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Keeta

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Everything posted by Keeta

  1. Maybe it's just different people voicing this now. I know I for one have had my opinion for a while now - that he overall does a great job, but I have my one main criticism - but I don't want to harp on it all the time. Personally, I chimed in because others were talking about it.
  2. Regarding Sam's acting, my biggest criticism is that whenever he's supposed to be Thinking or Plotting, he acts with his eyebrows and eye muscles (squinting) A LOT. It has the effect not of looking crafty or intelligent as Jamie is often described as being (when he needs to), but of someone who's just trying too hard. It's not convincing, and he goes to the same well too often. That being said, he's been able to access some very impressive depths of emotion in less "plot-driven" scenes, which has been quite lovely.
  3. I just watched Too Funny to Fail after hearing about it on the podcast and it was absolutely fantastic. I also knew nothing about The Dana Carvey Show beforehand. It was like discovering a hidden cache of classic SNL-but-weirder sketches, and also really interesting to hear all these now-famous comedians reflecting back on it. Better Things was robbed (though I get it)! Interestingly, Jeff's point about the different threads not always being necessary for the story is kind of the point of the show sometimes. It's not the style of it to be about The Plot and have everything tied together. It has a wonderful, lived-in feel to it. And definitely woman-centric (how could it not be?), so it's unfortunate it got the panel that it did. Not to say men can't judge shows about women or vice versa, of course, but they're not exactly the #1 intended audience. And American Vandal is a national treasure.
  4. While my husband commandeered the TV to watch Game 6 of the World Series, I took my laptop and re-watched “Je Suis Prest” and “Prestonpans”. I definitely have my issues with season 2, but it was nice to be reminded of some really good stuff in this section of episodes. I like that it feels contained and focused on the preparation for war, lacking some of the more outlandish (no pun intended) plot points. We get the great introduction to Lord John, some lovely moments of connection between Jamie and Claire, Jamie in his element as a soldier, and the tension between Jamie and Dougal is really well done. Plus those beautiful shots of the Scottish countryside. OH, and I was very happy to be reminded of the very attractive Richard Anderson (who helps them find the trail in the dark before Prestonpans). He’s kind of like the dark and slender version of Jamie, or like how I pictured an older Young Ian in the later books.
  5. Don't look now y'all, but this writer co-wrote one other episode: 311 "Turtle Soup".
  6. A few short thoughts on 307: This episode was okay. My biggest issue was with Claire's behavior, and hers and Jamie's toward each other, though the chaotic plot contributes at least in part to that. It just didn't seem like they've been reunited for a mere 24 hours. I also could not get emotionally invested in saving the excise man's life, despite understanding Claire's perspective in theory. She seemed to be focusing on too many external things (going off on her own to see a patient she literally just met instead of being glued to the side of the man she's been pining for all these years?). Sure, you could argue that maybe this was partly a defense mechanism to just having been assaulted "hey! I know how to be a doctor at least. Great, something else to focus on for a bit." If so though, it didn't quite come together. Partly a TV writing issue (interesting points above about the script… yeeesh), partly a source material issue (this was never my favorite part of the book). Maybe partly acting too. Caitriona is wonderful, but perhaps some more hints of vulnerability would have helped. Ian and Claire's reunion was pretty spot on, mainly due to some excellent acting. And finally: best part of the episode was Fergus, and best single moment was his eyebrow raise at the very end. HA.
