Okay, I’m tired of having to struggle to write about these episodes! Last week, I struggled because there was too much to write about, too much to think about, and a need to write with the gravitas the topic deserved. This week I struggled because I couldn’t find anything TO write about! After viewing the episode, my reaction to what I watched was… that was nice…nice? I’m not sure that was the reaction the writers were going for and it wasn’t the reaction my husband had when he watched Sunday night. He was FULL of questions. And, he wasn’t about to wait to get answers. He mutes the sound to ask his questions and then misses everything that is being said while I’m quickly trying to answer! It’s a vicious circle and I’m thankful for DVR. But, irritating as they are, sometimes his questions and observations lead me in the right direction. He said he was more intrigued by “the daughter’s story” than with Jamie and Claire and that got me to thinking and…to writing. (you can’t see me, but I’m sporting a really cheesy grin right now)
Why My Reaction Was…Nice
The Outlander fandom spends an exorbitant amount of time discussing the adaptation. The discussions range from fans lamenting the need for any changes from the source material because what Diana Gabaldon wrote was perfect, why change it, to true critique of what changes worked or didn’t work and why. This week’s episode was a good one for book fans. The writer’s managed to successfully condense time and still give us iconic moments from the book, the minister’s cat, the lark at the Scottish festival, Roger and Bree on the floor on verge of …well you know, the ghostly time-traveling indian, and Jamie and Claire finding the strawberries and Fraser’s Ridge. I expect that overall most book fans will be very happy. As a book fan, I guess I should have been more enthusiastic and I wondered why I wasn’t.
A while ago, I wrote about adaptations. To prepare, I did some “lite research”, which means I read everything I could find in two days on the particular topic. My “lite research” isn’t exhaustive or particularly scholarly, but I usually stumble upon some interesting stuff. The most interesting adaptation “stuff” I stumbled upon was an article written as a conversation between two TV/movie critics. Their focus was on the good and bad of being true to the source material. One of the points they make is that sometimes an adaptation can be so true to the source as to be…unnecessary. The viewer can be left feeling like ” they’ve seen the book almost exactly, as if they didn’t need to see it at all.” I think this is where I fell this week! It is ironic I know, I started the blog because they were adapting my favorite book series and I was excited to see Jamie and Claire’s story come to life! And, they made that happen and I thought it was…nice. The writer’s and producers really can’t win, if they stray from the source or stay too close someone is going to criticize. They really do need to stay true to their own vision because evidently, if I’m any indication, we fans can’t be satisfied, LOL!
Why This Episode Was Important
After answering my husband’s questions and upon reflection, I came to realize this was actually a very important episode. “Why do they keep flashing back to the future?” my pesky husband asks. “Because they are trying to tell Roger and Bree’s story!”, I respond. Huh…they are trying to tell Roger and Bree’s story. This show is no longer just Jamie and Claire’s story. This week’s episode was evidence that we will have more than one couple’s story to contend with and agonize over. This season, like the book it is based on, marks the official beginning of the multiple character and story arcs that will eventually result in Diana’s last book, Written in My Heart’s Own Blood, almost having an Octopus as its cover art. If you are tuning in for all Jamie and Claire all the time, sorry about your luck! Cue protest song…”The times and the story they are a changing! ” Jamie and Claire become the matriarch and patriarch of a large cast of characters.
Ian Is A Man Ye Ken
One of the arcs I am most looking forward to is Ian’s story. I think John Bell’s earnest and joyful Ian is perfect, especially for this part of the story. We will need to remember him this way because his change from eager puppy to lethal wolf will happen. He tells Jamie that the things he has experienced have changed the way he looks at life. He believes his survival qualifies him for manhood and as a result, he believes he has earned the right to choose where he will live and what path in life he will take. Jamie recognizes an inevitable truth when he hears and sees one. I like to think he always sees himself when he looks at Ian and empathises. Ian wastes no time in taking responsibility for his choices and duties and runs off to write a letter to his parents letting them know their son is now a man.
Bree and Roger “Do All Frasers Have Issues?”
I was so glad to see Rick Rankin and Sophie Skelton get more time on-screen. With the longer scenes, I was able to actually see Rick’s Roger and Sophie’s Bree. The chemistry was good. They are different from the book pair that resides in my head, but I could have said the same thing about Sam Heughan and Cait Balfe’s Jamie and Claire. It didn’t take long to accept their version of the characters they were playing and I’m sure the same will happen with screen Roger and Brianna. After watching the great scene in the “highlanders” cabin and the calling of the clans, my husband asked, “Do all Frasers have issues?” I chuckled and told him yes, but added don’t we all?
