Outlander In The Media

[AD55]

Thank you for linking to this. Verzak's synopsis/review is a thing of beauty. Her before and after pictures are so on point that I almost started crying again, but I'm at work so I bit the inside of my cheek instead.

 

I watch a fair amount of series television, and I agree with Verzak that the Outlander cast reigns supreme. Other series have outstanding actors, maybe even several, but there are always a few who have been miscast or are weak/mediocre. This series is unparalleled in terms of choosing actors who embody the characters completely. IMO, they never put a foot wrong.

[Nidratime]

Ha! Just saw a tweet linking to an EW article where they quote Sen. Claire McCaskill (among others) saying they're quitting Game of Thrones over the latest plot developments on that show.... Sounds familiar.  ;-)

[Archery]

 

A friend of mine follows this "reviewer" on twitter and she drew my attention to her because the reviewer's seen the last two episodes ahead of time -- as reviewers do -- and apparently, she was so traumatized by episode 16, she has vowed not to review/follow the show for season 2, which I think is great to be honest. Hopefully, someone else will take over for her (unless the site decides to stop following Outlander) who will review the show and not put a lot of other expectations on it, like this:

 

 

Outlander? A fun historical romance? Quickly taken a dark turn? I think this lady expected Downton Abbey or -- if you read historical romance --  someone like Julia Quinn who is very clever and writes charming romances that *are* humorous.

 

In any event, everything this reviewer says about what Claire or Jamie should've done is not what *was* done in the book. If Moore and Company had changed the plot that drastically or given Claire skills she doesn't have *then* everyone else would be saying that Moore was creating a Mary Sue situation to give our heroes amazing skills to thwart a whole prison full of guards and soldiers, every single time.

 

 

And, you would have had to have everything line up just so, giving our characters every advantage to have it come out differently. But, you know, that's normally what happens in most adventure stories. *This* story says no. Things don't always work out well every single time and heroes have to suffer in order to have something to overcome.

It hurts my heart when recappers and reviewers get so caught up in their own narrative and narrow world view that they miss or misinterpret plot points just to have a rant.  I lost count of how many wrong statements there were in that review.  So annoying.  One can dislike the episode or the show, but it should be because of what is actually in the show, not because of what one makes up -- especially if one is being paid to write a review.  A reader shouldn't have to fact-check a review. 

[Nidratime]

Okay, this is funny. It's from a Tobias fan groups' twitter line:

 

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFYLLeKUkAArd-Z.jpg:large

Edited May 19, 2015 by Nidratime

[Nidratime]

Another review of Wentworth with a bit of Game of Thrones thrown in:

 

Outlander: Damn, This Show Took a Dark Turn

http://themuse.jezebel.com/outlander-damn-this-show-took-a-dark-turn-1705308243

[justmehere]

albaniantv: I loved the insight from Cait and Tobias in that article.

 

WatchrTina: The Before and After pictures killed me all over again.

[WatchrTina]

Well, if you haven't been sufficiently traumatized by episode 115 yet, watch this fan film.  It's beautifully edited.  And absolutely gutting.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap_Cqr-gm6E&feature=youtu.be

[WatchrTina]

Right, here's the antidote to the gutting fan film I posted above.

 

#1: an excellent interview with a very funny Sam about surviving "hunk" status.

http://www.shortlist.com/entertainment/tv/save-the-tv-hunks

 

#2: a fan film of our happy family of Outlander cast & crew enjoying their work

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS34ySq1ZYE&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop

Edited May 20, 2015 by WatchrTina

[AD55]

I feel sure that someone must already have linked to this interview with Ira Steven Behr, and I did look through the thread, but I'm someone who is capable of searching a bookcase for a half hour only to discover that the book is six inches from my face:

 

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/outlander-writer-uncomfortable-jamie-black-796077

 

The following leaped out at me:

 

"It was much easier to write this episode than it was to be on set. I know how this is probably going to look in print, but the fact is the five or six days we shot were without a doubt the most uncomfortable and worst I’ve ever spent on a set. Most crews on TV shows and film are very matter-of-fact, tough hombres. And they do that job no matter what’s being filmed. This time, though, everyone was feeling it. The guys would walk past me and go, “When is this going to end?” I’ve never had that happen before. Same with hair and makeup and costume — I would check with them on occasion after a particularly harrowing scene and, I kid you not, there were tears. I’d never seen that before."

