“Outlander” is a
series based upon the international bestselling book series by Diana Gabaldon,
and is likely to be most appreciated by those familiar with the original text.
It is not a difficult story to follow, but much of the praise the Starz Channel
series has received has been about the faithfulness of the adaptation. Those
unfamiliar with the romantic fantasy text are less likely to be impressed with
the contrived narrative, though there is no denying the surefooted capabilities
of the cast and crew in bringing this historically-based fantasy to life. There
are eight novels in the series, with a ninth on the way. I don’t imagine that
we will see an end to the television adaptations anytime soon either, with this
narrative being dragged out and released in two sections, as studios have made
habit out of feature-film adaptations.
Volume one of
the first season follows the inexplicable time-traveling romantic adventure of
British combat nurse Claire Randall (Caitriona Balfe). Shortly after the end of
World War II, Claire reunites with her husband (Tobias Menzies) on a second
honeymoon in Scotland Scotland ,
amidst rival Highland clans and a war against
the intrusive English army. Claire must use her knowledge of history and the
advances in medicine in order to compensate for her smaller stature amongst a
testosterone-fueled society of Highlanders. Though the MacKenzie clan takes her
in, many including their leader, Dougal MacKenzie (Graham McTavish), are
suspicious of her motives because she is English.
Suspected of
being a spy, Claire becomes more of a prisoner than a guest to the MacKenzie
clan, though she quickly warms up to an outlaw nephew of the leader, Jamie
Fraser (Sam Heughan). I must at least give credit to the series for taking its
time before the narrative falls into a fairly predictable love triangle. Why is
it that every popular book franchise to be devoured by women in the last decade
has revolved around the fantasy of several men desiring the affections of the
same woman? From Twilight to Fifty Shades, it seems that the
attention of one man is no longer fantasy enough. Despite Claire’s initial
resistance, we know from the first moment we see Jamie’s feminine facial
features combined with a well-built physique and long locks of curly hair that
the narrative will eventually slip into the kind of housewife dribble you’d
expect from a novel with Fabio on the cover. What is surprising is how little
the series indulges in this portion of the storyline, instead strengthening it
with real historical facts and events.
The first volume
of the first season only contains the first eight of sixteen episodes, and
takes its time with the material. This is likely why so many fans of the novels
have praised the show, but it is also likely to drag for any viewer not already
sold on the concept. It moves with such a lack of urgency that it is only the
engaging performances that keep the show afloat. The eight initial episodes are
included on two discs, along with the special features. Extras include two
featurettes; one about the adaptation of the source material, and the second
about the period wardrobe created for the show.
Entertainment Value:
6.5/10
Quality of
Filmmaking: 8/10
Historical
Significance: 7/10
Special Features: 6/10
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