SassAndSnacks

Can I also just say that I have a love/hate relationship with the way they are setting up the situation with Claire and the Browns? I hate that it is seemingly going to happen (but maybe it won't be as bad as in the book, says optimistic me, but then I remember what show I'm watching), but I appreciate that they are being more deliberate about it and giving that background more substance. In the book, I was taken by surprise that it escalated so quickly. Also, this episode was so reminiscent of the first season. Superb acting (to be fair, almost all of the acting is always superb), tension-filled action scenes, heart-in-your-throat while watching. I'm loving this season. I don't peak ahead to see what the episode titles are, or descriptions, or who wrote what, etc., but frequenting this site as I do, I saw that the next episode is "Famous Last Words" which I immediately took to reference the fallout of what happens to Roger and the silence that follows. The call out in this title to him singing and the reference in the next title to no words would seem to be linked to the dramatic change that he physically goes through.

This was exciting and fantastic. I had this problem a bit, too. I had to keep reminding myself to pay attention and then after a bit, I was swept into it. The choice with Buck was interesting, and I really like it (nevermind that I always pictured him with blonde hair). I also didn’t realize it was Graham McTavish. I heard the voice and thought it sounded familiar. Then, I saw him and thought, “That dude looks a lot like Dougal.” And then, “Oooohhh, makes sense.” The sendoff Claire gives Jamie... All of the feels. I had immediate flashbacks to Prestonpans. These two, radiating love and chemistry. Seriously, it’s this story that I signed up for when I devoted a lot of sleepless nights to reading 8 books, and it’s what got me through them multiple times. Speaking of the books, thank goodness I’m a book reader and know how this turns out because I would be beside myself right now! They left EVERYONE hanging.

This is a great idea and a wonderful distraction. P.S. - LOVE the scene you selected. One of my favorites, too. That whole section of MOBY is riveting.

Mine too, but I guess if I have to go back through and read certain parts and/or check my Kindle bookmarks, then I have to do it. Duty calls and all that. 😊 Would this thread needed to be changed to a "Book Talk" thread in that case?

Kind of both, I guess. I stumbled upon Outlander on STARZ after the first couple of seasons because I was looking for something to watch while I was on the treadmill. I had never even heard of the books or the show before that. Apparently, I live under a rock. I watched the first episode, nearly tripping over my jaw as I ran and downloaded the book from the gym. After that, I'd read a few chapters, watch an episode, and that went on until I was caught up on both the books and all of the episodes. My reading outpaced my running, so I always knew what was coming well in advance of the shows. I couldn't put the books down, and read the whole series in about 6 weeks, and then read them again immediately after for good measure, taking my time the second time fully through. The show is incredible, but I prefer the books. There are parts of them that are so mind-numbingly over-descriptive and leave me questioning WTF should I care, but all of that is made well by the parts that completely warm my heart, blow my mind, heal my soul. Someone else summed it up better in saying that the things the books do well, they do SO WELL. Regarding whether or not that impacts our opinions of the show, I think strong parts of the books likely make for stronger episodes of the show, simply because the source material is better and likely more inspirational. If the writers also like those sections of the books, perhaps they take more care in adapting those episodes or perhaps it's even easier to adapt those episodes. But, I'm not a writer so...

Yes! Curious how often those episodes would appear in someone else's list. I almost went with the Garrison Commander in there, too, because the episode was so tense and well-acted, and it gave some really important Jamie backstory. Choosing 10 is tough.

Yes, I wasn't a Jocasta fan in the books at all, but I find that I have almost warm feelings for her in the show 1) Because they've made her more likable and 2) Maria Doyle Kennedy. Which is all very odd because they did the same thing for Frank, making him more likable than in the book, and Tobias Menzies is wonderful, but I still loathe Show Frank as much as I loathe Book Frank. Book Frank has probably just tainted me and there was nothing Tobias Menzies could ever do about it. Alas, I digress... I need to get back to doing this. You capture so much more sound nuance with headphones and it really adds to the quality of the show.