 

[Keeta]

Not sure where I should post this, but in case you're worried about spoilers for the next episode, the only spoiler-ish thing below is a small mention regarding the type & quantity of nudity in the finale. 

 

From NY Magazine's "To Do" list for May 20 - June 3:

 

To Watch: Outlander

Fans of this time-traveling female-gaze bodice-ripper have clamored for more male nudity - and boy, do they get it in the finale. But under what terms?  After being saved from the noose, our hero is trapped in a prison cell with his nemesis, the sexual sadist Black Jack Randall. Just give Sam Heughan the Emmy now.

[AD55]

Not sure where I should post this, but in case you're worried about spoilers for the next episode, the only spoiler-ish thing below is a small mention regarding the type & quantity of nudity in the finale. 

 

From NY Magazine's "To Do" list for May 20 - June 3:

 

To Watch: Outlander

Fans of this time-traveling female-gaze bodice-ripper have clamored for more male nudity - and boy, do they get it in the finale. But under what terms?  After being saved from the noose, our hero is trapped in a prison cell with his nemesis, the sexual sadist Black Jack Randall. Just give Sam Heughan the Emmy now.

 

I love the last sentence, but otherwise this makes me tear up. Kristin Dos Santos better not be exaggerating about the payoff at the end of the episode.

[Dust Bunny]

 

I love the last sentence, but otherwise this makes me tear up. Kristin Dos Santos better not be exaggerating about the payoff at the end of the episode.

 

Agreed. Sam's gonna rip out my heart.

 

I think a lot of it comes down to clock management. They need to do a better job than "Devil's Mark", where the witch trial length overshadowed the focus and meaningfulness of the stones and fireside scenes. We need some serious Jamie soul saving and Claire & Jamie relationship deepening in the last 1/2 to 1/3 of the finale. Here's hoping...

[GHScorpiosRule]

Sam's performance from "Wentworth Prison" has already gutted me.

 

And I will admit, I did a huge squee when I listened to this one interview (radio), where it was revealed he played Batman on stage in "The Batman Show" I think it was called. If ye all couldna tell from my avatar, Bats is my favorite comic book hero Ever!

 

Ahem.

 

I'm totally going to have my Chivas sitting on the coffee table, along with a shot glass when I'm watching the finale.

[annlaw78]

Sam's performance from "Wentworth Prison" has already gutted me.

Seriously! Good grief, we can all imagine what came next in the Wentworth cell; they really don't have to show any more. Move on to what happens after.

[magdalene]

http://www.ravishly.com/2014/12/03/outlander-romance-fiction-infidelity-review-analysis

 

 This is an interesting article. It mirrors some of what initially attracted me to the show. This whole concept of a time-traveling romance with a woman getting a second or multiple chances at love and adventure.  Of course I wish now I had read this or something like it before to caution me about the Jack/Jamie slash and having to get so intimately acquainted with a sexual predator while watching this show.

[Keeta]

Highland flings and time travel: have you been watching Outlander? (The Guardian)

http://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/tvandradioblog/2015/may/20/outlander-highland-flings-time-travel-have-you-been-watching

 

And an article from Mashable about rape scenes on TV, including discussion of Outlander:

http://mashable.com/2015/05/20/tv-rape/ 

[chocolatetruffle]

If anyone is in the Los Angeles area, I just heard that Ron D Moore will be unveiling an exhibit of Outlander costumes at The Grove tomorrow at 11:00am.  I may try to get over there, although it's likely to be a zoo.

