity of the costumes, sets, and filming. It was more than believable. I can imagine myself watching this over and over again just to see what wonderful images and details I missed the first 10 times through. It truly was a feast for the eyes. But, beautiful sets, costumes and scenery aren’t enough if the story isn’t as beautiful or worthy of its setting.
MY THIRD VIEWING
I have no real idea why, but three truly is the magic number for me, LOL! After a good night’s sleep, a couple of cups of coffee, and some “parritch” (thanks Jamie), I was ready to watch this thing for real. The theme that stood out for me was the one I think they intended. They weren’t in Scotland anymore! It might as well have been Oz because everyone in our trio definitely felt themselves to be outlanders and some of the creatures they met as were as odd and different as a cowardly lion, tin man, and scarecrow. Everybody was uncomfortable as shite!
JAMIE
Poor Jamie. Thank you to Ron and the writers for continuing to allow Jamie to deal with his trauma. It goes a long way in making up for what was the short-changing in “somebody has to go into the darkness” I felt in the last episode of season 1. In true Jamie fashion, he accepts his reality and keeps putting a foot forward. Can’t we all relate to the idea that we can’t stop thinking or rethinking some traumatizing issue. It’s tough to get things “out of our head”. This is a problem Jamie cannot solve with a sword or charm or wit. Like all victims of such violence, he can only accept it and find a way to live the best he can. His higher purpose of trying to save Scotland helps, he has something to concentrate on besides himself. I loved his lighter uncomfortable moments as well. We were ready for some comic relief! His reaction to his former flame, the foot kissing suitor, and the King’s not so personal personal issues were amusing and helped set the story and his place in it.
CLAIRE
Poor Claire. Her ability as a healer has to be chaffing a bit. She has helped Jamie heal physically, but we see her struggle to help him mentally. How difficult it is for us to see a love one suffer and not know how to help. My heart breaks for her and Jamie as it was made obvious that Black Jack is part off an unwanted ménage a’ trois . I felt her concern and fear. Her efforts to entice Jamie to her bed with a waxed honey pot was endearing and sad.
Claire’s discomfiture with the role she now finds herself in is so fitting with who she is as a person. The fussiness and general restrictive situation must feel like a prison to a woman who sees herself as an equal to any man. You just know the incident with the poxed ship won’t be the last time her modern sensibilities will get them in trouble.
Loved her lighter moments as well. Claire and Mary watching the “waxing” was hilarious and her interaction with Master Raymond charming ( Good Lord! that , his vest, the shoppee, the music and the wonderful ladders…loved it!)
MURTAUGH
I know it won’t serve the story, but I’m about to join the “Save Murtaugh” campaign! of all of the characters Murtaugh’s uncomfortableness was the most acute and the most entertaining. Some great quotable one-liners that I’m sure @ConnieBV will soon turn into entertaining gifs.
“assholes and armpits” “lard bucket and big head” “only in France does the King need an audience to shit”
The fleshing out of his characters has been one of the best things the adaptation has done. His “sunny disposition” and loyalty to Jamie and Claire is an absolute delight!
ME
The characters in this story aren’t the only ones who are feeling uncomfortable as shite. The politics are staring to feel dangerous already. If Murtaugh doesn’t slit Prince Charlie’s throat, I think I just might. Love how he is being portrayed. The Duke of Sandringham is a piece of work and I want to kick his cowardly lion ass! It was crazy being at the King’s levee and swan nipple jewelry? (cringing)
Overall, I felt it was an episode that intended to set the scene and introduce us to the players. The costumes and sets served the story and characters well and the story was worthy. I’m intrigued with how the writers will be moving the story forward and look forward to next week’s installment of life in Paris and Versailles. Vive Les Frasers!
My Outlander Blog! 
OMG Get out of my head! (as my daughter would say) LOL I do and did almost the exact things! My hubby has not read the books and has been taken along on this journey due to my obsession. I watched this ep “early” and then began telling my husband all about it. He was like, “So, what DID you like about it?” lol I have to admit that, after my first viewing, this ep was my least favorite of all the episodes. But, like you, after my 3rd viewing with hubby, it’s not so bad and I kinda like it! The one thing I wish they had left out completely rather than change it 180 degrees was the “honeypot scene”. I get why they did it the way they did it, but I didn’t and still don’t like it. Oh, well…as I told my dh, they didn’t ask me, so I guess I don’t get a vote.