Ok, I've thought more about this than I probably should have, but here we go - 1. 107 - The Wedding --> Where Jamie the Lad became JAMMF!! And, he so eloquently delivered those lines about Claire's dark hair that made me so pleased to be a brunette. 2. 112 - Lallybroch --> Claire finds a home. Jamie tells her the final reason he married her. Love it. 3. 210 - Prestonpans --> That bow before he goes off to battle. Claire's gulp and slow nod. Claire calling him soldier. Wee Fergus. All. Of. The. Feels. 4. 306 - A. Malcom --> The cold open, you know, when Jamie's just going about this day when Claire decides to pop in after 20 years. 20 FREAKING YEARS!!!! Yes, some things are very wrong with this episode (the lack of emotion seeing the pictures, the Willie reveal, etc.) But they are back together, and I love it. I also love how Caitriona channels that confident yet vulnerable side of Claire. 5. 504 - The Company We Keep --> The walk in the woods is everything to me. 6. 109 - The Reckoning --> "You're tearing my guts out, Claire!" Possibly my favorite line of the series. Jamie, smart fella that he is, realizes that things need to be different for the two of them than what he has seen of other relationships in his time. 7. 301 - The Battle Joined --> This is an acting powerhouse. We find out what happened to Jamie, feel Claire's agony, watch Frank's frustration. The scene where she walks across the battlefield...gah, just rip my heart out and take it, ok?! 8. 501 - The Fiery Cross --> I love their time at the Ridge, and some of my most cherished book scenes happen there, as they build the life together that they very much deserve. Love Claire being a doctor and trying to help the people there. Jamie in a kilt again! 9. 103 - The Way Out --> Jamie and Claire are at their best when they work together, and here we have our first glimpse of how powerful of a team they can be. Oh, and that tension-filled scene in her surgery where she checks his shoulder wound. Smolder away, Sam, just smolder away. 10. 101 - Sassenach --> The one that started it all. The one where I audibly gasped when she walked over and fixed this poor Scottish lad's shoulder, turned off the television, and downloaded the book immediately. I should give credit to Dragonfly in Amber and Faith, both of which are absolutely stunning episodes. However, I can't watch them all the time without being a blubbering mess, so I don't.

Squeals of excitement! Ok, now to carefully ponder and pick my favorite 10...

Hmm, clean or talk Outlander... I know what I would choose, too! At first, I thought a poll would be fun, interesting to see how people ranked each episode, but having to type out every single episode seemed like way too much work and maybe wouldn't foster a discussion. I like your "Only 10 Episodes You Get" idea, kind of like picking an All Star Season of Outlander. (I'm probably more excited for this than I should be.)

Instead of getting more sleep last night, I woke up early and rewatched this episode (as one does), and I liked the barn scene much better the second time around. Maybe I was tired and cranky last night? I think this interpretation of their intimacy is what hasn't fully translated over from the books. I don't need to see skin, but I want to see more of the touching, kissing, affection that they have for each other. It warms my cold little heart, I tell ye! Their chemistry is still <insert explosive sound effect here>. That look he gave her after she slugged him, Woo! I think also my problem last night is that I had the sound down too far, making it hard to hear a lot of that dialogue, which adds so much to those scenes. Anyway, I stand corrected! And reading through the occasional walk through peanut butter that these books can give us! Precisely! But when we took the 20 year jump in Season 3, there was criticism on these threads about witnessing people in their 50s and 60s having sex. I'm not going to swim back through all of the episode threads (though sometimes I do when I rewatch an episode) but there were definitely viewers who were critical of that portrayal. I'm assuming that since Jocasta has (or had) a physical relationship with Murtagh that we won't see her physical relationship with Ulysses in the show. I'm guessing they won't go there. This. His comment last night about wanting Jocasta to be happy seemed to be so contrived. I'm really enjoying the discussion on race happening on this thread. Some interesting perspectives that you all are sharing.

Ha! I’m so sorry. I’ve been busy with work and kids. I actually started a post but then someone needed something and away it went. By all means, start away! I’ll be more than happy to throw in my two cents ten dollars worth of thoughts. Thank you!

Throughout the episode, I thinking “Wow! I like this so much. I can’t wait to tell everyone how much I like this!” And then the end happened. The barn sex scene was disappointing. The book set the tension much better - Sleeping Claire being touched by someone and being confused about who is was, leaving her room, seeing Jamie, and them needing to have each other. Because that’s who they are and what they do. They are passionate for and about each other. Which brings me to these gems - And... On some of these threads, I’ve seen people miffed at the continued sexual activity of Jamie and Claire into their 50s and 60s. It’s actually a compelling part of the whole book series to me. Why shouldn’t they go at it? I want them to go at it! I’m in my 30s, have 3 small kids, a job, a mortgage, and a husband who means everything to me. And damn right, I hope we’re still that interested in each other at that age. I love that they still need and want that physicality with each other. It’s inspiring, frankly, and in the books truly speaks to their oneness. But because the show hasn’t shown us this, and, at best only slightly alluded to it, we’re left with the awkward barn scene. Anyway...tangent over. - Maria Doyle Kennedy is incredible. - Yay, Roger! - Phaedre?