Getting these two characters right is a big deal! They are more than important to the rest of the books and hopefully, to the rest of the series.
I’ve talked to very few book fans who weren’t half in love with Roger. He’s very likable and an interesting mixture of strength and vulnerability. I think we started to see that in this episode, “I’ll love all of you or not at all”. Then there’s Brianna… she tends to inspire a variety of fan responses. Some fans love her and some hate her. I have to say my husband was a bit irritated by her in this episode, hence the Fraser “issues” comment. I’ve always felt that Claire and Jamie were pretty easy to figure out. It isn’t hard to understand what motivates them. Claire is a kind woman who cares about the people around her. Jamie does the best he can with his gifts and for the people he believes God has entrusted him. I’ve come to see their daughter as a bit harder to figure out. Sophie certainly has her work cut out for her in playing this complex character. After this episode, I’m looking forward to seeing where she takes Bree.
Jamie and Claire In A Place They Have Never Been
Watching the interactions this week between Jamie and Claire, I was struck by the thought that these characters are in a place they have never been. I’m not talking about North Carolina, although it certainly is rivaling Scotland for sheer beauty (I know it was filmed in Scotland, but you know what I’m saying). The place they find themselves in is one where they are together making plans for a future. I love that they are constantly touching each other’s faces as if to reassure themselves that it isn’t a dream. The gratitude they feel is almost palpable.
Falling in love is exhilarating but, as we all know, this feeling must mature and ripen if it is to last. Jamie and Claire falling in love was exhilarating, but the maturing of their love is intoxicating and inspiring. Their love and attraction for one another is passionate, committed and mutual. Jamie wants what will make Claire happy and fulfilled and Claire wants what will make Jamie happy and fullfilled. Their lives are never easy, but their love never fails. This mutual love is rare and few of us are ever lucky enough to find it and I’m proud to be a fan of a tv show that will present this kind mature love. It is a rarity to be sure.
There are definitely things I didn’t like about the episode, River Run comes to mind, but I guess I feel better about this episode being so much like the book (I’m currently giving my silly self a hard eye roll). So, in conclusion, I’d like to borrow Fiona’s husband’s toast. Here’s to all the honest men and bonnie lassies in Outlander. I’ll be watching all their stories.
My Outlander Blog! 
Not feeling it so far this season which kills me because DoA my favorite book.
This episode made me happy. So happy to ‘get on with it.’ As a book reader, I know how much life there is to live on Fraser’s Ridge. Also, as a book reader, I’ve struggled with Bree from the beginning, as have others. Which makes it probable that show-watchers will struggle as well. She’s a difficult character to like, at times. Agreed that this was the episode to begin exploring the extended family of the Fraser’s.
Loved it and your review. I definitely liked it even better watching this morning without the constant questions from my husband. He’s read the books, but forgets details and names!
LOL! I hear you1
Beth, I agree with your summary – it was very close to the book, with lots of “classic” lines included. Seems like these first few episodes are laying the foundation, introducing us to the new characters, and getting ready for much more to come. Listening to DOA now too, and I’m less than 1/5 of the way through, while not yet caught up to end of episode 2 plot. So I think we’ll get much more detail in later episodes, which is great. Happier with the CGI in this episode than the first, too. (My husband read the book a while ago, & has forgotten almost everything. He asked me “what happens to Ian” when Jamie was talking of shipping him back to Scotland!) Can’t wait to see Ian’s story develop.
I’ll be honest, I’ve not been happy with show Jamie since he rescued Claire from Randall’s office window, and this episode continues on that same path. They’ve emasculated him, and I not only don’t see the leader they profess him to be, but I really don’t see the man and certainly don’t see the warrior. Mostly all I see is Claire’s boy toy. I’m still watching, obviously, but am having to find the joy in other aspects of the show.
Rick Rankin’s Roger is spot on, however, and his acting in this episode was wonderful. His pain at Bree’s reaction to his proposal was palpable, his uncertainty about the relationship at the top of the show painful to see. Sophie Skelton’s acting is improving, and she’s obviously going to be carrying a lot of water this season so I’m glad to see it. Book Bree has always been a difficult character for me, too, and I’m glad that they haven’t changed that about her.