Dawn
I’m pretty open to adaptive changes. but I will agree – the honeypot scene had such a potential to be so charming and sweet between Claire and Jamie – a reminder of the underlying relationship that is always being interrupted by BJR flashbacks. It’s not the end of the world, but I do think her shaved legs and “oxters” would have been enough to turn a young man on, without needing to go to Brazil and beyond.
Yes, precisely! 🙂
Totally agree!
I agree; that scene had so much potential. Poor Jamie and Claire deserved a break here.
But Claire’s been hairless this whole time. How could she wax her oxters and legs when they’re already clean?
😂TV magic?
Thought the same thing – much preferred Jamie’s book reaction.
LOL! I hear that a lot! I MUST be a mind reader 😉
Beth – thank you for your wonderful commentary. This is defintately a show that takes several viewings to “get it” – even if simply to hold fast to a criticism. One for the book. two for the story, three for the heart and soul of it. They certainly did cram a lot into a brief 55 or so minutes, didn’t they? I’d love to know how much the budget is. I totally agree – they captured the “Not in Scotland anymore” theme to a T. The humorous moments lightened the mood considerably – which was needed. And Murtaugh – the best lines and a great performance. His look at the King’s Mistress’s swans – priceless!
It’s spooky on how many things we agree on. Again. I kind of liked the episode after the 2nd or 3rd time, but to me a few things just felt rushed. I know they can’t introduce every character as slowly over weeks as Diana did in the book, but sometimes I wish they had a bit more time to do it.
I’m also torn about how the changes re: Claire finding out about BJR’s survival will play out. And what was the Duke’s deal in all this? The wicked smile he gave Claire when he left the room?
As much as I love Duncan as Murtagh and the comic relief most of his scenes provided again, it felt weird to me that he so openly (towards Jamie at least) advocates killing the prince or even the king. It’s one thing to kill a man in battle or revenge, but Regicide, Murtagh? Really?
I think they have changed Murtaugh a bit as a character. He rarely spoke in the books, but I kinda like the change1
I struggled with this episode. Have now seen three times. It just doesn’t hang together as a narrative – it feels like a couple of set pieces (the dress, the levee, the honey pot, intro to Raymond) strung together. I’ve seen many viewers use the term ‘choppy’ and it fits.
I agree with Ellen Foltz. I also struggled through this episode and though I was in awe of the lavish sets and the stunning costumes, the rest of the show was “much ado about nothing” and confusing to me. Some of the dialogue was just plain silly I.e. the maid expressing how happy it would make her if Claire would just allow her to make and unmake the bed? This is a large wealthy home – I’m sure there are things required of the housekeeping staff more pressing that making up a bed. We didn’t see Lallybroch’s Mrs Crook behaving this way. And why did we have to suffer through the advertisement of 18th century dildos for sale or rent in the brothel? There were several times when I wondered what kind of plot they were trying to hatch. They had how many weeks aboard ship to make a plan and all they’ve come up with is “we need to get close to the key players.” And then what? The writers could have given us a hint of a more concrete plan. Instead we got over 10 minutes of the King trying to have a bowel movement so that Jamie could suggest a bowl of hearty parritch to start the day right. Couldn’t the time have been better spent showing us how Claire met Louise or a scene of Jamie learning the wine business from Jared. One minute Jamie’s on the ship asking “what are we to do in France and the next he’s a wine merchant in Paris. In another dropped scene, Claire buys a concoction of something to help Jamie sleep yet we never hear of that again. (And yes, I know it introduces Master Raymond but give me a little more substance here.
For me, it is the use of “comic relief” that felt the most out of place. Yes in season 1 we had Angus and Rupert but their relationship felt more organic to the story. Now we have the last episode from season 1 where we witness Jamie’s horrific torture and rape and its devastating consequences and yet two shows later, we have a maid nattering on about how happy she would be if only Claire will let her to make and unmake the bed.
Aye, something smells fishy in Paris but it isn’t frogs. I’m hopeful RDM & Co will right their ship and bring it back to focus on Jamie and Claire. In the books these two stand as equals in every way from stubbornness to passion. They are the heart and soul of the story and they are why we love all nine books.
