Season One Episode 1: Sassenach

As it has come to my attention I spend a good deal of my time either listening to the Outlander books, watching the show, or quoting it off and on to my wife, I might as well just begin a blog about our obsession. And indeed it is quite the obsession. Last Spring a coworker introduced us to this new series of novels as we were seeking new reading material. At first only my wife was reading it but about halfway through the second book it was quite clear I might want to start reading as well, if for no other reason so I could know what she kept commenting about.

We began watching the series via our Amazon app. From the moment the theme song came on and the majestic scenery of Scotland flashed on the screen, we were transported into the world of Outlander. This blog is every comment and reflection thus far.... enjoy.

Season One, Episode One: Sassenach.

I can already tell this is going to be a great story just by the narration alone. Probably one of the best ways to carry the story along and let us get into the characters head. Though right now I am wondering what good grocery money is going to do you in an attempt to run away. Have you been saving with coupons and storing up? Anyway moving along to the next scene.

Of all the things I would imagine wanting to own, a vase would not be it. Maybe a outdoor pool, or a nice golf set, but not this. But it is not just a vase, but what it represents after all. A vase to our character imply s not only permanent home, but also a relationship with another to share that home with.

Next we are thrust into the end of the War and along with discovering our lead characters name is Claire, we also learn she is one highly qualified nurse it seems. And what a way to celebrate victory. 

Claire wonders about what would have happened if she had bought the vase. We wonder these kinds of things, especially post war time. By the way, the buildings and architecture are amazing in this show. 

"Sing me a song of a lass that is gone say, could that lass be I merry of soul she sailed on a day over the sea to Sky billow and breeze, islands and seas, mountains of rain and sun all that was good, all that was fair all that was me is gone sing me a song of a lass that is gone," I love this theme song, the opening credits, everything about it just moves me as soon as I hear it. We even have it on my brides ringtone. 

Claire and Frank listening to the radio and taking a lovely road trip through Scotland on a second honeymoon. Sounds absolutely breathtaking and looks it too. Really makes me want to go there someday just from the scenery alone, and the history! 

Soon as the couple arrives to town they see blood marking the doorways. I instantly thought of Pharaoh and Moses right before Claire mentions them. One thing I love about the books and the show is references to the life and times and even spirituality of people and places. There is so much to learn and know about, truly it would take a lifetime and then not even scratch the surface. 

Oh Frank there is plenty of magic and superstition going on everywhere. But indeed there is quite a bit in the highlands. You think that is something, you should watch our American Superbowl. 

Note the Bed and Breakfast was established in 1865. I love historical places that have been around forever. We just don't appreciate them like we used to. 

                           Old Pagan customs, yada yada... I am just appreciating this bug display on the wall. 

So it is time for Halloween and the ghosts will be wandering around in the streets... wonder if that will be important....

Okay Frank you take your lovely lady to the room and the first thing you go for is a notebook in your briefcase.... sigh... she is dropping hints left and right buddy. I do enjoy how playful these two are together though, as much as they have spent so much time apart during the war, you can tell they had a young love between them. 

Claire tells him she used to try to think of his laugh while she was in her war tent. Frank used to sketch the lines of her hands from memory. Sounds like he has the better memory (which is not always a good thing). Interesting how he has the craft and skill for drawing or at least we assume by this line that he does.... Also so there are little doodles all over England of Claire's hands.... lovely.  (BTW Mrs Baird apparently knows the difference between various ways that lamp is shaking). 

And again on the road looking at the sights. Important tidbits for Claire to remember later. She very much half listens but that is okay. .....
I know the Author will probably never do it, but I would love a children mystery story based on young Claire and her archaeologist Uncle. Sounds intriguing. 

                                                                          

                                                                          Castle Leoch 

Frank loves genealogies especially his own. Claire loves botany which leads us to learn a lot more about plants than we ever thought possible.

I knew while watching Frank and Claire walk through the Castle I was going to love this show. Simply because I find history and time so incredibly fascinating. To see an ancient castle or building and imagine the people living there in the past and what kinds of events may have transpired. Even in my own town having lived here for more than a decade I will drive past things and remember dozens of things. 

..................Oh dear Claire forgot her what now? Okay did not see that coming. So its a good thing they are the only two tourists in the whole country right now. Whew.... moving on. 

Here we have the first mention of Black Jack Randal, Franks ancestor. The good Reverend is introduced here as well and I wish we had more time with him because he is such a great character. All really important info for the story line ahead of us. 

Sassenachs... yeah that is what they call English people and it is meant is just about the most spiteful way too. Somehow thanks to Outlander we have turned it into a term of endearment for wives everywhere. At least I have here with my own. 

The whole tea leaves and palm lines scene is interesting. But more importantly I pick up from this at least is that the lines of our hands change as we change. Claire's lines are forked and indeed she will be in for quite an adventure. Not sure which husband is in question.... time will tell. Frank and the Rev just walk right in continuing their conversation not bothering to worry about interrupting the ladies. But we do hear about the Duke which will be important later. 