 

http://thegrovela.com/event_promo.php?id_promo=1708

[justmehere]

Would love to see that! Not in the area, however.

[Keeta]

For some levity as we wait for the finale:

 

The Outlander Drinking Game

http://www.buzzfeed.com/kristinchirico/the-outlander-drinking-game

 

5 reasons Claire and Jamie are TV's most romantic couple

http://tvshowpatrol.com/news/outlander-5-reasons-claire-jamie-are-tvs-most-romantic-couple/

[Nidratime]

The romance book site that I spend most of my romance reader time on (All About Romance or AAR) has blogged about the show.

 

Here's their take. One person was a book reader, one was not. And then the commentary by other visitors to the site after:

 

The Second Half of the First Season of Outlander is almost over. We have thoughts.

http://www.likesbooks.com/blog/?p=16266

[WatchrTina]

Diana posted links to these two reviews on her Facebook page.  

 

First Playboy.com weighs in:  

http://www.playboy.com/articles/sexual-assault-and-fantasy-outlander-game-of-thrones

 

Here's my favorite bit, about the Jamie/Jack confrontations:

 

The scene was flawlessly acted, written for screen just as the author intended, and brilliantly directed.

 

Here's the second one:

http://blogs.indiewire.com/womenandhollywood/sexual-violence-on-outlander-vs-game-of-thrones-20150521

 

My favorite bit:

 

Foerster largely stayed with Jamie’s perspective during this episode, first watching fellow prisoners at the gallows and then chained in the dungeon. When we see Black Jack, we feel as Jamie does: Terrified but resolute; resigning himself to the approaching, unknown suffering. Black Jack, as a villain, is just as twisted as Ramsay in "GoT," but he’s not cartoonish, not a mustache-twirler -- he's horrifying.

 

Both articles compare and contrast the latest episodes of Outlander and Game of Thrones and the strong reaction that the followed their very different depictions of sexual assault.

[Nidratime]

Looking forward to listening to this. (Haven't yet.) OutlanderCast (Mary and Blake) did an interview with director, Mike Barker, who directed the episodes Devil's Mark and Lallybroch.

 

http://www.outlandercast.com/2015/05/outlander-cast-chats-w-outlander.html

 

Just listening to the beginning of the interview, seems they have sound problems ... sounds like the guy's in a cave. Hopefully, it works out.

Edited May 24, 2015 by Nidratime

[Petunia846]

Wow, well that just picked at the scabs of all the bitterness I have over The Devil's Mark. He didn't realize the important implications of some of the scenes because he hadn't finished reading the book? Great. I could see that. Not that he's solely responsible for how things turned out, but still.

[WatchrTina]

Okay, I listened the the Outlander Cast interview with the director of The Devil's Mark and Lallybroch and, quite frankly, between Petunia846's comment above and my own very strong feelings about how Claire's decision at the stones was portrayed (i.e., barely and ambiguously) I went in prepared to hate on everyone involved. Bottom line -- I laughed a LOT. It was a good interview. I heard some interesting things about the making of these two episodes and I heard some hysterically funny stories involving the words penis, knob, cock, and winky and learned the term "cock-sock." I hope Sam and Tobias NEVER listen to this podcast (even though the director is at pains to assure the listening audience that neither Sam nor Tobias has a "winky.") It also reminded me of a tweet from Lotte about doing ADR for The Devils Mark in which she included the hashtag #MyThroat. The podcast explains that the director had the extras reacting loudly to everything that happened at the trial and so the actors were forced to shout non-stop for 4 days.

Bottom line: It was a good interview. I'm still disappointed in the portrayal of Claire's decision at the stones (or the lack thereof) and I think I will make a point of skipping the first and last 5 minutes of any pod-cast by these two because they get really self-indulgent, allowing their Boston accents to broaden and talking at length about themselves, but now that I know that they can conduct a good interview when they score a good guest, I might listen to them again.