Speculation – Bree and Murtaugh encounter each other at some point while Bree is wandering around trying to find her parents. Oh, I hope so. I love show Murtaugh, and his reaction to Bree would be priceless.
Sue thanks for adding your thoughts. I don’t think they have emasculated Jamie at all and I can’t wait to see the laird he becomes on Fraser’s Ridge. I’m finding myself eager to see the adaptations. Book Jamie and Claire will always be there for me. This series is starting to become its own entity for me.
I sure hope you’re right about The Fraser of Fraser’s Ridge.
Some of the adaptations I think they’ve really nailed, others less so. Which would be expected, even a group that clearly cares as much as this one does about getting the details right isn’t going to have a 100% record. I think part of my reaction to Jamie/Claire has been the show’s repeated emphasis on creating Super Claire, rather than just the Competent Claire that we saw in the books. We saw it again in the last episode, and that shifted balance of power between the lead characters may be why I’m having real problems with how they’ve written show Jamie.
I do agree re: the show becoming its own entity, for me as well.
I don’t want to give the impression that I like everything or that I don’t think there are issues. I may have to go in and do a little revising to this blog to reflect that. The Claire of the shows is definitely different. I’m not sure if that is how she is written played. “Competent Claire” I like that
I agree with you to a point, Sue. I believe that the writers have curbed Jamie’s potent masculinity in order to raise Claire’s story line with her visceral reactions and rough and ready behavior more akin to a man’s, no matter the time. This emasculation started in Season 1 and went on steadily through Seasons 2 and 3. I no longer sense that the chemistry between Sam and Cait is present. It seems forced, and they are going through the motions. I pray that it returns in the rest of the season. Still enjoying the show, bad wigs and all.
I’m curious how you might change Jamie to be more masculine.
good question
It started for me in the reconciliation scene after Jamie rescued Claire from Randall. He came off like a Sensitive New Age Guy. His oath to her was more begging than the powerful oath he gave on the road… oaths he didn’t give lightly. In the books he won her back with his self-deprecating sense of humor, patience, and a powerful oath. In the show, he begged.
At every decision point with the show, they chose to build up Claire at Jamie’s expense. When Jamie killed Dougal, Claire’s hand was on the knife. Really, writer’s room? Really? In this most recent episode, Claire ran over everyone in her efforts to save Rufus, including Jamie. In the book, she also helped Rufus die (and in so doing, did less harm). Same brutal decision, same ugly result, but without Jamie have been overrun by Super Claire. Instead, Jamie helped her understand something that she never really did – that she was in HIS century now, that HE knew the ropes, and that SHE would be wise to take heed and remember that.
I know dissing the portrayal of Bree is popular. I think too little allowance is made for the difficulty she chose to risk searching for her mother. As that important challenge is taken, she has a lot to deal with–the search, love for Roger which underlies her anger at him for perhaps making return to heir own time impossible, fear for her mother’s safety, etc etc etc. She is less mature than Claire was in Book 1. She has not had to deal with fear and danger. She does foolish things like going to Bonnet thinking she can talk him out of the ring or buy it. She may have handled 20th century college boys effectively but did not recognize Steven for what he was. Can’t blame her (Claire and Jamie also erred there) . I think Diana ( and, I expect,
the screenwriters) eventually don’t handle her reaction to rape well. All of the above make her character a little bland–except for the temper. We get to watch this sheltered, beloved young woman discover herself. She will be as strong as her parents–including Frank–in time. In my opinion, Sophie handles the part as the writers and Diana wrote her–a little naive, not seeing Roger’s side of the story, and assuming success in perilous times. Watch her mature.
I should have added that while Bree is much like her father and has his temper, She is–in book and show–very like Claire in impulsive action.
I did not care for the Jaime and Claire parts of this episode. Maybe that was a good thing to bring Brianna and Roger more into the story (and golly, do I love Roger). What disturbed me most was Claire’s leavetaking of Jocasta. Not one word of thanks. Totally out of character for a woman of her 20th century era. The horrible events of the night before and aversion to slavery would have been uppermost in her mind, but a woman of her time would have said thanks even if she couldn’t bear to hug her.
yeah…not my favorite part either.