Thanks Linda enjoyed reading this
Your comments are spot on. Too bad most episodes are already finished for this season…may be too late to see any changes back to the Claire and Jamie we saw last year….too much silliness….brothel, constipation, who’s Louise?, where did all the fancy clothes come from?, the maid sequence was so unnecessary, and I definitely would have liked to see more disapproval of the waxing and the dress by Jamie. When did Claire become so publicly brazen? Oh, and when Claire told Jamie to “go get a drink so I can talk to ?”. Rude or what?
SO right! I read your comment to my dh, and he asked if you and I might have been separated at birth? lol
LOL!
Thanks, again, Beth, for being a voice of reason and keeping your head when all about you are losing theirs. Such kvetching and wailing and moaning and rending of cloth over last night’s episode. If just one of those people reads this and learns to relax and trust in the writers and makers of the show (who, it must be remembered, WANT the book readers to be as happy as they can make them while serving the interests of their wider tv audience), you’ll have provided yet another public service.
Beth,
I am going to try watching the episodes more than once, for the same reason, I have the book too much in my head when watching the first time, takes me very much out of the flow.
By the way, I met you at the viewing, was sitting a couple seats to your left and introduced myself. Looking forward to your future blogs.
Paula
Sent from my iPad
>
I, too, struggled with this episode at first and gave it the benefit of another two viewings and by the 3rd liked it. There was a lot of material that was included in this episode and I was thrown off some with the first viewing. Loved the new characters and could still strangle the Duke of Sandringham myself! Evil fellow – well done Simon. I appreciated Ron’s writing of episode 201; however with this one it just didn’t seem to flow as well for me and I think it’s because of all of the elements included. I do appreciate that they are giving Jamie time to heal, which is frustrating for books readers (which I am one) and the timeline they are aware of. It is disconcerting to actually see him struggle with BJR in his head but it has to be dealt with. Loved the black and white ‘Dior’ outfit at the start and your thoughts on the red dress and Terry’s reluctance to allow viewers to see beforehand is spot on. Felt like I had seen it and it wasn’t as big as a reveal though I did enjoy both Murtaugh and Jaimie’s reactions. I have seen some discussions on the ‘honeypot’ scene and have to say it didn’t bother me much that it was changed because of where Jaimie is and knowing Claire would do anything to help. I do have some issue with the actual practice but that’s just me. This show always brings such strong reactions and it’s interesting to watch, but am simply glad it’s out there to enjoy.
OK, I’ll start the campaign. I agree with all of the pros and cons above (only Outlander can generate positive and negative!). But let’s just get the campaign underway for an Emmy for Duncan Lacroix for Best Supporting Actor! So subtle you have to have some distance and time to allow your brain to keep returning to his performance.
And Sam Heughan! What a beautiful, nuanced portrayal of ptsd.
And of course, Beth, you’re just the best blogger out there milady!
I have not liked the last two episodes in season two. I have read the books twice and I feel these episodes lack the richness of the books. They really don’t capture the essence at all. The episodes are very choppy and don’t do justice to each character. Jamie (Sam) did a much better job in acting his part but I felt Claire (Cait) came across rather insincere and forced. Didn’t like her ability at all. Yeah, I am thus far disappointed with season 2. Murtaug was the best!
Sorry to hear it!
I too felt this episode a bit chopy. Things that take place in pages are in small chunks . then I thought of the things that need to happen and that I hope they flesh out. Those things take up time. Loved the costumes and sets. The red dress was still dramatic for me. All in all I enjoyed the episode. The best is yet to come.
I’ve enjoyed reading all your comments about ep. 2. I enjoyed the humor in the show and some new characters such as the Minister of Finance was priceless. The only problem I had with the show is Claire’s clothing. I like the outfit worn to Master Raymond’s and the red dress of course but I was disappointed in the rest of the dresses. To mean, they made Claire look frumpy and older. I also would like to have seen her hair styled different. I felt that when Jamies ex flame made an appearance Claire even looked older than her age in the red dress because of her hair style.
Yes, let’s start a save Murtaugh campaign. He’s great. If Ron can tweek the books he can tweek Murtaugh. LOL.
Thanks for commenting. Totally disagree about the costumes! Have you listened to Terry’s explexplanation?
