tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post6832423098141691592..comments2024-03-26T13:17:29.405-04:00Comments on Outlandish Observations: Episode 202: "Not in Scotland Anymore" (SPOILERS)Karen Henryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07635855088490793965noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-69696603133440285152020-07-31T18:43:46.544-04:002020-07-31T18:43:46.544-04:00Just a quick nod to Claire for taking Jamie's ...Just a quick nod to Claire for taking Jamie's advice and getting a bigger fan - which matches Louise's dress! Linda in Nevadahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03215699578789512902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-43301904790819697082016-04-30T19:42:42.819-04:002016-04-30T19:42:42.819-04:00Great recap!! I have to say, I wanted to love the ...Great recap!! I have to say, I wanted to love the red dress, but I ended up thinking it looked silly so short. Also, I was so frustrated by how Claire pretty much dismissed Jamie when they found the duke. And he goes off to do her bidding! To me, this has become so much of the Claire show. I understand that they want to show distance between them, but that doesn't mean Claire needs to be in charge of everything. That's never how I see Jamie in the book. He's a born leader. I'm just not a fan of the pacing so far, And the direction they've taken Jamie and Claire. They're supposed to be a team by this point. Brandy Brucehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18403497384612957540noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-12609043411791947272016-04-26T14:13:27.169-04:002016-04-26T14:13:27.169-04:00Someone on Compuserve mentioned that in his nightm...Someone on Compuserve mentioned that in his nightmare , Jamie has no scars on his back, and I also noticed that his left hand is normal and undamaged. Jamie would see himself unmarked his dreams.Susanlynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-31406294460464642362016-04-25T06:28:16.137-04:002016-04-25T06:28:16.137-04:00It was a little disappointing the Paris part in th...It was a little disappointing the Paris part in the book and watching it makes it even harder to swallow. Beside the opening date a big mistake was the wardrobe. Women didn't use big hats on those days!!! How could they done such mistake? Is so upsetting to realized there is no research done. Wardrobe is such a big part and missing it all by so far, I hope they change designer because this one needs another job. i feel all of it is off!.chizahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12481492327991749591noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-79448661472777209022016-04-24T07:27:50.746-04:002016-04-24T07:27:50.746-04:00Thank you again for your great recap Karen! I can ...Thank you again for your great recap Karen! I can only agree with your comments. On red dress, Kings toilet and The revelation of BJR being alive. <br />It was Diana who said a while ago to put aside the book(s) and just enjoy the show and I think this episode showed why!<br />In my opinion we all have to adjust to the fact that the approach of the story is different from the books and from season 1 because the end of season 1 was so different from the books. Claire and Jamie come to France only days after his rescue from Wentworth and Jamie is still suffering from his ordeal. Outlander got so much credit for the great way of showing the last 2 episodes of season 1, it would not add up if the intimacy between them would be there so shortly after their arrival. Add that to the fact that they immediately start talking about their mission (in the books they even talked about going to Italy before Jared came with a letter!) and I can absolutely understand that their relationship is going this way. In that light it's logical that Claire keeps It a secret from Jamie that BJR is alive. Although I agree with the fact that the bookway would have had more impact and surprise. <br />Overall I liked the episode, but I think we definitely cannot compare book and show.<br />Last remark: I absolutely love Murtaghs extended role and part in the show! Ellennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-38365247350011679722016-04-22T23:13:59.737-04:002016-04-22T23:13:59.737-04:00Whoops! It pays to rewatch the episodes. I meant...Whoops! It pays to rewatch the episodes. I meant Louise, not Mary Hawkins, in the resplendant gown. And I'm not disappointed this time because the camera did catch a close-up of most of the dress.<br /><br />On 2nd viewing, though, I felt the lag, & too many precious minutes were wasted. However, compensation was offered in the feast set before us.Joanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06454645108025030813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-25255764775865194912016-04-20T11:00:21.270-04:002016-04-20T11:00:21.270-04:00I too have great difficulty with the changes from ...I too have great difficulty with the changes from the book. I was so looking forward to the honeypot scene but it has been tarnished now for me by turning it into an excuse for Claire to try to seduce Jamie with BJR getting in between them again. Firstly she DIDN'T wax her honeypot and secondly I hate this new division between them.