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Outlander: The Reckoning (2015)
Excellent Episode
So far, this is my favourite episode. The performances were great. Loved the tension & controversy that was developed in this episode. As a book reader, I was already prepared for a certain scene where Claire must face the consequences of putting the Highlanders in danger. It's still a shock, but I enjoyed the choices made for this adaptation of the book. I appreciated the development of Jamie Fraser's character. It's refreshing to have a change in the point of view from Claire to Jamie. Colum and Dougal's scene was particularly powerful. You see the power of the Laird through Gary Lewis' portrayal of Colum. As always, I love the costumes, the scenery and the set designs. A truly great show!
Outlander (2014)
Expectations fulfilled!
Diana Gabaldon has chosen wisely. This adaptation by Ron D. Moore is faithful to the heart & soul of the book with changes that fall within the realm of WWDGD. This is a television series for the 21st century. Yes, it's a historical drama with political intrigue and action, but the viewer is drawn in to explore the 18th century through the eyes of a woman who is at the forefront of her time in the 1940's. Claire Randall is a female protagonist who is intelligent and self sufficient. She gets thrown into difficult situations, but she doesn't allow herself to fall into a victim mentality. She definitely embraces the WWII British philosophy of Keep Calm, Carry On.
From Tobias Menzies who skillfully brings 2 characters to life to Sam Heughan who seems to inhabit the role of James Alexander Malcom Mackenzie Fraser with relish, the casting is a triumph. The search for Claire Randall was long and arduous, but Caitriona Balfe was worth the wait. She captures the spirit and wry humour of a beloved character. She grows more and more comfortable with the role throughout the episode. I love watching her facial expressions as Claire. Even the secondary characters are wonderful. I'm glad we'll get to see more of the Highlanders! Too bad we left Mrs.Baird and Mrs. Graham in the 1940's.
The writing seamlessly weaves dialogue and scenes from the book with pieces of adaptation that flesh out Claire's background and her relationship with her husband, Frank Randall. The direction by John Dahl gives the viewers a chance absorb the back story without the headlong rush through the stones. We need to understand and align ourselves with Claire in her time before we journey with her to the foreign world of Scotland in the 1740's.
The cinematography is exquisite. It's truly the love letter to Scotland, as Ron D. Moore said. The costume designs by Terry Dresbach and production designs by Jon Gary Steele are wonderful and lend layers of realism to the production. Finally, the music by Bear McCreary captures the spirit of Scotland and enhances the mood of the episode. He has blogged that each episode will end with a different piece of music.
I'm looking forward to future episodes and holding my breath for Season 2 to be announced.