I have to agree with you here. Claire would not have been so cold and haughty to anyone, let alone to Jocasta. I get that the writers were likely desperate to convey the message about an aversion to slavery, and rightly so, but, Claire by now has accepted that she is not in the 20th Century anymore. As Beth has written, too much of the book had to be condensed into 48 minutes per episode in order to draw out the emotion.
The last thing Claire said to Jocasta before leaving was “Thanks again for your hospitality.”
Beth—As usual you have seen positives in the episode which I did not. One thing you did not address, however, was how frequently the episode switched back and forth between the two story lines. I have no idea why the writers did it this way. I would have appreciated longer periods of time with each couple, not necessarily half an episode each, but just not the constant back and forth.
the switching back and forth bothers my husband too
Although I’m sill hbving trouble figuring Bree out….she seems to come across cold sometimes, but maybe a better is, very restrained, very reserved even though she does love Roger….she needs to come to terms with the type of marriage her mother and Frank had vs what her mother and her biological had and has, and know that love isn’t something to be afraid of…..I loved reading what you wrote…Very well said Beth!
thanks Donna!
After the gut-wrenching violence at the end of episode 1 and the horrors of slavery in episode 2, you are correct, episode 3 was ‘nice’. For some reason, like you, I felt a bit let down. Thank you again for capturing my thoughts and feelings. You are amazing!
Thanks Jenny!
SO much I’d like to say but you wouldn’t post it. So I’ll just say, OUTLANDER came in second on PBS Great American Read. SECOND!!!!!!! Second place! before the Bronte’s , Austin, Margaret Mitchell!!!!!!
SO, when the TV series changes the story I can barely stand it.. !!!!!!!!
!. To Kill a Mockingbird
2. Outlander (Series)
3. Harry Potter (Series)
4. Pride and Prejudice
5. Lord of the Rings
6. Gone with the Wind
7. Charlotte’s Web
8. Little Women
9. Chronicles of Narnia
10. Jane Eyre
11. Anne of Green Gables
There were a 100 books !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I know! I watched it! I love the books too!
I loved this episode. I think Sophie & Rik became Bree & Roger for me in this episode. I’ve always loved Bree’s character (perhaps because I’m an only child, too), and that she’s difficult. Even Diana has described her character as a “hard nut”, meaning that she was even hard for Diana to get to know. I, too, feel like these episodes have laid the foundation for a really good season.
About the only thing I haven’t liked this season is that Claire seems almost bitter. I think she’s been rude to Jocasta, and just doesn’t seem as happy as “book Claire”. Maybe it’s just me, but she looks upset almost or disapproving all the time.
I agree about Claire.
they even going to have sex strawberry fields was suppose to have they cut out sex because claire does not want to do it
?
I don’t need “naked sex” scenes —but if you’re going to include an iconic book scene—then get it right… they totally left out the significance of the strawberries representing honor, courage, constancy and love.
And I’m tired of moping, disapproving Claire. Where is passionate Claire who is interested in people, curious about her surroundings and proud of, and in love with, Jamie.
Loved this one! Yes I could be a bit picky about Claire and Jocasta but that’s a hangover from last week which I thought so badly written…. this week’s writing was a Vast improvement and I sat with a grin on my face for most of it. ❤
I love reading your recaps of the TV show and always look forward to them. I haven’t been thrilled with the season so far but at the same time, have not been terribly disappointed about it either. You are so right about Bree’s character. She’s a tough one to figure out, just as she was in the book. I love Ian. I love how he’s been portrayed, as a happy person, so enthralled with everything that’s new in this brand new world he’s found himself in. But there’s trouble a-coming for this man-child, and it breaks my heart. Ian is one of my favorite characters in the books. And Jamie & Claire’s maturing relationship is a joy to behold. And you’re right . . . the constant touching of faces, as if they can’t believe this is not a dream. I’m looking forward to see how the rest of the season plays out. And every week, I’ll look forward to reading your thoughts on it as well. Thank you, Beth!
Thanks for adding your thoughts Katy!
“The maturing of their love is intoxicating and inspiring”. For me, that is the essence of this season. That is why I loved this episode. It made me happy to see them plannng their future, discussing Brianna, finding each other after the storm, holding on to each other, knowing each other.
YES!
I did like this episode better towards the end than the beginning. As I said in a previous comment—I’m not liking moping disapproving Claire—I miss feisty, go get em Claire.