  7. This thread is kind of a bummer, so I'm going to take a page out of WatchrTina's book and start with the good. Overall though, I really liked the episode. I do have some quibbles as always, and others here have brought up good points. The good: On first watch I really enjoyed it, and even cried at the beginning (strangely something I don't do very much when watching Outlander - maybe because I know the source material so well). I loved the cold open - smart way to build the tension while also getting us inside Jamie's experience before his world is turned upside down. Caitriona and Sam did a phenomenal job throughout. Particularly Caitriona conveying Claire's joy mixed with a healthy dose of fear, nerves, and trepidation, but I think Sam's performance was also incredibly thoughtful. Production design and costumes, per usual - this show is so lovely. I literally pumped my fist when he told her about Willie right away. As we all know, there are a number of plot points that are verra frustrating, so I was so glad to just nip this one in the bud. Sam's reading of "I have burned for you for so long, do ye not know that?" *Fans self* Jamie going "downstairs" for "breakfast". All the new actors seemed excellent. Older Fergus (and his reunion with Claire) was wonderful, and I loved Young Ian. He did a great job in his scene and I can't wait to see much more of him. I think they hit the mark in terms of subtlety with the various hints of something else (Laoghaire) going on. It's interesting because I've read several recaps/reviews, and something that's come up more than once is a concern that the reunion went too smoothly. Hoo boy, just wait... I have slightly conflicted feelings on the lack of aging, but ultimately I'm here for it. You will not find me complaining that the actors look too young & pretty. I need my escapism now more than ever you guys! And the not so good... I didn't notice Jamie's lack of falling apart at Brianna's photographs until I read these comments, after which I do think it was a missed opportunity (maybe cut a minute or two of untying neckerchiefs? See below), but not awful. I can read that whole scene as Jamie being kind of overwhelmed. And honestly, it's more important to me to enjoy the episode. The undressing at the brothel took a little too long. Maybe it's the repeated undoing of the neckties? I didn't mind it the first time, but I think on rewatch it may get slightly tedious. Claire's line about "we are married" when Jamie asks for a moment to change his pants struck me the wrong way. Maybe one of those lines that I don't mind in the book, but on screen they hit you differently. Jamie's poetic musings on Claire's body were a little over the top and probably should have been toned down, but we've seen that before (see episode 109). Yes, annoying to have Claire in peril at the end of the episode but I am not going to get worked up about her going down to breakfast (not a euphemism this time). So yeah, definitely some quibbles, but overall I know this will be another episode near the top of my go-to rewatch list.
  8. Well, yet another instance of "foot in mouth" syndrome for Jane. Sigh. I know I just have to accept it at this point - it's a feature of the show that doesn't seem likely to change anytime soon. I really really like Jane and Rafael's friendship. It feels very earned (unlike Xo and Bruce). At this stage I hope they don't bring them back together romantically, but it's possible I can be won over with enough time and careful writing. And speaking of Xo and Bruce, that triangle with Rogelio is not particularly entertaining, plus it deprives us of Fun!Rogelio. We just see Ro looking lost and down, which is obviously far from ideal. And the show never did the real work to make the Xo and Bruce relationship truthful - because of course they're aiming to get Ro and Xo back together, which: Duh - so I guess it just feels like spinning wheels in the meantime.
  9. I have to say, I'm getting kind of tired of the whole "Jane does something really stupid like quit too early or give the wrong packet to her adviser" plot device. She's a smart (and Type A) woman - doesn't make sense for the character. Also: I miss Michael. :( He was one of the most charming characters on this show (along with Ro, duh. And Jane.)
  10. Are spoiler tags needed in a spoiler and book talk thread?
  11. I don't think we've seen the last of young Fergus just yet, I remember reading that somewhere...
  12. John Bell's not how I picture Young Ian, but from his headshot I love him already.
  13. Warning: potentially controversial comment ahead. This is the only board I frequent on these forums, but I was just looking at one for another show, and one of my takeaways was to be grateful that the Outlander commenters are majority women. No offense meant to male posters in general, and it's not that I saw anything majorly offensive or trolling. But it was interesting to compare to the conversations and comments here. How people focus on different aspects of a show, as well as some subtle sexism at work. (I know, I know: on the internet, I should be grateful that's all there was. Thank god for moderators.)
  14. I agree about the Fox's Lair. To me, the potato harvest scene felt kind of overacted, like the actors knew they had to imbue this scene with all the happiness from the Lallybroch section of the book that gets almost zero time on the show. Like the writing asked too much of them, and without giving them the context and time to really earn that emotion. (Or maybe I'm reading too much into it, haha)
  15. What @Nidratime said. I wasn't surprised to see no acting nominations for Outlander, but I was really hoping for one for Caitriona. She was absolutely deserving for season 2. So I was definitely disappointed about that.
  16. Damn, that "blue steel" look is something else!
  17. The more I think about it, I hope season 3 holds off on the Jamie and Claire reunion. One of the best things about season 1 was the slow burn of their relationship over the first six episodes. I don't know if they need or should have quite that many before Claire goes back, but there is 20 years of life to delve into, and the audience should really feel that pain of separation to make the payoff worth it. Besides, the last third of Voyager is the part I tend to skip (sorry Ron - I know, all the ships!!!), so I don't need a majority of the season to cover that stuff.