Maybe the 3rd watch will be the charm. LOL. I probably need to pay more attention. I’m still interested in a Save Murtaugh Campaign……
😂
I saw the same school marm look in Claire. And I think it was her hair style also. Too severe…maybe a lose curl or two?
Yes, I love when Claire’s hair is piled high with lose curls hanging down.
Yes I thought Claire’s ‘do’ made her look older too!
Have only watched it once as yet, I like to go away & think about it before another viewing. I always feel as if my emotions have been rushed some how & I need to re-set…if that makes any sense.
I was also silly enough to read some negative comments & snarkiness (elsewhere) before it aired here in Oz, which kind of spoiled it for me.
I try to avoid everything until after I write
I still struggle w/the issue of Claire knowing if BJR is alive or dead. At Wentworth, when Claire told him the date of his death, did she remember a date from Frank’s family tree, or maybe just gave him the date of Culloden? Of course, that begs the issue of the possibility of changing the future.
Trying to be patient w/the show. Love anything Outlander, “any way I can’ and find there is much to intrigue me no matter what. Very grateful to Beth and all of the others for their insight.
Thank So!
I noticed that too! And we didn’t hear the date Claire whispered to Black Jack. But if she knows that date, why is she so shaken when she’s told he’s still alive?
I assumed it was because she believed that they had changed the future once the stampede hit him.
If you have to watch it three times to like it, then I don’t think the episode was successful. Most viewers will watch it just once, and if it doesn’t work then, then something is wrong.
There are episodes where I like it right away, but I’ve found my “book” knowledge gets in the way quite frequently. It wasn’t my favorite episode, but I think it did what intended to do and that was set the scene.
I have always found that with rich detailed programs like Mad Men, Downton Abbey, Game of Thrones that multiple viewings adds greatly to the experience. It’s not because the narrative was weak necessarily, but just that there is so much to take in, it’s like peeling back an onion, to reveal the core.
Yes!
I have decided to let the show be the show without clouding it with my reading of the books. And funnily enough, I found myself so completely in the show that any thought of the books was pretty much gone. However, if I had not read the book, I would have found show 2 to be kind of confusing. And think, this is just the beginning of so many new characters to integrate into the core story of Jamie and Claire. One tough job and I’m looking forward to seeing how Ron works his magic. But I’ve got to say, Beth, we are on the same page and it is a joy to read your commentary!
I’m the same, I’ve been able to separate book/screen fairly well and to enjoy the show as its own thing. The wax bit and the costume choices haven’t bothered me one bit despite being very different from the book. I was a lot more thrown by the BJR reveal, and to a lesser extent by how the Bonnie Prince was introduced. When I read the book I always had this vision of a reluctant Jamie being dragged around by Charles on an extended chaotic young man pub crawl/Vegas weekend pretty much from the start, not the serious political talk they go down to in the show (despite the brothel).
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment love the frog at large ! Lawyer?
I completely agree with your opinion that too much of the sets and costumes being released early has actually “stollen the thunder” from the episodes themselves. Hopefully that will not be the case as the season continues.
Just a couple additional thoughts:
I know and understand that many adaptations need to be made to transition from page to screen. My big issue thus far though is the change in Jamie’s character.
In the book the waxing and red dress scenes show a Jamie who was adamantly objectionable to Claire’s appearance and very in defense of his wife’s “modesty”. In the show his mind is easily changed and I feel this actually cheapens Jamie’s character.
Also, the show rewrites the narrative to have Claire secure the invitation to court rather than Jamie doing so. I feel this shift in power left a critical piece of the story missing. In my opinion, the red dress really needed to be prefaced with Jamie telling Claire the need for her to grab the king’s attention….without that background the dress looked like a costume choice rather than a political one. And the whole scene left out that added dimension of C&J relationship.
Ok enough rambling…thanks for such an insightful post!!
I agree the reason for the dress would have been good to include. As far as the honeypot scene, I think they saw it as a chance to link Claire’s concern about their relationship.
But Jamie likened a bare honeypot to that of “a wee lassie” , instead of a woman, and I think a lot of us have a problem with that adaptation, as Jamie was mortified, and the thought of having sex with a wee lassie instead of a woman was a big no, and certainly not erotic, He could barely deal with the armpits and legs. I totally agree that having Jamie so easily swayed weakens his character. It would have been great to not have seen the dress 5 million times before Jamie saw it; I think that we all wanted to have a collective gasp, right along with him, when she walked onto the screen…honestly, it was anticlimactic, and really, the insipid reaction from Jamie was too. And I have watched it three times. Honestly, I hope it gets better. I am so afraid that ratings will drop, and we won’t have a show at all before long.