Edited May 27, 2015 by WatchrTina

[AD55]

I think this photo from Corinne Stark's tumblr page is new:

 

http://corinnestark.tumblr.com/post/119828589910/willownezt-claire-and-murtagh#notes

 

It's spoilery so click at your own risk.

[mtsmvfn]

 

Bottom line: It was a good interview. I'm still disappointed in the portrayal of Claire's decision at the stones (or the lack thereof) and I think I will make a point of skipping the first and last 5 minutes of any pod-cast by these two because they get really self-indulgent, allowing their Boston accents to broaden and talking at length about themselves, but now that I know that they can conduct a good interview when they score a good guest, I might listen to them again.

 

Have you listened to their interview with "The Wedding" director Anna Foerster? It's very good and she has the best bts story of what Cait told Sam before one of their scenes  that Sam made the best reaction face ever.

[WatchrTina]

I have not mtsmvfn.  Thanks for the tip.  Anything that gives me a reason to re-watch The Wedding is a good thing in my book.

[WatchrTina]

A new review from The Globe and Mail full of praise for Sam, Cait and the show.  This one includes some minor spoilers for the finale so don't look if you want to go in completely unspoiled.

 

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/television/john-doyle-outlander-and-the-triumph-of-a-true-female-superhero/article24646989/?utm

[mledawn]

John Doyle (the author) tends to be a cynical review, so that was a nice bit of praise from him.

[peacefrog]

Beware of spoilers on social media guys! Israel released the episode yesterday and there are detailed summaries out. If you are like me and don't want to hear before hand how it all goes stay away from Twitter and tumblr. Reactions and gifs could spoil you big time!

[Nidratime]

How in the heck would Israel get it before everyone else? Have they been regularly getting the episodes days earlier?

[Dust Bunny]

Thanks for the head's up, peacefrog! Guess I'll spend more time outside the next couple days.

[Keeta]

A couple of articles about the finale and series as a whole. They don't get into specifics of the last episode; the most spoiler-ish thing is one of Jamie's lines from the finale quoted in the first article. If you've read the books, not much to worry about here.

 

Outlander finale: responsible violence in drama

http://bigstory.ap.org/article/b2db596bdeaa4653891d0c7c1132459e/outlander-finale-responsible-violence-drama

 

'Outlander' Season 1 finale proves it's the most fearless show on TV

http://www.zap2it.com/blogs/outlander_season_1_finale_fearless_show_tv-2015-05

[jah1986]

Okay I need HELP, someone in my home decided to start saving money on our cable bill by getting rid of Starz today!  Does anyone know of anyplace on line where I can catch the season finale and possibly regain my sanity? Thanks in advance.

[Hybiscus]

Okay I need HELP, someone in my home decided to start saving money on our cable bill by getting rid of Starz today!  Does anyone know of anyplace on line where I can catch the season finale and possibly regain my sanity? Thanks in advance.

Oh no! That's awful!

If you call the cable company, they can likely hook you up immediately. Most cable companies have 24/7 support. If that doesn't work, go to Starz website. There might be something there that can get you hooked up.

[Archery]

Don't they make the episodes available at Starz.com?

[Keeta]

Another great Vanity Fair piece: Richard Lawson interviewing Ron Moore (they talk about the thought behind the finale, and the rest of the season leading up to it).

http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2015/05/outlander-ronald-d-moore-interview

[MsProudSooner]

Here is a good article Shaunna Murphey at MTV about the significance of how Outlander handled the rape scenes in the season finale.

 

http://www.mtv.com/news/2172693/outlander-season-finale-jamie-rape/

[WatchrTina]

Here's an interesting interview with Ron about the finale:

 

http://www.tvinsider.com/article/1962/outlander-finale-interview-with-ronald-moore/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=TVGM

 

And here's another one with the Wall Street Journal online:

 

http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2015/05/30/outlander-postmortem-showrunner-ronald-d-moore-on-tackling-that-dark-season-finale/

 

And here's one by Kristin Dos Santos of E!, who we know is a big booster of the show.