<br /><br />It seems such a trivial thing to change, and yet so important.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-28872693046144543062016-04-20T08:00:52.858-04:002016-04-20T08:00:52.858-04:00Karen...great recap! I am not of fan of Ira Steve...Karen...great recap! I am not of fan of Ira Steven Behr's writing either. So much in this episode seemed disconnected for me. Thanks for your thoroughness!Mary Kathryn Kramer https://www.blogger.com/profile/10448895558320439481noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-22016567634269713702016-04-19T21:22:31.519-04:002016-04-19T21:22:31.519-04:00Whoops...Claire morphs into BJR..sorryWhoops...Claire morphs into BJR..sorrySusanlynn♥noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-50863766429493575992016-04-19T14:09:00.384-04:002016-04-19T14:09:00.384-04:00Even though Jamie in the book had nightmares, he w...Even though Jamie in the book had nightmares, he was able to make love to Claire in the Abbey after he started to heal physically. I have always felt that their physical connection was almost mystical and spiritual in nature. Throughout the books, sex has been a way for them to connect emotionally , and whenever either of them is injured or ill they seem to try to have sex as soon as they physically can using sex to heal throughout the book series no matter what happens to either of them. The tv show has taken Jamie and Claire down a very different path. Watching Jamie see Claire morph into Claire in nightmares or when he tries to make love to her is upsetting. Their main means of comforting and healing each other has been removed.Susanlynn♥noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-86023583921597860582016-04-18T14:20:45.283-04:002016-04-18T14:20:45.283-04:00I do relate and agree to some comments that this e...I do relate and agree to some comments that this episode had a meh factor; not enough dramatic tension, too long attending the king in his chambers, lack of drama in the telling rather than showing of BJR being dead etc, and that the saving grace were things such as: TD's amazing costumes, the music (IMHO perfectly chosen for the episode). The excellent use of location - when Claire was near the top of the steps in front of Master Raymond's apothecary and the camera was looking down the steps I thought she's in the Montmartre area really the only hilly part of Paris and how wonderfully they managed that with Prague standing in for Paris. Well done. (Master Raymond's shop is in Montmartre isn't it, my recall is a little dim, I'm sure a reader will correct me if I am wrong!) I was also completely willing to be transported to Versaille as portrayed by the production team... the gardens at night and the rooms within made me shiver with visual and situational delight. The opulence and excess were well portrayed: as Claire said the streets would flow with blood 40 years later during the French revolution. Louise de Rohan and the waxing scene was excellent, and Murtagh was a treat.<br />At any rate, I am inclined to think of the episode in part as a set up piece for Paris-times and the dramatic events that as a book reader, you know are to come. There was a certain tedium for Claire and Jamie during their Paris time as they insinuated themselves into Paris society to try and achieve their goals. So hanging about engaged in fairly useless activities, socializing, fitting in, concealing, flattering, riding about in carriages was part of it all. Attending the king in his chambers and dragging that out a bit is perhaps conveying that tedium and the contrived environment of French society in which C & J had to operate to the viewer. In that regard, the episode works too I think.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09312787781592391503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-76321572893362590232016-04-18T13:19:19.295-04:002016-04-18T13:19:19.295-04:00Last but not least on the costumes, Mary Hawkins&#...Last but not least on the costumes, Mary Hawkins' dress is beautiful in the extreme, as noted in full detail earlier in this blog, yet the camera did it no justice. I was straining to see the details when it was in full view at a distance, but blurred. And when close up, only part of the dress showed. A huge blunder and very disappointing!