  18. I think a lot of people don't love the 2nd book for the same reason (all the political scheming), so fingers crossed season 3 is an improvement with less of that and more focus on the central relationship.
  19. I blame Diana, actually. ;)
  20. I'm in the middle of a re-read (first one in a while... maybe only my second time ever), and nearing the end of the book. It's interesting that my impression has been that the first 2/3 or so was fairly smooth sailing (no pun intended) with nothing super crazy happening -- grading on an Outlander scale of crazy, of course. The super crazy thing taking it over the top being the misunderstanding about MacKenzie = Roger Wakefield, and not Brianna's rapist... hoo boy. (The conversation/fight with Roger, Jamie, and Ian in the clearing is so ridiculous. "I've come to claim my wife", Roger? Really, that's the line you're going with?) But until then, it's a lot of "just living life" scenes, though of course exaggerated beyond what would happen in an average person's life. Yes, Brianna going through the stones without telling Roger and all that is very dramatic, but it felt like a natural extension of character and events in a way that the MacKenzie fiasco doesn't. And making the move to the Ridge and settling in there is all really lovely, not to mention Jamie and Brianna getting to know each other (and Claire observing, knowing them both so well). Another interesting takeaway for me on this read is how conservative Roger comes across in certain parts. His relationship with Brianna seems very much about him a lot of the time: HE'S being virtuous and deciding they shouldn't have sex; HE'S deciding to withhold devastating information about her parents; HE'S telling her how to dress in the past (ok, he may have a point there...). I can't remember if I felt this way the last time I read DOA. I still like the guy, and a lot of these things mainly serve to drive the plot. Plus men in the 1960s (heck, many in 2016...) still had a lot to learn about feminism. :)
  21. Outlander Season 3 teases about Brianna, Roger, and that time jump - Highlight of this article is Sam being hilarious. (Two words: "Fat Jamie") http://www.ign.com/articles/2016/07/10/outlander-season-3-teases-about-brianna-roger-and-that-time-jump Outlander's Third Season: Everything We Know So Far http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/07/outlander-season-3
  22. Yeah, I really couldn't care less about the initial carving. Seems emblematic of certain book details that don't actually NEED to be portrayed in order to get the point across (i.e. J&C's undying love), but some fans just get obsessed with them. A couple interesting articles: Vanity Fair interview with Ron Moore post-finale: http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/07/outlander-season-2-finale-dragonfly-in-amber-brianna An interesting review of season 2 and the finale from Vox. I don't actually agree with a lot of it, but it's an interesting perspective: http://www.vox.com/2016/7/10/12133430/outlander-finale-recap-season-2-dragonfly-in-amber
  23. If you need a laugh after all the tears caused by yesterday's finale: 83 Thoughts I Had Watching the Outlander Season Finale https://www.buzzfeed.com/keelyflaherty/thoughts-i-had-watching-the-outlander-season-finale
  24. Okay, that was really, really well done. Whew! And I’m glad to say I don’t really have any nitpicky complaints about changes from the book for this episode, which is nice. What a showcase for Caitriona. Wow. All of her 1960’s scenes were just tremendous. Okay fine, the whole episode really, but it’s those scenes in particular that stuck out to me, how she conveyed Claire’s depth and complexity of feeling after 20 years. Amazing. I got super excited when Jamie started his speech at the stones, because I could tell it was going exactly the way it is in the book, which rarely happens on the show. Definitely sat up a bit straighter, lol! Sam’s delivery was spot on. I’m so glad that his acting always seems to be in peak form during these emotionally charged scenes with Caitriona. Happy sigh. Very pleased with Brianna and Roger. I love how Claire’s lines about Brianna being “so like” Jamie make total sense when you look at Sophie in this episode. Speaking of Sophie, I thought her acting was overall pretty solid, and hopefully will just improve as she gets more to do. (One funny sidenote, the way she said the word “anything” the way a Brit would is hilarious to me. For some reason that word always signals when it's a British person doing an American accent.) I suppose the only drawback from all the wonderful J&C-related moments in this episode, among which I include Claire in the 60s looking back, is that they did kind of highlight the lack thereof earlier in the season (or at least lack relative to my preference!). Looking forward to re-watching this season to see how I feel after a second viewing.
  25. I believe she said something along the lines of "like I promised him I would". IIRC, DiA starts with Claire ringing Roger's doorbell.
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