                                                           Ah the Ghost........ Guess that was important. 

I love that Claire has set up candles and is all ready to be romantic.... what is Frank doing... obsessing as usual. Oh the man just cannot leave the whole ghost thing in the street. Oh well. That leads to some more talking and more um... downstairs lamp shaking. And Frank wakes up the morning wanting to go see the witches or Druids. 

Craigh na dun! Circle of standing stones! The reason fans everywhere are setting up circles of stones from the backyard to the beach to the campsites and behind the local Taco Bell..... okay not Bell. Cheddars... is that better?!

I am a very big fan of this folk music! Soundtrack rocks!

Now we just need to give Frank a good excuse to leave somewhere so Claire and go back alone to the stones to look for a flower she saw..... Sounds good. I will keep in mind to never let my wife wander alone in Scotland with any precious gems (explained later as a way they protect the time travels). I would love to know what was in that box of Black Jacks though.

Somewhere hidden in the background is ghost Jamie with a leaf blower.....  

Now that would be funny. Here we go.... and she touched the stones! .................................................... and now where are we?!

Hm, car is gone.... so is the road! Okay we are not in Kansas anymore Todo. Or at least not in the same time....

So much acting is done without words in this show, simply through facial expression. Total bewilderment and of course the narration helps. I love the narration. 

By the way if you seem to be lost, wandering into the dense tree line is probably not the best plan Claire....

Whoa gunshot... so glad my closed captioning was there to let me know a second before I heard it. The British are coming... the British are coming..... oh wait that is later... actually its pretty much every episode. 

Enter Jonathan Randall. Looks a whole lot like his Ancestor Frank. Does not seem to be acting like him much though... dang he is not a nice guy at all. Definitely proves to be just as awful. Claire keeps her maiden name so we do not have anyone confusing her as his actual relative.... good plan.

And in comes the brave Scottish rescue squad. Well at least Murtagh Fitzgibbons which proves to be one of my favorite characters in the show. We all need one of those kinds of guys in our lives. Loyal to a fault and always standing by his brothers. Claire is taken to safety and we are suddenly surrounded by people speaking a language which even the closed captioning doesn't apparently understand... but Claire doesn't either so that must be the point. Here we meet a whole clan of highlanders including..........................

                     Our hero! Jamie..... love how we see him looking at her first and then she looks over at him.  

Claire goes about in her narrative to tell us what the wise course of action should be, and in turn does the opposite. Pretty much how I see a lot of people make decisions, myself included more often than I will admit. Moving right along the nurse inside Claire instantly comes to Jamie's aid fusing the two together in that single glance. So much conversation between with wordless glances. 

I love the expressions of the others but Angus is hilarious as he squirms worse than Jamie at the thought of what Claire is about to do. And she does it with such ease!

The clan makes it outside and gets on the horses and Jamie proves to be quite the gentlemen  keeping Claire warm with his plaid. Cuddling time on the horse in the freezing rain but at least Jamie makes good humorous remarks to keep things light.

Passing such beautiful scenery on horseback with the clan. And the music again is so peaceful. 

I love when Claire sees the rock. I was literally thinking it before she said it, hey those looks familiar we should probably be looking for British patrols. Oh shoot! Even without being able to understand gaelic you can tell by the way Jamie is talking he trusts Claire's word and warns Dougal. Good thing too....

Dude Jamie just threw her off the horse with one arm.... how the..... 

Oh well......... on with the fight. Somewhere along the way Claire lost her watch... and her sense of direction. But Jamie found her so its all good.

Okay so it worked for Jamie..... "You don't look that heavy." Still not sure. I admit though he did look a tad bit disappointed her not wanting to pick her up and throwing her over his shoulder.... I have heard plenty of others were volunteering to let him.

They return to join the others and of course all very happy they were given the tip by Claire. Aren't we all. 

And its night again..... and Jamie is..... falling off the horse. Seems to be something we do a lot around here. 

Claire proves once again she is a talented nurse even though none of these clansmen have a clue who she is or where she came from. No clue what germs are, but they do know their alcohol! 

Just the look in Jamie's eyes when Claire is helping him up, is priceless. So much falling in love. Reminds me of how I feel every time I see my own Sassenach. 

We know Randall is going to be sending out patrols, thus the urgency in moving on. Claire and Jamie have a fun exchange of conversation here. 

"Thank you Sassenach, truly." Jamie is making every lady heart flutter I'm sure. Delivers those lines so well. This is the first time he calls her that and with such affection as a term of endearment rather than scorn. 

Roll Credits! Great show. Makes me want to visit Scotland! And when we do, to keep a very close eye on my wife and buy a kilt. Till next time...... 

Oíche mhaith (goodnight in gaelic).

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