I didn’t feel let down at all! I loved this episode. I loved the fades from car on the road to horses in the woods, I loved the score, the modern scottish games, the dancing, music and I could watch and listen to Roger sing all day. I loved Young Ian standing up to Jamie, John Bell did a great job with that, he lowered his voice for it , and then that smile at the end. I like the way they did the Claire/ Otter Tooth part, I loved Clarence, and I liked the strawberry ending.
I saw this episode as a ” breather ” after the first two very intense episodes.
The Roger and Bree story needs time to play out, like all season!
I just sat back and enjoyed, without getting emotionally wrecked! Was… Nice….. To be able to do that!
Thanks for this!
I always enjoy your comments. They bring me back to the time, two years ago, when I was in my fanatic stage. And that is good during these fraught times.
As I’m no longer voting in every contest and going on every fansite that comes up on my browser, I’m happy to read you in what I hope,is sanity.
The writers just can’t duplicate the details in the books. So many of them would not be meaningful to viewers who only watch the show. The writers are great with the broad themes and the new season, for me, has done the job in introducing new characters,broadening old characters and setting up conflicts to come. They have given us cherished lines and details (e.g., Claire’s medicine box) and Diana’s wonderful animal characters; Rollo and Clarence (leti’s hear it for the Foley artists for the barking and braying to come).
I am also very happy that in the calling of the clans scene, they used a stag, instead of a cross in the bon fire. The stag was a beautiful sight to behold. I wonder if they will use the stag again when they film The Fiery Cross. Will certainly not be historically accurate, but may solve a boat load of controversies.
Many thanks again for your wonderful words.
I was reflecting on what you were. Things have changed for me in being a fan. I have come to accept that the books are not the show and vice versa in a way that I hadn’t before. I think there was a part of me that really hoped I would see MY Jamie and Claire on the screen. Of course, I haven’t and I know now that it was an impossible expectation. I’m a lot more relaxed about watching the show as a result. Could someone else have done a better job producing the show? Maybe, but I find it hard to believe that any group could have created this show with more love. There are a lot of hands in this pie. Who knows what the writers wanted originally or if things were changed that they objected to. They have certainly hinted that is the case at times. On the other hand, like all of us they approach these books and stories through their own lens. They are interpreting the story. Sometimes their ideas mesh with mine sometimes they don’t!
Thank you, Beth! I’m always eager to read your take on an episode. For me, this one was such a breath of fresh air (although I’ve read the books multiple times so I guess it wasn’t all that fresh in that sense…lol), but when I watched this ep for this first time late on Saturday, I was actually SMILING. And when my hubby asked me the next morning about the episode, I answered with, “Now, THAT was an Outlander episode!” I understood the necessity of the first two episodes this season…ground work…, but this episode reminded me why I love this story and these people. And Ian…oh, Ian…I cannot wait to see more of his story! Love that boy/man! – Dawn
Great recap, as always :D. I really liked this episode for all the reasons you mentioned. Loved seeing Bree and Roger and I’m glad they finally added Roger giving Bree the silver bracelet. I like Bree so I don’t quite understand why some people dislike her. I love her attitude and especially liked her calling Roger a hypocrite for having no issue sleeping with other girls but wanting a virgin for a wife – such a prevailing male attitude that is only now starting to fade. Seeing Jamie and Claire literally “finding” themselves, their new home and the beginnings of a life together was, as you said, nice. Young Ian is priceless and I just love Myers (Welsh accent and all). LOL Rollo and Clarence made me smile. I was surprised at how hostile Claire was to Jocasta. She made her point regarding her loathing of slavery but she had more compassion for “book” Jocasta. Must admit to gasping when I saw Claire unzip her boots to remove them. I’m sure this wasn’t a wardrobe faux pas but part of the outfit Claire wore back through the stones. Still, laced boots maybe would have been a better choice. It was nice to see a calmer non violent episode that did follow the book story line very well. I really have locked my book hat in the closet so far this season – I’m surprised but pleased with myself.
I related to everything you said! My book hat hasn’t gotten in the way this season!
LOL we are making progress 😀
I liked the episode. I read DOA awhile ago so I had forgotten things. It was probably good since the show is different. Bree is difficult to like but she and Roger are growing on me.
