The latest episode of Outlander aired Saturday night, entitled
‘The Garrison Commander’, and boy was it chock-full of fun (she writes
sarcastically) – and oh so enlightening. This was the first episode I had the
pleasure of viewing going into it with knowledge of what was to come, having
just surpassed the storytelling of the TV series two days prior reading the
book. Nonetheless, it was still quite enjoyable, and not just because it shook
things up a bit by differing from the book in where certain events were placed
timeline wise. Having continued further in the book, though, let me just tell you;
I’m looking forward to the next episode even more.
Anyways, getting back to this episode, I found myself enjoying
the momentum of this TV series, in respects to the book. The way they’ve laid
out certain conversations (i.e. how she’s informed of Jamie’s second whipping)
and gotten to certain moments (Claire not being taken to Inverness, but
actually needing to be handed over to the dubious Black Jack Randall for “questioning”)
works much more efficiently with regards to the medium of TV than how it was
plotted out in the first novel. The showrunners and writers seem quite capable
with the material they were given from the books, and properly translating that
onto the screen.
So, basically this week we learned
just how terrible a person Jack Randall is, by way of his flashing back on the
flogging of Jamie some years prior, as well as his brief beating of Claire to
elicit the truth out of her. This is the pivotal moment when Claire truly
realizes just how great a departure this Randall is of her dear – unborn –
husband and is able to see him as more of the villain of the piece – at least
in my belief. We also discovered, in order to not be handed over to Randall and
the English Red Coats, Claire must wed a Scot – none other than the beautiful
(despite/in spite of his back) Jamie *insert correct last name here*. This led
to what is probably my favourite part of this episode; the conversation between
Claire and Jamie at the end.
In regards to other aspects of the
episode, I would just like to raise my hand now and say that I, for one, enjoy
the voice-overs by the ever-lovely Caitriona Balfe (Claire). I really don’t
understand why everyone is all up in a tizzy about the voice-overs; I honestly
believe they help us delve into the mind of Ms. Claire Beauchamp. Also, I would
like to commend all those involved in the flogging scene, other than some
slightly unrealistic skin flap, it was quite well done. Speaking for myself, I
liked the real look of the streaming blood, and the way they filmed the scene
with Sam Heughan (Jamie) slipping all over the place. This was quite a pivotal
moment for this season, and not only to demonstrate Randall’s monstrous
qualities, but to establish Jamie’s character as well. To go through all that
pain, and not to cry out or be broken by it – quite remarkable.
All in all, this was a very well put together
episode. This certainly marked the point where the momentum of the series
begins moving much more fluidly, and shed a great deal of light on our leading
characters. I absolutely adored getting to see more of the Scottish
countryside, and particularly liked that stream marked as something liars may
not drink from and expect to be able to lie without consequence. The pieces of
this series certainly appear to be coming together quite well as this point,
and I look forward to the last two episodes before the split season break.
My rating: 7.5 out of 10.
Best Lines:
“The truth carries a weight that no lie can counterfeit.” –
Randall explains to Claire.
“I believe that a part of you lives still.” – Claire
remarks. “It would be pretty to think so.” – Randall replies.
“Doesn’t it bother you that… that I’m not a virgin.” –
Claire inquires. “Well, uh, no. So long as it doesna bother you that… I am. … I
reckon one of us should ken what they’re doing.” – Jamie responds.
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