<br /><br />I'm loving Murtagh's developing character which continues to inspire a deepening love, respect, & admiration for the man in ourselves. Joanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06454645108025030813noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-35244438098138770542016-04-18T11:01:15.929-04:002016-04-18T11:01:15.929-04:00Hi Karen , I really liked the last episode , inclu...Hi Karen , I really liked the last episode , including the costuming and locations and background, however there were two scenes I felt were in very pour taste one was the leg shaving scene, I've seen women do that , I've had it done myself and it's not pretty , but did they really have to show Louise getting her honeypot done , to me no, and the scenes with the King on the toilet , I agree far too much time was spent on this , Jamie should have been introduced to him in a more dignified manner, felt it was in very poor taste, but loved the scenes with the Minister of Fiance, was comic relef, will be watching next weekend, please post more soon, Happy Week, Love Your Blog. please post more soon. Sincerely Yours. Mary Tormey. <br />Mary Tormeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-35813819096446643192016-04-18T10:26:55.816-04:002016-04-18T10:26:55.816-04:00I so much agree with your comments, Karen. It alm...I so much agree with your comments, Karen. It almost seems that they are overcompromising (word?) in order to please the tv fans who have not read the books. I really don't like it when they take up so much time with a scene with insignificant made-up tripe and leave out some really GOOD scenes from the book that could allow these actors to stretch even more. STILL... I'm an addict, I'll admit, since 1991? 92? and a true die-hard fan of the tv show as well. However, if I were forced to keep one or the other, I would choose the books (especially the audio) HANDS DOWN. Mary O, Indiana<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-12767535853175878002016-04-18T09:43:07.684-04:002016-04-18T09:43:07.684-04:00It is hard to see Jamie so broken and lost, but I ...It is hard to see Jamie so broken and lost, but I appreciate that his true self started to come through more often in this episode. After the nightmare, watching him leave the bedroom drenched in sweat and wrapped in his plaid with his head hanging and his shoulders hunched was so sad and disturbing. However, we saw him getting his strength back as he sparred with dear Murtaugh and his humor return when he made some funny comments to Claire regarding that red dress. "First your honeypot, and now this!" Now that's the Jamie we all adore delivered by the Sam we equally adore. Anyone recovering from some major tragedy or life event can relate to the struggle to regain oneself and move forward . I am looking forward to see what happens in the third episode. I wonder who wrote it. Do you think that the cheer will be heard around the world when Jamie is finally able to be Claire's lover again?Susanlynn♥noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-81232889046163725512016-04-18T08:25:26.020-04:002016-04-18T08:25:26.020-04:00Hi Karen,
I really liked your comments and hearti...Hi Karen, <br />I really liked your comments and heartily agree with most all your points. I also felt that the red dress was too short and I've given much thought to that - given that Terry has gone to SUCH lengths to "getting it right". If you heard Terry's discussion in the big panel discussion during Tartan Week where she says that "Claire is a stranger in a strange land" and "just looks a little different". I think the dress is just "that little too short" on purpose - in addition to being red...being a bit too short REALLY makes that dress stand out. And yes, it has the dual purpose of showing off those beautiful sexy shoes! I thought it would turn Louis's head more too. I did get a chuckle out of the toilette scene - albiet it was a little lengthy!<br />Murtaugh stole the show in many ways! Love his comments about Rupert and Angus.<br />I think they've done a fine job in making Jamie look miserable (and recovering from being broken) in a number of scenes too. He sure doesn't look like the dashing lad of Season one in many scene. Yet, he starts to "sparkle" a bit - in the sword fighting with Murtagh and at court - gives me hope that we'll see Jamie's charm shine through soon1 <br />I think my biggest complaint was the way that they introduced Alex - and spilled the beans about Black Jack...it would have been much more dramatic had they followed the book storyline in that regard. I'll rewatch - and again - and look SO forward to the next episode. Leslie (Cornish Cousin)threadbenderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17969373607100575836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-14443105475302234672016-04-17T20:34:46.421-04:002016-04-17T20:34:46.421-04:00I've watched episode 202 twice so far. My firs...I've watched episode 202 twice so far. My first thoughts during the first viewing was that the writing of this episode wasn't very good. Many of the conversations seemed forced to me, and perhaps even a little out of character. That said, I loved the interactions between Murtaugh and Jamie during their sword play, and thought it a healthy sign that Jamie wants to regain the full use of his hand. I thought the clothing beautiful and was not troubled by the length of the hems. I personally would not want to drag my hems through the fouled streets and gutters of Paris. I thought the theatrical portion of the brothel scenes could have been skipped, but knew that this brothel will play a role in future episodes, so it was necessary to spend some time there. I thought that Claire could have been given some