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After serving as a British Army nurse in World War II, Claire Randall is enjoying a second honeymoon in Scotland with husband Frank, an MI6 officer looking forward to a new career as an Oxford historian.
Suddenly, Claire is transported to 1743 where her freedom and life are threatened. To survive, she marries Jamie Fraser, a strapping Scots warrior with a complicated past and a disarming sense of humor. A passionate relationship ensues, and Claire is caught between two vastly different men in two inharmonious lives.
"Outlander" is adapted from the best-selling books by Diana Gabaldon.
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I had read the books and really enjoyed them so I knew that I really wanted to see this series. It felt like the episode had just began and it was ending, I really enjoyed the story. The narration was good, it helped bridge the scenes and made sure the viewer knew the background information of what she was thinking. I liked how she had flashbacks linking the past and the present.
I enjoy history and one of my favourite accents is definitely the British especially the Scottish, so how could I not enjoy the series? The scenery is breath taking, very well done. I had never heard Gaelic spoken before, it was good that the highlanders used Gaelic to speak to each other and he serious conversations were in Gaelic and someone would be willing to translate for Claire. I had often read about the strange under garments that was fashionable but had never seen an example of one so I spent a lot of time feeling sorry for Claire having to be laced into those torture devices.
The actors were well chosen. They certainly were realistic and believable with the more intimate scenes. There were some parts that made me smile and one or two that made me laugh. There was one episode that made me feel sorry for Claire and the highlanders, for some reason I never liked the English but I never liked them in the book either. The theme song grew on me by the end of the eighth episode I could sing along as it played, the singer had a great voice.
I admit I did cheat a bit and Google to see if there were more episodes made as I would gladly watch and own the entire series. I know from reading the books there is still a lot to happen to Claire and I'm eagerly waiting to see what happens and what choices she makes. Is she going to use her knowledge of history to keep those she comes to love safe and if she does will they believe her?
I had heard that this series was suppose to be better than Game of Thrones. I was dying to see it but was not yet screening in New Zealand. However, like most hyped up things this was a bit of a let down. To be honest after watching the first episode I probabaly would not of minded if I missed the rest of the series. But my husband being the history buff that he is he loved it - the Scottish landscrape, watching the Redcoats and the Highlanders relationships, listening to them speak there native tounge, even the camp fires got him excited. He assured me as the series went on I would get more involved and knew the relationships alone would captivate me.
I think the biggest problem I had is I just didn't like the person playing Claire. I could not gel with her and as she is pretty much in every scene it gets quite hard. I did however, become invested with the programme by the time the eight episodes concluded and now I am dying to see what happens next.
I might be niave or a little silly but I had no idea that the Scottish had there own language and while it was spoken a lot I am glad that Claire also did not understand it. She would 'thankfully' surmise what was being said or somebody would give her the short version. I loved the scene in the bar where it was 'pretty obvious' Claire was the main topic of conversation and her clansmen stood up for her honour. After she berated them for fighting she was quickly informed that she was a guest of the MacKenzies and only they would put her down and make fun of her, I loved how all of the relationships changed after that.
The costumes where fantastic and I had no idea that girls used to wear hoops under there skirts to make it look so much puffier than it really should be. The scenery, the locations everything was so perfect it was very compelling. The characters and acting was great (except for Claire - sorry I just could not fall for her charms.) Another thing that was so well done was Colum MacKenzie's legs he has Toulouse-Lautrec Syndrome, a degnerative disease that renders his legs immobile at times and appear almost Stag like - so very convincing.
For the eight episode series a lot happens but if you are not a fan of sex I would miss episode seven as that is all it is. Some back history was mentioned and how the prepartions for the wedding occured but mainly sex and rather no holds bar but it does have an R16 rating which is now understandable.
I usually can see where a programme/movie is heading and in this I was completely surprised and things happened I would not of guessed. If going by what we have seen so far is anything to go by the next season will be fantastic. However, after dealing with Franks doppelganger Johnathon I can not see her ever wanting to go back to him as how can you love someone who looks like his great great great great grandfather who is pure evil. I have not dispised someone so much in so long - he is pure hatred think on par with Joffrey (GOT).
A great series that could go in any direction where basically anything could happen. The way Claire can recall the past will definitely come in handy for the Highlanders and maybe the past might be changed which would effect the future...... interesting times ahead.
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