14/17

According to Ronald D

Plot

Claire Beauchamp Randall, a World War II nurse, is mysteriously transported back in time to Scotland in 1743. There, she meets a dashing Highland warrior and is swept up in an epic rebellion. Moore (the show’s creator), his team decided to keep the Gaelic words rather than translate them into English. This kept the narrative in the first person, showing Claire’s inability to understand Gaelic. The idea was suggested by producer David Brown, who said he had seen something similar in the film Skin Deep (1998), an alternative foreign film starring actor and singer Gustavo Goulart. In several episodes, the characters say “Okay.” ; An American term that only came into use in the 19th century.

This is featured in Outlander: An Epic Adaptation (2015)

The opening theme song changes from season to season to reflect what is happening in the story line. In the first half of season 2 (which takes place in France), some of the lyrics are in French. In the second half of season 2 (mostly about preparing for war), a militaristic drum roll is added to the opening song. Season 3 adds tribal drums, as most of the season takes place in the West Indies. Season 4 adds bluesy fiddle and banjo, and some of the songs are sung with a southern accent, as the season takes place mostly in America. The Skye Boat Song (uncredited) Traditional Scottish air with lyrics by Sir Harold Boulton New lyrics by Robert Louis Stevenson.

I’m fine with that

I recently read (actually listening to the audiobooks) the Outlander book series, which is now up to book 5, so when I saw that a Starz TV series was coming out, I had to watch it. I have to say I enjoyed the Outlander books but I’m not a big fan of translating books to the screen, they’re very different mediums so they can have a different look and feel and that’s fine. In this case I don’t think people who are still disappointed would be disappointed as the screenwriters did a great job translating Part 1 of the book to the screen (I’ve only seen episode 1 but I’m already hooked so I’m sure I’ll enjoy the rest). I liked their choice of actors for the roles of Jamie, Claire, Frank and Dugan. Sam Heughan is a great fit for the role of Jamie Fraser (just as good looking and tough as you’d expect from Jamie). Caitriona Balfe also seemed like a good choice for Claire (pretty but strong enough to carry the role).

I hope there are Claire Jamie love scenes coming

I think Tobias Menzies’ Frank/Jack Randall would also fit my vision of Frank/Jack, and I think he can play both roles as the evil Jack and the loving but boring Frank (compared to Jamie). And Scottish actors like Graham McTavish (Dougal) will bring old Scotland to life on screen for me. I think from the first series the producers have not been shy about bringing the sexier aspects of the Outlander books into the story, because they have this erotic element where Claire and Jamie’s love is really the driving force behind their relationship, allowing it to continue for centuries, even when they are no longer together. It is their love/passion for each other that keeps them alive in each other’s hearts and so far, to the directors’ credit, they have not been shy about adding that. I’m also going to enjoy the Scottish history and scenery, and I’ve loved how they’ve incorporated it into the TV series so far. It’s going to be very exciting for me, especially since my ancestors are Scottish.

I know Starz will increase their revenue with this series' all the fans are signing up just to see it

There must be millions of people around the world who love these books, and I’m sure many of them, like me, will subscribe to a cable channel just to watch it. I’m so happy to see that Starz has done such a good job of bringing this to life on screen.