time to express her displeasure that the meetings were being held in a brothel at all. The waxing scenes were perfect. I thought that perhaps Mary didn't stutter enough. <br />I thought it well done to illustrate how traumatized Jamie is by his experiences with BJR and how Randall manipulated Jamie's passion for Claire creating these ongoing linked flashbacks. Shudder, indeed. <br />I agree about the over long time spent with the King at his toilet. It makes sense to condense the storyline by incorporating Duvernay and the foot fetish courtier. Jamie would not have been so quick to forgive however, and a coaxing conversation between him and Claire on the balcony about why it would be wise to forgive would have fit in well here. <br />Ah, the Duke. You could tell by his expressions that he knew all about the rescue from Wentworth. It was his plan to drop the news about BJR like a bomb. A little surprised he left it to the chance that Alex would mention it. It would have been better for it to be revealed like it was in the book, but in the interest of time...Still, it might have been better for them both to hear the revelation, and then Claire faints, distracting Jamie from the shock for a few moments. <br />Claire would never keep this secret for long, but choosing how and when to tell a traumatized person that his demon still lives is no easy thing. Looking forward to next week. Vickinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-65594948054400345082016-04-17T19:37:38.690-04:002016-04-17T19:37:38.690-04:00Hi Karen < have seen episode 2several times and...Hi Karen < have seen episode 2several times and felt it was very well done , loved the brothel scenes , and felt Charles was not really listening to what Jamie & Mutagh were telling , he seems to live in a world of his own, love Jamie & Claire 's apartment it's very cozy, loved Louise , felt she was very lively and friendly , but did we really have to see here getting her privates waxed no, loved the love scenes , it will take time for them to get back to where they were before Wentworth and BJR, but they will. the costuming for Versieese, was wonderful eand I'm sure it too months to do, had a feeling Claire would run into the Duke of Sandringham sooner or later and learn about BJR and his brother , will be watching to see how they deal with this coming ordeal , will be watching more next Saturday, please post more soon, Happy Weekend. Sincerely Mary Tormey.Mary Tormeynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-78691090324034383062016-04-17T19:27:38.169-04:002016-04-17T19:27:38.169-04:00I'm trying very hard to enjoy the TV series fo...I'm trying very hard to enjoy the TV series for what it is, but still find myself thinking (or saying) (perhaps loudly) "that isn't how it should be!" I thought the red dress was most likely short to show the shoes, and I love the character casting. <br /><br />I agree that the timing in this episode was off kilter and there were too many facts not as they should be. We understand that the story can't be exactly as written by DG, but sometimes they take it too far and appear to be re-writing the story to please themselves. I enjoyed (in the book) Jamie being shocked that Claire would have bodily hair removed. Seems to me, though, that she only did her legs and "oxters." A second fear-of-Captain-Randall scene was a waste of time. We got it the first time.<br /><br />Perhaps it will be clearer if I have the opportunity to listen to Ronald Moore's podcast while I watch the episode. Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14289774373527880877noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-36565615189620344552016-04-17T19:18:49.804-04:002016-04-17T19:18:49.804-04:00Knowing what happens at the end of DIA and what fo...Knowing what happens at the end of DIA and what follows in Voyager, I hope that we get more than one brief episode of Jamie and Claire in a close, loving relationship again before their separation. Susanlynn♥noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-81846186946937235072016-04-17T16:50:58.830-04:002016-04-17T16:50:58.830-04:00Thanks so much, Karen, for your detailed review.
...Thanks so much, Karen, for your detailed review.<br /><br />I watched this episode on my computer a bit earlier than the 9pm showing , and I must admit that there was a lot of material presented slightly differently than I expected , and I felt a little disappointed in some parts. However, I have watched the episode a few times now on the big screen TV, and every time I watch it, I like it more . I could have done without the King straining on the throne and the brothel performance...wasted time that could have been used in a better way. I think that the characters are wellcast. Louise is a pip . I loved seeing Murtagh and Jamie together. When the episode opened, I was surprised that Jamie was able to overcome his trauma and make love to Claire..until Claire turned into BJR in his nightmare. Yikes. Poor Jamie looked so undone, and Claire looked helpless and worried. I am disappointed that Jamie's recovery did not take place as it did at