Perhaps this episode should have been given the name "Sassenach" because it really is a story about Claire's difficulties as a 20th Century English Outlander finding herself in 1740s Highlands. This episode hits all the right notes as you really get the sense that Claire is the outsider, besides the obvious fact that Dougal is having her watched. A strength of the show so far has been the way it allows characters to have understated reactions that are meaningful. I thought one of the strongest examples of this was during Claire's interrogation by Colum at dinner, the way Colum and Dougal just looked at each other during Claire's story, sharing a skepticism of Claire's alleged identity. Of course the episode does this in other ways, Claire's misstep in saying that Hamish is Dougal's son, the use of Gaelic during the meeting, and Claire's efforts to acclimatize herself to the time period all serve as a way to make Claire relatable to the audience. We've all been in positions where we are the outsider, different from those around us, with more or less knowledge than others that sets us apart, and the performances of Graham McTavish, Gary Lewis, and Caitriona Balfe really sell that reality.
Of course, I couldn't write a review of the episode without mentioning the burgeoning relationship between Jamie and Claire. It's amazing that even in just the second episode, its clear to see the amazing chemistry that Sam and Cait have on screen and their range and ability to make Claire and Jaime three dimensional characters. Up to now, you have seen Jaime as a brash, hotheaded Scottish warrior, a prototypical strong man so to speak. Claire up to this point has herself been a feisty, powerful woman, unflinching and unafraid to challenge men with power over her future (see Colum and Dougal). That's why the scenes between Jaime and Claire in this episode are so powerful. Both are outsiders, Claire in a literal sense, but Jaime as well being a wanted man hiding out at Castle Leoch, and yet are able to share in a shared vulnerability that they have not shown to anyone else.
Jaime tells the story of his abuse at the hands of the Redcoats, showing his back to her. Claire shows her vulnerability, breaking down in Jamie's arms over the sadness of losing her husband. It's a beautiful moment, indicative of the moments that make this show such a joy to watch. It's not incredibly romantic, and while there is a spark between them, you don't get the sense that Jamie is so tender with Claire in her moment of vulnerability just because he wants to lay with her. You really get the sense that it is within his character and that he does want to keep Claire safe.
What I find so unique is that in a show that will eventually center around Jamie and Claire's relationship, the showrunners are able to present a compelling and emotional start to the relationship in an episode where the main characters spend the majority of the episode apart. Sometimes less is more, and Outlander is at its best when it follows this pattern.
Of course, I couldn't write a review of the episode without mentioning the burgeoning relationship between Jamie and Claire. It's amazing that even in just the second episode, its clear to see the amazing chemistry that Sam and Cait have on screen and their range and ability to make Claire and Jaime three dimensional characters. Up to now, you have seen Jaime as a brash, hotheaded Scottish warrior, a prototypical strong man so to speak. Claire up to this point has herself been a feisty, powerful woman, unflinching and unafraid to challenge men with power over her future (see Colum and Dougal). That's why the scenes between Jaime and Claire in this episode are so powerful. Both are outsiders, Claire in a literal sense, but Jaime as well being a wanted man hiding out at Castle Leoch, and yet are able to share in a shared vulnerability that they have not shown to anyone else.
Jaime tells the story of his abuse at the hands of the Redcoats, showing his back to her. Claire shows her vulnerability, breaking down in Jamie's arms over the sadness of losing her husband. It's a beautiful moment, indicative of the moments that make this show such a joy to watch. It's not incredibly romantic, and while there is a spark between them, you don't get the sense that Jamie is so tender with Claire in her moment of vulnerability just because he wants to lay with her. You really get the sense that it is within his character and that he does want to keep Claire safe.
What I find so unique is that in a show that will eventually center around Jamie and Claire's relationship, the showrunners are able to present a compelling and emotional start to the relationship in an episode where the main characters spend the majority of the episode apart. Sometimes less is more, and Outlander is at its best when it follows this pattern.