Only second episode! 😂 thanks for reading and commenting! 😘
Amelia, you’re right!
Jamie is very conservative, even prudish, about sex, and deeply religious. In that time and in his culture, Catholicism was never questioned, it just was, like breathing. And he was initially appalled over the waxing. He is concerned for Claire’s modesty; remember how he decried the Castle Leoch Gang when they started making ribald jests. Claire was going to be his, he would not see her debased! I had many chuckles about his hypocrisy while reading.
And the political choice of the red dress WAS lost…
I, too, watch three times before I internalize the expanding story. But I missed the “oxter” line; was it in there? I only heard the “honeypot” part.
The settings were beyond exquisite. The colors of the gardens of Versailles in spring, a treat that most of us will never see otherwise! Those gold and white interiors, and the Hall of Mirrors, in candlelight; when would we otherwise be able to see them as they were intended? Such riches.
And I agree, seeing so much of the red dress beforehand did take the punch out of the reveal. I’m sure the Powers That Be felt that showcasing Terry’s talents and Cait’s delectable decolletage would bring in additional viewers; and surely it did. My (sigh) disinterested husband even did a double-take upon seeing the promo photo.
But I loved the forties-inspired take on Claire’s day dress and that exquisite embroidered gown that Claire Sermonne got to wear in her portrayal of Louise de Rohan, their their court-savvy sponsor, for their premiere court appearance, how gorgeous! If the costumes ever go on exhibition, I’m definitely planning a trip to gawk over them, and notice every stitch and button!
And I loved the little subtleties; the looks, the ever-so-slight inclination of heads, the momentary lingering. Quite a talented group of actors. The “Bonny Prince” is a watery-eyed weakling, he was demanding, imperious, and thoroughly unlikeable. With Andrew Gower’s masterful portrayal, the idea that he could reign over the hearty lads and braw lasses of Scotland seemed incongruous and impossible.
But Moore et al. did manage to get about half the book in that single episode, and though it wasn’t quite seamless, it worked. Most of the framework we’ll need for the duration of the visit to Paris is there; now they can concentrate on expanding the story and deepening the characters.
Can’t wait till next week!
I must be in minority… I loved this episode! I loved the richness of the sets, the costumes, the acting, the changes made to accommodate the fact this is film not a book. In films characters have to be introduced and given purpose quickly within the time constraints…there isn’t the luxury of many pages of explanation. I loved the books-read all of them after watching the first episode of Outlander in 2014 in less than a month ( I read fast and I wanted to know how the story plsyed out ) and this was while running a household, having my son get married and teaching first grade. I have since read them again and Outlander and DOA once more after that. I think people get so caught in the books that one forgets these are 2 different genres. I love them both and think there is nothing wrong with that-respect the differences and be glad to see our beloved characters on screen. And I agree with other commenters that Murtagh is wonderful in this episode.
I hate the fact that I’m seeing costumes before the episodes!!!!!!! It spoils everything. It’s fxxking annoying to no end! I loved the episode. Beautiful everything! The episode did not flow as well as others, but there is a lot of material yet to cover.
Agree. By the time I saw the episode, I already felt that I had saw it. Multiple times. How many times can we see extended clips on every site imaginable, each one trying to scoop the other, before we say, huh, no need to watch the show. Already saw it. In pieces maybe, but saw it. Distressing.
Maybe it’s time to address the number of episodes secured Season 2. 10 is not seem like enough to play out the story. It seems rushed. Maybe it’s too late for Season 2, but I suggest fans rally for a longer Season 3, with a minimum of 12-14 episodes. Diana’s writing is too perfect to be minimized. I want more of her dialog.
I’m thinking that I read they may be thinking of splitting voyager because it is even more lengthy
I’m sure I read that too some where!
There are 13 episodes for season 2. But 4 less than last year. 😦
I watched it more than 3X…watching now…points well taken. Just wanted to add something I noticed…as the King sat on the his “crown”…straining as he did, he looked like Mark Walhberg…potty humor.