the end of book #1 so that Jamie and Claire could completely reunite. However, I actually thought the phoneypot scene was verra erotic , and I thought that Jamie was going to finally be able to make love to Claire.It was poignant the way Claire tried to gently and carefully seduce him and sad when he again flashed back to BJR and could not proceed. Claire was so warm and loving and that will be what allows them to resume their strong connection . A deep , shared love makes both people strong and brave for each other .Susanlynn♥noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-30214807882949809132016-04-17T14:49:59.068-04:002016-04-17T14:49:59.068-04:00Excellent review, Karen. Fashions came and went q...Excellent review, Karen. Fashions came and went quickly in Paris. (Even back in 1680 as I discovered when researching a novel, the French adopted a shorter walking skirt from the English). I'm sure the costume department did in depth research, and went, "Hah! Just what we want for Claire." Interesting that most of us are focusing on that red dress. <br />leaves on the Raney Treehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12711219595014372212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-51477266845553765752016-04-17T14:01:55.104-04:002016-04-17T14:01:55.104-04:00So this season we get to see an overlong constipat...So this season we get to see an overlong constipated king scene; an overlong brothel scene and they couldn't find the time to show Claire's "J" mark in episode 201?!?. I think that's more integral to the relationship of J+C and choosing to leaving it out was such a disservice to fans.<br />Lesharonnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-50652680098312707292016-04-17T13:57:45.891-04:002016-04-17T13:57:45.891-04:00Of all the episodes thus far, Episode 2, Season 2 ...Of all the episodes thus far, Episode 2, Season 2 is my least favorite given I've read DIA multiple times. I'm not certain my opinion would be different had I not read DIA at all prior to viewing. <br />I thoroughly admire your precision and focus on the details of this episode (and your blog writing in general - big fan here!) and agree Duverney's role felt overly-contrived and the scene in the King's chambers unnecessarily prolonged. Claire Sermonne as Louise was delightfully perfect! "Dominique Pinon is terrific as Master Raymond" yet I felt his script too brief and weak. <br /><br />For me, the saving grace to this episode was displayed by Jon Gary Steele's production designs and of course, Terry Dresbach's incredible wardrobe "costume porn". Eye candy galore! <br /><br />Unfortunately, the distracting length of Claire's infamous 'red gown' (was length sacrificed to expose the exquisite shoes Dresbach provided?) appeared stiff and boxy (at a distance) and - dare I suggest 'plain?' in comparison to the frilly ensembles adorning the female cast in that scene. Fortunately, female perfection impersonated, Caitriona Balfe gave that dress as much dignity as it could bear. <br />That stunning "nipple dress" did not quite reflect "in vogue" with the other gowns in Versailles gathering either, however, it provided quite the distraction for the episode - as in the book. <br />I do pray Dresbach & Steele receive professional recognitions they so dearly deserve for their and their department's efforts. Breathtaking! Amazing!<br />Randall...ugh. What a let down "to learn about it through telling, not showing, so it has far less dramatic and emotional impact than it did in the book. I was very disappointed in that." Ditto!<br /> When they cast Laurence Dobiesz as Alex, I thought the make-up artists and costuming would/could create some physical resemblance to his character's brother, BJ Randall. If they attempted such, it wasn't apparent in this episode. <br />Perfectly cast to play their characters, each actor performed to the max with the given script which left me feeling, rather, 'meh' (there must certainly be some Scottish interpretation of that sentiment) for this episode. <br />Still, I'm looking forward to the next episode...as well looking forward to the release & reading the ninth mega-book. Cheers!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7379581147262228210.post-83618744665854957862016-04-17T13:49:24.143-04:002016-04-17T13:49:24.143-04:00Artwork from the mid 18th century documents the fa...Artwork from the mid 18th century documents the fashion of shorter skirts that reveal the shoes, which are often works of art themselves. At the time, Paris was the couture capital of the western world and Versailles was the epicenter. Compared to the actual women's dress of the period, the fashions shown in Episode 202 are likely very tame, but Terry's interpretations were stunning. However, I recently reread Dragonfly in Amber and found myself saying, "What the hell?" several times during last night's program. Then I again realized that this monster book had to be adapted to fit within 13 short episodes. Thank you, Karen, for your reviews! I look forward to them.Kathleen V.https://www.blogger.com/profile/06722432755373143461noreply@blogger.com