Beth,
Sometimes, “nice” is good! I’m finding that my enjoyment of Outlander is of a quieter, gentler nature these days. You talked about the maturity of love and I guess I’m experiencing a similar arc with regard to the Outlander fandom. Gone is the initial frenzy, angst, hope and expectation. In its place, I have a greater understanding of adaptation and that some things I’ll get and some things I won’t; some scenes will touch me and others won’t; some wigs I’ll hate and others will only make me roll my eyes (hee, hee!) but none of it makes or breaks me. It’s just a show that I can enjoy now, like I enjoy The Big Bang Theory. I didn’t read DOA during Droughtlander and since it isn’t one of my favorite books, there isn’t a lot that they could adapt out from under me. All that to say, I really enjoyed “False Bride”. I thought several elements, especially Roger and Bree related worked especially well. I liked the visual effect of Otter Tooth’s appearance and something that hit me a few times in all 3 episodes so far this season is Jamie’s connection to Bree. I know when Jamie and Claire reunited, one of the eponymous book scenes that you and I both thought was under served in the show was Jamie seeing Bree’s photos and “falling to pieces” in Claire’s arms. The adaptation chose to include Willie in that scene and many of us thought that it sold the emotion of that scene short. This season, Jamie seems to be thinking of Bree almost continuously and I’ve really liked that redirection. Do I miss the heady days of the early fandom and seeing life breathed into one of my favorite book series? Sometimes. Most times I just think back on that time with fondness and am just very glad I don’t invest as much emotional real estate to it anymore. I much prefer to enjoy (or not) the elements of the story each week and then do it again next Sunday! Thanks Beth!
This is perfect!
I took my time to reply and two watches through the episode. I really don’t care if Claire had some kind of unemotional goodbye to Jocasta. She had her reasons. Jocasta will be back. I loved Young Ian’s emotional growth and look forward to what we know will build on that. His story is pretty exciting moving forward. As much as a lot of us don’t like Brianna (and truthfully, the book readers find her a bit obnoxious as well), her sweet soft face when Roger was singing made this episode even more satisfying. Brianna is a tough cookie. I think Sophie is doing her great justice.
I loved that they were able to smoosh so many things into an hour and give us some fine Outlander story.
I’m so sorry for those people who will always pick apart and find fault in the flow, the story, the lives of the characters we love so much.
There are so many more characters to add. Holy cow. Claire and Jamie, while always being the couple we adore, will host so many more people in their lives. Get used to it, Outlander fans, it’s happening. We must be happy that Jamie and Claire are totally committed to one another. And they still like to have sex. I’m sure we’ll see that. So relax. We must make room for others.
That’s how the books read. Thanks, Beth. I’m so happy you are willing to put your opinions out there. This was definitely nice.
Thanks for adding your thoughts!
So hard for me to find the right words — you found them for me. I agree this episode was NICE. Treyn
TY Beth for you thoghts. I was happy with this episod. But on the next day I found myself still thinking about jne moments in River Run and about Jocasta. I was struck by the Jocasta`s deep lonliness, by the hope that came to her along with her new family and by her strenth &motherly wisdom. She very wisely and correctly insisted that Jamie take the money, she helps him, even thogh she didn`t like him going away and her heart is broken. When she tells Jamie about her wish to see his face just ones (and we see tears in his eyes) I was so moved. So I want to ask you about what exactly you didn`t like in River Run in this episod?
I find myself agreeing with others on here that Clair is coming off as very harsh. I would have liked to have seen her at least show that she understood her actions had consequences. She is leaving and the mess she created will make things worse for everyone. I understand her feelings about slavery, but her need to do the right thing was more important to her than the people it would affect.
Well, yes, I`ll agree with you here. But I think, that later Claire had had the time to think over the words, that Jocasta told her about Jamie. I see this in her asking him about his love to work with horses and to beeeng the printer.
yes her words did cause Claire to think
Well, for having to struggle to find something to write about, you did a fine job. Please tell your husband, if you have DVR, he can totally pause thd show while watching even the main broadcast time, and neither of you have to miss what’s said next! 😉
LOL! You are assuming he will listen!
I’m with you on this episode. Still, more Roger makes me happy. Brianna has always been a hard nut for me; I really struggle to like her in her younger years, she’s not straight-forward, she keeps herself very close to herself – probably as protection from Frank and Claire’s volatile relationship – but it makes her hard to read and her choices make no sense to me; as she’s matured in the books though, I like and ‘get’ her more as a capable grown-ass woman.
I love reading your recaps. You write what I’m thinking and feeling in a way I just could not put on the page.