Oooh...do I know how to do that? I'll try to start it tonight. This whole social distancing/work from home/home-school three little kids lifestyle is really interfering with my Outlander time. 😊

Shout it louder for the producers in the back! I'm actually really enjoying this season, just wasn't blown away by the last episode. But, the meh episodes help us to appreciate the brilliant episodes even more, right? Side thought - have we ever done a poll of what we think are the best episodes? For instance, if you could only re-watch 10 episodes, what would they be? I must ponder...

I had high hopes for this one after the cold open (which usually signifies a great episode) and the flashback montage at the beginning (oh, my heart). Overall, it was a little “meh.” Maybe it’s just everything going on over the last several days or maybe it’s way too much Bree and Roger. I found myself checking to see how much time was left during the first Bree and Roger scene. That said, a meh hour of Outlander is better than anything else on tv.

1. @WatchrTina - I'm so glad to see your commentary this week. I always looks forward to reading it and missed it last week. Thanks for your thoughts! 2. I DID like this episode. That scene in the woods with Jamie and Claire was exactly what I'd hoped for, and for those people saying these two don't have chemistry anymore, Pfft...did you see that scene? That forehead touch... They still have it. 3. SO THIS! I feel like we're supposed to care about Morton, but then make me care about him. His random lines over the past few weeks don't make me care about him. He was a random dude in the books, too, but in the books, you can skip over his parts. Harder to do that while watching. So make me care. 4. So so so many breadcrumbs and foreshadowing in this episode. I suspect the playing up of Morton and Alicia is important to how the show will incorporate what happens later (I tried to be obtuse enough to not be totally spoilery but decided to use the tags anyway.) 5. Anyone else mentally pronounce Alicia's name incorrectly. I always said it as Ah-lee-sha. But then I also had Marsali wrong, too. 6. Speaking of Marsali. Love this actress, love her scenes. Keep them coming!

I think you're right. Guess I'll just have to force myself to go back through and read this one again. Malva Christie aside (she makes me say ALL of the bad words), I absolutely love Book 6.

I believe it's this book where Jem is playing with the raw sapphire that Claire has tucked away in her surgery when it bursts in his hand. He cries out, and everyone runs into the room. It dawns on them that he must also be special, and they start giving him other stones to hold, which feel hot to him. He also hears the stones making sounds. This makes Claire, Jamie, Bree, and Roger certain that he can travel through.

I believe when they get to Brownsville in the book, they have the discussion about whether or not they should keep the baby, which leads to the discussion of them having another baby themselves. Jamie says something to the effect of "I have bairns a'plenty, but I only have one you." (swoon) And, basically they decide that at this point in their lives, they have the family they want and will focus on them. It's a really beautiful moment with the two of them, and based on the previews for next week, I'm hopeful we get to see it. I really enjoyed this episode, much to my surprise because this wasn't my favorite part of the book. I was pretty much WTF, the whole time while reading it. I get the importance of this event in the grand scheme of their lives moving forward, but I was still bug-eyed over it when I went through the book on subsequent readings. Jamie and Claire are at their best when they are working together, and this episode showcased it so well.

Make that 4 for Last Kingdom. It’s on Netflix. Season 4 debuts later this year. ETA: Uhtred is no Jamie Fraser, but he helps to fill the void during Droughtlander, ye ken?

I think it’s a special type of birthmark. My grandfather, father, and I all have a marking in the same spot on the back of our necks. My grandmother always called it a “strawberry” as if that was some medically accepted term. Whatever the case, I picked up what Diana was putting down with Jem and Roger for that reason.

This happens in Book 6 after Jem picks up lice from one of the other boys and they have to shave his head. Roger shaves his head, too, in solidarity.

The new opening credits are actually my favorite so far. The first time I watched this episode, the clarity and purity of the vocals made me teary. The second time through was no different. I particularly enjoyed the soft refrain from the original theme that played over the title card. Very moving. I'm so excited for this season. Aside from Book 1, Books 5 and 6 are my favorites. I love seeing Jamie and Claire together, establishing the life they so deserve to have with each other. Yeah, there are a lot of new characters to get to know and the Gathering is the longest, muddiest shindig ever, but I love the quiet moments with our two. Plus, Brianna isn't quite as insufferable going forward.