 

http://www.eonline.com/news/661604/outlander-finale-ron-moore-explains-why-nothing-will-ever-be-the-same-read-when-you-re-done-crying

Edited May 31, 2015 by WatchrTina

[Nidratime]

Interview by EW with both Ron Moore and the last two episodes' director, Anna Foerster. Some talk of the second season and about whether Tobias is in it.

 

Outlander EP Ronald Moore, director Anna Foerster explain season finale rape scene

http://www.ew.com/article/2015/05/30/outlander-season-finale-rape-scene

 

ETA: A link to a short "article" pointing out that the Outlander finale got people talking via twitter, with examples.

 

'Outlander' season finale's graphic violence gets Twitter talking

http://entertainthis.usatoday.com/2015/05/31/outlander-season-finales-graphic-violence-gets-twitter-talking/

Edited May 31, 2015 by Nidratime

[Archery]

I have to say, I don't usually seek out the behind the scenes articles on shows-- except for watching every extra feature if I buy the DVD of a series. But I really love these interviews with RDM (the guy must be sick of them by now), because he's really open and thoughtful when he's explaining why he cut or changed or rearranged stuff from the book. I also enjoy the insights into how the actors approached these episodes, not from the actors themselves because they aren't always very good at explaining the process to non-actors, but from RDM and the director. I feel like I GET some of the craft of the show now.

ETA: I hope they don't let the fans influence their vision for season 2. Too many shows go off the rails because show runners start catering to a part of the fandom and lose the thread (coughBattlestarGalactica). Just trust the source material and tell the best story you can, RDM.

Edited June 1, 2015 by Archery

[WatchrTina]

Connie Verzak's photo recap of the season finale in ScotlandNow is up!

 

http://www.scotlandnow.dailyrecord.co.uk/lifestyle/outlander-recap-episode-16-ransom-5800593

 

Amazingly, she brings the funny even to this episode.  But her serious observations are also spot-on including this one:

 

 

“Too much, and not enough,” Jamie says to Claire when describing what Randall did to him, and it’s an apt summary of the episode as a whole.

[tcay]

Diana Gabaldon on season one and a little bit about season two (does contain spoilers for book two)

http://www.vulture.com/2015/06/outlander-author-diana-gabaldon-on-book-changes.html

[justmehere]

Tom & Lorenzo - thoughtful take once again:

 

http://tomandlorenzo.com/2015/06/outlander-to-ransom-a-mans-soul/

[AheadofStraight]

Pictures taken while they are filming season 2:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3107958/Mwah-Caitriona-Balfe-shares-intimate-moment-star-Sam-Heughan-film-scenes-Outlander-just-days-controversial-male-rape-storyline-aired.html

[WatchrTina]

Paste magazine give their ranking of the season 1 episodes.  Personally I disagree about "Rent" -- I think it definitely belongs in the top 8.

 

http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2015/06/dinna-fash-heres-your-definitive-ranking-of-outlan.html

[Nidratime]

Well, I definitely want a snowglobe, if not a flask!

 

Knockout Licensing Announces Five New ‘Outlander’ Licensees

http://www.outlandertvnews.com/2015/06/knockout-licensing-announces-five-new-outlander-licensees/

[Petunia846]

Pictures taken while they are filming season 2:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-3107958/Mwah-Caitriona-Balfe-shares-intimate-moment-star-Sam-Heughan-film-scenes-Outlander-just-days-controversial-male-rape-storyline-aired.html

I love Jamie's hair long like that! Though I love his hair short too...

[Keeta]

I love Jamie's hair long like that! Though I love his hair short too...

 

Agreed! Anything but the in-between Hobbit hair. :)  (Not that it's awful, just... not his best look)

[magdalene]

http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-100-saturday-cable-originals-5-30-2015.html

 

Ratings for the season finale