A new original series on Starz that I absolutely fell in love with this year was Outlander. This is story of a woman who finds love, war and passion in 18th century Scotland. Not so unusual, you say? What if I told you that she had traveled back in time 200 years to find herself thrust into this new life? That is what happened to main character, Claire Randall, in Diana Gabaldon's historical romance/fantasy novels (though they are really not pinned down to any genre) in the stunning new drama produced by the Starz network.
The Premise
Outlander is a tale of war nurse, Claire Randall, who is suddenly transported back in time 200 years in the Scottish Highlands while on a second honeymoon with her husband, Frank Randall. Unable to find her way back to her own time, she is whisked away by a clan of Highlanders who eventually take her in. Over the course of events, Claire is forced to marry outlawed Scotsman Jaime Fraser and her heart is torn between the future and the past.
My Take
Right off the bat I was excited that the show stayed so close to the first book, Outlander, and I hope it continues to do so. It would be a shame to have another True Blood debacle on our hands. The costumes were gorgeous, the settings were breathtaking, and the casting was superb.
Irish actress Caitriona Balfe plays Claire Randall, the war nurse married to Frank Randall (Tobias Menzies) in 1945. They are on vacation in the Scottish Highlands, getting to know each other once again after being separated during the war for a number of years. Frank is doing genealogical research and Claire is interested in the local flora and their healing properties.
After spying on a local chapter's ancient Druid ritual, Claire falls through a crack in time and ends up in 1743 Scotland, a very violent time in their history. The first person she meets is a Captain Jack Randall (also played very convincingly by Menzies), her husband's forefather. He attacks her and she she is rescued by men of the clan MacKenzie. The clansmen take her in, fearing she is an English spy and take her back to their stronghold, Castle Leoch.
But even the English are wary of this stranger among the Scottish. In order to avoid arrest, Claire must marry a Scotsman. Enter the young handsome outlaw, Jaime Fraser played by Sam Heughan. Jaime's conniving Uncle Dougal (Graham McTavish) arranges the marriage. The two are forced into the agreement, but neither expected to fall in love. Claire is now torn between two times, the one she came from and the one with the man she is falling in love with.
Claire makes one more attempt at escape, to get back to her own time, and is captured by Captain Jack Randall's men once again. She is being questioned and threatened with imprisonment and Jaime is the only one who can save her. That is where we leave off at the mid-series finale. Dangit!
The Verdict
There are so many other elements to the story that could be discussed. So many side characters have their own motives and reasons to see Claire and Jamie harmed or even dead. Lotte Verbeek plays the mysterious Geillis Duncan, with her underlying motives and secrets and dark looks. Gary Lewis as Colum MacKenzie is wonderful as the powerful mind behind the clan. Not to mention the special effects that went in to making his legs look as crippled as they did. And of course Stephen Walters and Duncan Lacroix as the men behind the men, adding their support, strength and much needed comic relief to a sometimes heavy drama.
I enjoyed Outlander very much. I recommend this show for those show enjoy history, romance, fantasy and Scottish men (and liked the first book of the series). I think a lot still remains to be seen, though, considering this series is based on existing text and many more stories yet to come. However I am very optimistic because they are off to such a good start. I can't wait until the show picks up again in April. I give Outlander at least 175/200 years. Good Show!
And if you guys are interested in giving this writer a little sneak peak, I promise my lips are sealed!