“Segue” episodes such as this one (they set up key info that will be required for the remainder of the season) are seldom my favorites, but I always find plenty to enjoy. I’ve only watched it once so far, though I’ll probably watch it again. Enjoyed the visual smorgasbord and though I get what you’re saying about the red dress, I did enjoy the reveal and Jamie’s (and Murtaugh’s!) reaction. Looking forward to where they take us next!
Well,….I think that what you have not said speaks as loudly as what you have said. A lot of people have concerns over how this season’s adaptation is starting. And I don’t think that I am the exception.
I totally agree with everything you said on this post Beth. I don’t always agree with everything you write, but I am aligned with you 100% on this post. Thank you for your wonderful commentary, as you always do.
Beth, I loved seeing you with your nieces at the Tartan parade. It was so fun to hear about your adventures and see your photos. Thank you for sharing them. Glory Wipfli
On Sun, Apr 17, 2016 at 9:57 AM, My Outlander Blog! wrote:
> bethwesson posted: ” It’s Sunday morning and I’ve just finished watching > Outlander episode 2.2 “Not in Scotland Anymore” for the third time. In > the past , I’ve found that it takes me three viewings to be able to just > watch the episode for what it is. This season has been” >
I was also fortunate enough to make it to NYC for the Tartan Parade. Sam seemed to have enjoyed himself immensely. It was great. I made it Saks 5th Ave and left with Sam and Caits autograph and the impression that they are both very nice decent people. Caits gorgeous and Sam has the most beautiful, piercing eyes when seen up close.
Great review, you have pretty much hit the nail on the head here for me. I think the TV adaptation should keep Murtaugh around longer than the books…they have done an excellent job in fleshing out the character. While my least favourite book character he is now my favourite TV character.
I’ll be the minority here. My husband and I have both read the books (me, multiple times). I purporsely didn’t read DIA during #Droughtlander, because I didn’t want to compare. I knew they’d have to make some pretty significant changes to fit everything into 13 episodes. This episode actually spanned several months, which I think is why it may have felt choppy. I think they HAD to get these characters introduced quickly in order to “get in” as much as possible from DIA. With Jamie still traumatized, we’re seeing things that probably would have happened in the first book, happening in the second. I thought the changing of the honeypot scene still had humor, but brought home the point that he’s still having issues. Two birds/one stone.
I enjoyed the episode on our first watch, and enjoyed it even more on the second. I haven’t watched a third time, but I know I will.
Now your reading my mind! Yes, that is exactly what I’m thinking. Jamie’s recovering the Abby took a long while and he certainly got worse before he got better. On of my readers said of the series Abby scene “she got him well enough to get on the boat”. And, I think that is what we are seeing. The more time we sit with trauma and process what happens is not necessarily a good thing.
As always, I so enjoy your perspective!
I have only watched once and my sentiments are exactly as you described. I’m very disappointed in the adaptation in this season so far. The actual standout stars of the show so far are Terry and John. Not that they weren’t amazing already in S1 but it was much more subtle. And of course there is Murtagh and I did enjoy Louise. Actually, come to think of it, in S1, I really enjoyed the supporting cast even more after several viewings so perhaps I will also come to appreciate the adaptation of S2 with more viewings!
So, thank you for reminding me to watch again to get a better perspective!
The people who complained about seeing the red dress should look at Terry D’s blog as she did not want the dress shown ahead of time for the very reason mentioned. It was taken out of context and the reveal is anticlimactic. But SO many people complained about STARZ PR not getting enough info continuously broadcast that perhaps someone felt the need to do otherwise. You have mentioned this before Beth, but a lot of fans seem to have no patience at all.
It is interesting to me how emotional everyone (including myself) can become when it comes to an OL discussion/review. I, too, miss some of the Jaimie characterization but I figure I always have the books to go back to and read. I think the actors are doing a tremendous job with the story as written, though I do still seem to have problems with Ira S. Behr’s scripts.
I hear you! And yes, Ira….hmmmm, I’ll have to look at that
Was it just me that the Bonnie Prince’s spouting about divine providence sounded like Christian politicians today who want to put their hand on the constitution to protect the Bible instead of the other way around. He sounded like Ted Cruz to me….totally delusional about what he can accomplish.