I did Finally get to meet Diana Gabaldon at Wizard World Chicago and my husband was as enchanted as I was. He now has a good idea why I love these books.
Thank you Beth
TY!
Great blog, made me rethink my reaction of liked it better than last week. I agree playing Bree is going to be a changeling. Sophie is small and sweet. Can’t wait to see her grow into the part. Love Young Ian, and he also has big shoes to fill. Still trying to love Rollo. Not as fierce as I have pictured. But he is still young. Thanks for your time given to Outlander Lynn Conroy Tennessee
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Thanks for reading and commenting!
This is to Rebecca Gill whose comments, while worth reading, were a bit hurtful. I can only go on my own feelings while reading these remarkable books. How tricky it is to separate the two. But I’ve been able to do that because I believe in the process. Those books will never ever be put into film form ever, not entirely, because there is just so much to say. . There are so any fans that cannot separate the two. Dianna knew this from the start. There
is just too much, too many… too many stories and subplots … too many people and a lot of love. But through faith and with belief, Dianna did let her story move forward. And a lot of us moved along with her. Grateful for seasons past, I willingly go where I’m lead. There will aways be a lot missing that we that we believe must be included. There are things included that we may have forgotten about and are pleasantly surprised when it is shown to us in screen (i.e. Young Ian’s beautiful smile. Brianna’s soft delicate face while Roger is singing).
I started to understand this especially during Voyager.
We must, as fans, stick together through the retelling of our beloved story. It will weave and twist and turn. But ultimately we’ll be taken back to the great love and faith and family that is the Fraser’s.
I am so sad that there are so many people unhappy with the story – the coarseness of Claire, the “weeniness” of Jamie.. Not the right word for what I’m reading but I get the feeling that people think he’s less than the man in th books.
Jami is kind and strong and brave and an incredible man.
I will continue to be enthralled at the story telling. Claire is Claire. That she didn’t fawn over Jocasta didn’t surprise me or hurt. She wanted out of there. Jamie continues to be Claire’s rock. I like that. He’ll have plenty of opportunity to show his mettle and strength.
Hmmm. Can’t believe we always watched episode three. So much more to watch. I’d like to tell the doubters to just enjoy the ride. The story is still strong. The love is still there. The adventure will always continue. The characters grow and bloom
I’m am so happy that Outlander continues to give me a lot of pleasure. And thanks to Beth for allowing some of us to ramble on. Done.
*i can’t believe we’ve already watched episode three …
I was like, hey Bree drives him all the way to NC from Boston? Why didn’t he just got to NC? And I wanted NH to be the HG as I live in NH. But I soon realized the writers are drawing parallels between J and C and R and B. They think of each other and don’t know they travel the same pathways. I loved the condensed story. I also love Ian and Rolo and am excited for their story to come, as sad as it all is.
That should be fly to NC. And meet Bree there….
I came to the books through watching Season 1- I loved both parts, and have watched them many times. I then read all the books and became a bit of a purist and precious about things being changed in the screen adaption. However, now it doesn’t matter to me what the changes are. The characters and settings in both parts of season 1 were so much richer and complex to me. The post season 1 adaptions seem more self conscious and things are explained with modern thinking, for example Jamie’s PTSD and Claire’s views on owning slaves. Jamie particularly seems to have become an homogenous mix of many different types of men and Claire is changed from the strong, feisty character. We all have our own views of what the characters are like but I still miss the earlier strong depictions of the characters like Rupert, Jenny, Angus etc. I no longer wait longingly for the next week or next series and I’m sad about that. But thanks for your blog; I do enjoy reading it and appreciate the work and thought that goes into writing it.
Richard is what he goes by… Rik (the British spelling) is just his Twitter name bc his own was taken.
Also the quote is “I’ll have you all, but not at all”. Thanks for a great and thoughtful article as always!
“OR not at all” 🤗
I was a little disappointed with the first two episodes. But I loved the third one! I especially loved seeing things happen in the same places in two different centuries while mother & daughter were thinking about each other. Love survives through all space & time. I have always thought that was the main message of all the Outlander books. I also think the writers are being blamed way too much. There are lots of other people involved in deciding what Outlander will “stand for” besides the writers. They have to take a lot in to consideration when writing the scripts & I think they are doing a great job even if I don’t always love everything. I’m still so pleased that the Outlander books are being translated into a series & that it was done in my lifetime!